Skin Lesions: Pictures, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Skin lesions can be a cause for concern, as they often appear as abnormal areas on your skin that are different from the surrounding area. 

They can result from localized damage, such as sunburns or contact dermatitis, but may also indicate underlying disorders like infections, autoimmune diseases, or genetic conditions.

There is a wide variety of skin lesions, ranging from conditions like acne, psoriasis, and chickenpox to more serious issues requiring significant levels of medical attention.

To determine the cause of your skin lesion, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment options.

What are Skin Lesions?

Skin lesions are areas on your skin with different characteristics from the surrounding skin in terms of color, shape, size, or texture. They can be harmless, or indicative of a medical issue.

Skin lesions come in various forms, including moles, blisters, sores, or patches.

Moles

Moles are small, round, brown, or tan growths on your skin. They can be present from birth or develop over time. Most moles are benign, but some can become cancerous.

Regularly checking your moles for changes in size, shape, and color is essential.

Acne

Acne, a very common skin condition, can cause red bumps, whiteheads, or blackheads on your face, chest, or back.

Although not dangerous, acne may cause scarring and seriously impact your self-esteem.

Infections

Infections, both bacterial and viral, can lead to skin lesions such as sores, blisters, or scaly patches. These infections include herpes, staphylococcus, HIV, and HPV. Timely treatment is crucial to prevent complications.

Actinic keratosis appears as small, scaly growths, usually on sun-exposed areas of your body. While not directly cancerous, actinic keratosis can develop into skin cancer if left untreated.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to substances like poison ivy, bug bites, or medication can manifest as skin lesions. Immediate attention and appropriate treatment can help alleviate symptoms and prevent worsening.

The formation of skin lesions may be a sign of skin cancer, requiring early detection and treatment. Always consult a dermatologist if concerned.

Conditions that Cause Skin Lesions

This section presents an overview of various conditions that can cause skin lesions. By exploring these conditions, you can gain insight into the potential causes of their symptoms and seek appropriate medical advice.

Impetigo

Impetigo, a common, contagious skin infection, usually presents as red sores or blisters on the face, hands, and feet. This condition frequently affects children and spreads easily through close contact, often causing skin lesions.

The sores from impetigo can rupture, ooze, and develop a yellow-brown crust. The bacterium Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes causes these lesions, making proper hygiene practices key to prevention and containment. Quick medical attention can limit the spread.

Melanoma

Melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, originates in melanocytes, or the cells that produce melanin. Skin lesions caused by melanoma often resemble moles, commonly characterized by changes in size, shape, or color.

Urgent expert evaluation is pivotal as melanoma can metastasize quickly. It often presents as a new, abnormal growth or a modification of an existing mole. Regular skin checks, especially for individuals with a substantial number of moles or a family history, are crucial for early detection.

Ulcer

Skin ulcers are sores that involve loss of skin or underlying tissue, commonly on the lower extremities. They are often a result of poor circulation, diabetes, or protracted pressure on skin tissue, causing the skin to break down.

Ulcers may cause discomfort or pain and, left untreated, can lead to severe complications such as infection or gangrene. Regular inspection, good hygiene, and prompt wound care are essential in managing skin ulcers.

Benign Skin Growths

Benign skin growths are non-cancerous bumps or lesions appearing on the skin due to abnormal cell growth. These include moles, skin tags, warts, or lipomas, which collectively vary vastly in their appearance from skin-colored bumps to dark, raised growths.

Regular skin check-ups can ensure these growths do not undergo abnormal changes. Though benign, some might become bothersome due to their location or appearance, necessitating removal.

Hives

Hives or urticaria are red, itchy, raised welts on the skin, often triggered by exposure to certain allergens, heat, or stress. They are characteristically transient, fading after a few hours, but may reappear elsewhere.

Although often self-limiting, chronic or large-area hives require medical intervention. Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, can be life-threatening. 

Therefore, careful attention should be paid to systemic symptoms like difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, or swelling of the throat.

Burns

Burns are skin lesions caused by heat, chemicals, or radiation. Depending on the severity, they can cause redness, blisters, or deep tissue damage.

To properly diagnose and treat skin lesions, consult a dermatologist. They may recommend medications, topical treatments, or other therapies to address the specific skin condition causing the lesions.

What are the Different Types of Primary Skin Lesions?

Primary skin lesions are color or texture alterations that occur at birth or develop over time. They can be caused by various factors, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or skin injuries. Here are some common types of primary skin lesions:

Macules

Macules are flat, non-raised skin spots that are different in color from the surrounding skin. Typically less than 1 centimeter in diameter, these skin changes can be due to a range of conditions, including freckles or flat moles.

While being harmless in most cases, changes in macules – whether in size, shape, or color – should be monitored closely. Any substantial change may suggest a malignancy, warranting immediate medical attention.

Papules

Papules are small, raised, firm bumps appearing on the skin. They are typically pink in color and less than 1 centimeter in diameter. Conditions like dermatitis, warts, or insect bites frequently cause these lesions.

While usually benign, some papules can evolve into other types of skin lesions or indicate a more serious health concern. Persistent, bothersome, or rapidly changing papules necessitate a clinical evaluation to establish an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Plaques

Plaques are elevated skin patches often larger than 1 centimeter in diameter. They form when skin cells multiply too rapidly, as seen in conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. They may appear red, silver, or scaly.

Despite being non-cancerous, plaques can cause discomfort and impair daily activities due to their location or itchiness.

Nodules

Nodules are hard, sizable lumps that extend into the deeper layers of the skin. They’re typically more than 1 centimeter in diameter. Conditions like cysts, lipomas, or certain types of skin cancer can cause these lesions.

While some nodules are benign, others may signify serious conditions.

Vesicles

Vesicles are tiny, fluid-filled blisters appearing on the skin’s surface, usually less than 1 cm in diameter. They commonly result from conditions such as herpes, chickenpox, or contact dermatitis.

While usually harmless, vesicles can cause distress due to itchiness or burning sensation. Moreover, larger, persistent, or painful vesicles should be professionally evaluated and treated to prevent possible infection or diagnose underlying health conditions.

Scales

Scales are flakes or dry patches made up of excess dead skin cells that have shed. They frequently appear in psoriasis, eczema, or fungal infections and are often white or silver and attached to the skin.

Scales can cause considerable discomfort and cosmetic concerns. They should be evaluated, especially if persistent or associated with other symptoms such as redness or itchiness, to identify any underlying skin condition and establish appropriate treatment.

Burrows

Burrows are tiny, raised, irregular track-like marks underneath the skin surface. They are a tell-tale sign of scabies, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei tunneling under the skin, usually between the fingers, wrists, or elbow folds.

It’s crucial to seek medical attention if scabies are suspected, as treatment usually involves prescription medication to kill the mites and alleviate the symptoms.

What are the Different Types of Secondary Skin Lesions?

Secondary skin lesions evolve from primary skin lesions or may be the result of trauma or the progression of a condition. They manifest in various forms.

Erosions

Erosions refer to superficial loss of skin due to damage or inflammation. 

These areas may appear moist and lack the skin’s protective outer layer. Common causes include friction, burns, or herpetic infections.

Although often temporary, untreated erosions can lead to further complications like infection.

Crusts

Crusts are dried collections of blood, serum, pus, or debris that accumulate on the skin surface due to conditions like impetigo or scabs from healing wounds. They act as a natural protective covering over a damaged area.

They usually indicate an ongoing healing process. Unusual, persistent, or large crust formations warrant medical consultation to ensure proper wound care and prevent potential infections or scarring.

Scars

Scars are fibrous tissue formations replacing normal skin after injury or a surgical incision. Scarring consolidates the healing process, albeit with a different texture and quality compared to the original skin.

While some scars diminish with time, others may remain prominent, causing cosmetic concerns or functional difficulties.

It’s essential to consult a dermatologist if you notice any secondary skin lesions, as they might indicate an underlying issue requiring medical attention. A professional examination ensures accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment to prevent complications and further progression.

Who’s at Risk for Skin Lesions?

Several factors contribute to your likelihood of developing skin lesions. Influential elements include genetic predispositions, age, and lifestyle habits.

A family history of skin conditions may increase your risk. Remember, some lesions like moles and birthmarks can be present at birth.

Exposure to Infections

Exposure to viral infections, such as HIV and HPV, and bacterial infections may cause skin lesions.

Furthermore, allergic reactions from bug bites or poison ivy can lead to their development.

Sun Exposure

Increased sun exposure puts you at greater risk for skin lesions linked to skin cancer. 

Over time, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can lead to actinic keratosis – rough, scaly patches often found on the face, lips, ears, forearms, scalp, neck, or back of the hands.

Age

Adults, as they age, have a higher risk of developing skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. 

Protecting your skin from UV light, including sunlight and tanning beds, is crucial in reducing the risk of these potentially harmful lesions.

In summary, awareness of risk factors is key to preventing and managing skin lesions. Stay vigilant and seek medical attention if you notice any changes in your skin’s appearance.

How are Skin Lesions Treated?

When treating skin lesions, it’s crucial first to identify the underlying cause. Depending on the condition, your doctor may recommend various forms of treatment. For common issues like acne or chickenpox, over-the-counter creams can be helpful. 

But for more severe conditions, stronger medications or other therapies may be prescribed. In some cases, lesions can be painful or accompanied by fever and allergic reactions. 

Contact your doctor if the lesion is persistent or worsens over time. They may prescribe oral medications or topical treatments to alleviate symptoms.

In conclusion, always consult your doctor for a proper evaluation and treatment plan. Timely intervention can help prevent complications or worsening of the condition.

The right treatment, whether it is over-the-counter or prescription medications, can help reduce discomfort and promote healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of skin sores that won’t heal?

Common causes include acne, cellulitis, and chickenpox. Skin sores might also result from an injury or damage to your skin, like sunburn.

Furthermore, they can indicate underlying conditions, such as infections or autoimmune diseases.

How can I identify different types of skin lesions?

To identify skin lesions, you need to examine their characteristics, such as texture, color, and size.

Consulting with a dermatologist or using a magnifying tool can aid in identification.

How can I recognize suspicious or harmful skin lesions?

To recognize harmful skin lesions, closely monitor any changes over time. Be particularly attentive to those that change color, size, or texture or become itchy, painful, or bleed.

Consult a healthcare professional if you are still determining a skin lesion’s nature.

What are the common characteristics of vascular skin lesions?

Vascular skin lesions typically have a reddish or purple appearance due to the presence of blood vessels in or beneath the skin. Common types include hemangiomas, telangiectasias, and cherry angiomas. 

If you suspect a vascular skin lesion, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.