Table 2: Secondary lesions.
| Secondary lesions | Definition | Examples |
| Scales (Exfoliation) | Thick stratum corneum resulting from hyperproliferation or increased cohesion of the keratinocytes |
Psoriasis, toxic epidermal necrolysis, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, eczema, ichthyosis |
| Crusts (Scabs) | Collection of dry debris, dried sebum, pus or blood | Impetigo, late syphilis, third degree burns |
| Excoriations & abrasions (Scratch Marks) |
Linear erosions caused by mechanical means | Eczema, scabies |
| Fissures (Cracks, Clefts) | Linear cleft into the epidermis or dermis | Dry skin from soaps or detergents, chapping |
| Erosions | Loss of all of the epidermis (heals without a scar) | Herpes zoster, herpes simplex, impetigo |
| Ulcers | Loss of the epidermis and portions of the dermis (heals with scarring) |
Basal cell carcinoma, decubitus ulcer, dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa |
| Scars | New connective tissue replacing the lost dermal tissue (dermo-epidermal damage) |
Discoid lupus, hypertrophic scars, keloids |
| Lichenification | Thickening of the epidermis, as evidenced by accentuation of normal skin lines/markings |
Caused by chronic scratching or rubbing |
| Atrophy | Thinning of the epidermis and/or dermis | Results from topical steroid use or corticosteroid injections |