It says it all about types of skin lesions, from why they are caused and what type they are to symptoms, testing, and treatment. These small pieces of knowledge will keep you guessing as to whether or not a lesion is something you need to be concerned about, or when to call in the dermatologist to come take a look.

What Are Skin Lesions?

Skin lesion is a alteration of the skin, color, bump, or bump in color or texture. Lesions can be in any area on the body and any size, shape, and distribution.
They are also divided into two groups:

  • Primary lesions: Secondary to an acute condition or illness (e.g., moles, blisters, acne).
  • Secondary lesions: Secondary to alteration or change of a primary lesion (e.g., scarring, ulceration, crusting).
Lesions are benign skin lesions or malignant skin lesions. Early treatment in the primary stage is highly necessary to receive appropriate treatment and a satisfactory outcome.

Types of Skin Lesions


Benign Skin Lesions

They are benign general lesions which exist in every and any person which are usually harmless but in some people are surgically excised for cosmetology or are troublesome.
Common skin lesion examples are:

  • Moles (nevi): Brown or black, usually harmless but must be inspected on a change of colour.
  • Skin tags: Flapping small growths hanging from the skin which are usually found in folds of skin.
  • Cysts: Bladder-like skin spots containing pus or fluid.
  • Seborrheic keratoses: Waxy textured skin age spots.
  • Cherry angiomas: Red spots as a result of dilated vessels.

2. Malignant Skin Lesions

They are neoplastic lesions and must be treated by a physician.
Types are:

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common type of skin cancer, usually benign.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Will become malignant if left untreated, displaying the typical appearance of a scaly reddish plaque.
  • Melanoma: Malignant skin neoplasm that spreads very quickly; must be diagnosed as early as possible.
  • Precancerous skin lesions: An example is actinic keratosis and can progress to squamous cell carcinoma.

The Causes of Skin Lesions

There are virtually limitless causes behind skin lesions, and therefore determination of causative agents is paramount in the treatment of this condition. The typical culprits for skin lesion causes are the following:
Infections include bacteria (impetigo), viruses (herpes), fungi (ringworm), and parasites.

  • Allergies: Food, drugs, plants (poison ivy), or cosmetics.
  • Autoimmune disorders: Psoriasis or lupus might induce an immune reaction against normal skin.
  • Genetic disorders: A few lesions such as moles and tags are genetically determined.
  • Age: Areas of skin that become more prone to benign neoplasms and cancers.
  • Sunshine: Direct causative factor causing malignancies and precancerous skin lesions.
  • Trauma or Wound: A scratch, cut, or a bite could lead to lesions or infected skin lesions.

Read More: 10 Best Lotions for Extremely Dry Skin


Skin Lesions Symptoms

Symptoms are very diverse depending upon etiology and lesion. They are completely painless or painfully bad.

  • Redness, swelling, or tenderness
  • Itching, burning, or pain
  • Crusting or scaling
  • Bleeding, oozing, or pus
  • Sudden change in size or color
  • Irregular shape or asymmetry
Suspicious skin lesion signs, namely lesions that are growing, changing in size or shape, or bleeding, must be evaluated by a health care professional at all times.

Diagnosis of Skin Lesions

Don't ignore that suspicious lesion you see. Proper evaluation is necessary for proper skin lesion diagnosis.

Dermatology skin lesion examination

A dermatologist will:

  • Physical assessment of lesion and surrounding skin
  •  Medical and family background
  • Examine the lesion with a hand-held magnifying tool such as a dermatoscope.

Skin lesion differential diagnosis

By ruling out mimic disease (such as eczema or skin cancer) on history, presentation, and investigation if needed.

  • Skin lesion biopsy
  • Suspicious, biopsied
  • Tissue or entire lesion excised under local anaesthesia.
The tissue is prepared in the laboratory for microscopic examination. This is particularly the case for precancer-looking or cancer-looking skin lesions.

Treatment of Skin Lesions

It varies with the type, site, etiology, and if benign, infected, or malignant, the lesion.
Some are observed and some require emergent treatment.

Benign Lesions

They are excised for pain or cosmetic purposes.
Skin lesion removal methods are:

  • Cryotherapy: Freezing by liquid nitrogen
  • Surgical excision: Incision to remove
  • Laser ablation: Vascular or pigment lesions
  • Electrosurgery: Electric current used for destruction

Infected Skin Lesions

May be virus, fungi, or bacteria and become infected or painful.
Treatment options:

  • Local or systemic antibiotics
  • Antiviral or antifungal treatment
  • Wound care (debridement, dressing, drainage as needed)

Malignant Cutaneous Lesions

Must be treated early and aggressively enough not to prevent cancer spread.
Routine choices:

  • Excision with margin: All cancer cells removed completely
  • Mohs surgery: Very exact technique best suited for face or high-risk locations
  • Radiation or chemotherapy: Extensive or unresectable disease
  • Immunotherapy or targeted therapy: Most notably in melanoma

Surveillance

Suspicious moles or unusual moles are only to be monitored. Changes can be detected by dermatologists on digital photos.

Prevention Tips

You can't prevent skin lesions, but it can certainly lower your risk, especially for cancer lesions.

  • Use daily sun protection (SPF 30 or higher) and apply every 2 hours when in the sun.
  • Stay away from too much sun, including tanning beds.
  • Use a hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing when outdoors.
  • Inspect your skin monthly for new or changing lesions.
  • Have a professional skin checkup yearly by a dermatologist.
  • Treat chronic conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
  • Catch it early, especially with precancerous changes in the skin.

Conclusion

Skin lesions occur very frequently and in every size one would ever imagine from benign skin lesions and skin tags to potentially life-threatening malignant skin lesions such as melanoma. Knowledge about the types of skin lesions, their signs, and reasons can inform your behavior with your own skin's health.

If you have a new or evolving lesion, a sore, a bleeding lesion, or a nonhealing lesion, don't wait. Have it checked by a health care provider. Prompt detection and treatment of skin lesions are a matter of life and death.

Please book an appointment with the best Dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.