Dermatomale

Dermatomale is a term used in dermatology to describe a specific pattern of skin lesions or changes that are characteristic of certain medical conditions. The term is derived from the Greek words "derma," meaning skin, and "male," meaning pattern or form. Dermatomales are often used to help diagnose and differentiate between various skin disorders, as they can provide valuable clues about the underlying pathology.

One of the most well-known dermatomales is the "Christmas tree" pattern, which is characterized by a central red or purple lesion surrounded by a halo of white or gray scales. This pattern is often seen in conditions such as pityriasis rosea and discoid lupus erythematosus. Another example is the "targetoid" pattern, which consists of a central red or purple lesion surrounded by a ring of scaling or erythema. This pattern is seen in conditions such as pityriasis rosea and tinea corporis.

Dermatomales can also be used to help determine the extent of a skin condition, as they can indicate the presence of underlying inflammation or infection. For example, the "cobblestone" pattern, which is characterized by a mosaic-like pattern of red or purple lesions, is often seen in conditions such as psoriasis and lichen planus.

In summary, dermatomales are specific patterns of skin lesions or changes that are characteristic of certain medical conditions. They can provide valuable clues about the underlying pathology and can be used to help diagnose and differentiate between various skin disorders.