What do we call a large, slightly elevated lesion with a flat surface that is often topped by a scale?

A large, slightly elevated lesion with a flat surface that is often topped by a scale is classified as a plaque. Plaques are characterized by their elevated nature and the presence of a smooth surface, which sets them apart from other skin lesions. They are typically larger than 1 cm in diameter and can arise from various skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, where the buildup of keratin and the deposition of cytokines lead to increased skin cell turnover.

Pustules are small, elevated lesions filled with pus, fissures are linear breaks or cracks in the skin, and crusts are dry, outer layers formed from the dried exudate of lesions. Each of these has distinct features that differ from the description of a plaque.