A skin lesion is a part of the skin that has unusual growth or appearance compared to a regular skin area. Skin lesions are quite common and may be the result of an injury or damage to the skin. Sometimes skin lesions may be a sign of underlying conditions like infections or autoimmune diseases. Skin lesions are categorised into primary and secondary skin lesions.

Primary skin lesions are abnormal skin issues seen at birth or acquired over a period.

Secondary skin lesions are caused due to irritated primary skin lesions.

Read this article to know in detail about the types, causes, symptoms, and treatment options available to cure this skin condition.
skin lesions

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Conditions That Cause Skin Lesions

Several conditions can cause different types of skin lesions including:

  • Acne
  • Cold sores
  • Actinic keratosis
  • Allergic eczema
  • Impetigo
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Psoriasis
  • Chickenpox
  • Shingles
  • Epidermoid cysts
  • Staph infection
  • Cellulitis
  • Scabies
  • Boils
  • Bullae
  • Blisters
  • Nodules
  • Rash
  • Hives
  • Keloids
  • Warts

Causes

Infection in the skin is considered the common cause of skin lesions. For instance, the human papillomavirus (HPV), which leads to warts, spread from one person to another via direct contact with the skin. Also, the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores and genital herpes is also passed via direct contact.

A systemic infection that develops throughout the body can result in skin lesions all over the system such as chickenpox and shingles. MRSA and cellulitis are possibly two fatal infections that involve skin lesions. Certain skin lesions like moles and freckles are hereditary. While most others can result from an allergic reaction like allergic eczema and contact dermatitis. A few health conditions like poor circulation, or diabetes can cause skin sensitivity that can lead to lesions.

Also Read: Seborrheic Dermatitis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Types of Skin lesions

Skin lesions are categorised into two types - primary and secondary skin lesions.

Primary Skin Lesions

Birthmarks, moles and acne are primary skin lesions. Other types include:

Blisters are skin lesions filled with fluid. Small ones that measure less than 1 cm in size are also known as vesicles and larger ones are called bullae or blisters. These skin lesions can result from

  • Sunburns
  • Steam burns
  • Insect bites
  • Contact from shoes or clothes
  • Viral infections

Macules are tiny spots that are brown, red or white in colour. They are 1 cm in diameter including freckles and flat moles.

Nodules are growths that develop under the skin like certain types of cysts and are under 2cm in diameter. Bigger nodules can affect the overlying skin.

Papule is a raised lesion that develops with many other papules. A patch of papules is called a plaque and it is commonly observed in people with psoriasis.

Pustules are small lesions filled with pus. They’re typically the result of acne, boils, or impetigo.

Rashes are lesions that cover small or large regions of skin. It can be caused by an allergic reaction that develops when a person touches poison ivy.

Wheal is a skin lesion caused by an allergic reaction such as hives.

Secondary Skin Lesions

Primary skin lesions that are irritated can develop into secondary skin lesions. Some of the common secondary skin lesions include:

Crusts or scab is formed when dried blood forms over a scratched and irritated skin lesion.

Scales, like those caused by actinic keratosis, are patches of skin cells that accumulate and then flake off the skin.

Scars, cuts and scrapes will leave scars that are not usually replaced by healthy, skin cells. Instead, the skin changes to a thick, raised scar. The scar is also called keloid.

Skin atrophy develops when regions of the skin become thin and wrinkled due to poor circulation or overuse of topical steroids.

Ulcers are generally caused by a bacterial infection or physical trauma.

Also Read: Neurodermatitis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Diagnosis

Your dermatologist will conduct a complete physical examination to diagnose the skin lesion, which includes monitoring the skin lesion and asking about the nature of symptoms. To confirm a diagnosis, skin samples are taken and sent for a biopsy or swab of the lesion send to a laboratory for analysis.

Treatment

The treatment mode is based on the underlying reason or causes of the skin lesions. The dermatologist will consider the type of lesion, the medical history of the patient and any previous treatment undertaken.

Topical creams are prescribed to help ease inflammation and safeguard the affected area. These medications also offer relief from symptoms and ease pain, itching or burning. On the other hand, if skin lesions are caused due to systemic infection, such as chickenpox then oral medications are prescribed to help mitigate the symptoms of the disease. Skin lesions are mostly pierced and drained to offer treatment and relief. However, those moles that have been changing over time need to be surgically removed.