Letter P

Papule

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A small solid rounded bump rising from the skin that is usually less than 1 centimeter in diameter (less than 3/8 inch across).

Papules may open when scratched and become crusty and infected.

The term 'papule' is derived from Latin from 'papula,' a pimple.

Dermatologists (and other physicians) call any small solid circumscribed bump in the skin a papule, as opposed to a vesicle which contains fluid or a macule which is flat and even with the surrounding skin.

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