Abstract

A papule (/ˈpæpjuːl/) is a circumscribed, solid elevation of skin with no visible fluid, varying in size from a pinhead to 1 cm. It can be brown, purple, pink or red in color, and can cluster into a papular rash. Papules may open when scratched and become infected and crusty. Larger non-blisterform elevated lesions may be termed nodules.

Papules may have different shapes and are sometimes associated with other features such as crusts or scales.

Causal diseases

There are many skin diseases which develop papules, such as Lichen planus, a skin disease which classically forms polygonal, purple papules.