Skin Lesions: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

There is a good chance that, at some point, you might notice an abnormal growth or blemish on the skin that was not there before. Well, benign skin lesions are rather common. A variety of conditions can cause them. Most of these lesions do not pose any health issues. But the lesions that are accompanied by symptoms like bleeding, swelling, or pain may indicate an underlying condition and must be treated right away. Keep reading this article as it answers all the questions regarding skin lesions, their types, causes, symptoms, treatments, risk factors, and more. Scroll down!

What Are Skin Lesions? Causes And Types Of Skin Lesions

A lesion is an abnormal growth compared to the surrounding skin (1). Lesions may look like bumps, lumps, or patches. A variety of factors can cause them. There are two types of skin lesions (2):

• Primary Skin Lesions: The abnormal skin growth that is present at birth or develops over time is called primary skin lesion. Moles and blisters are two examples of this type of lesion.
• Secondary Skin Lesions: These lesions form when a primary skin lesion has been aggravated or manipulated. Scars and crusts are two examples.

A variety of conditions can cause skin lesions. Here are some examples of potential causes and types:

A 44,689-person global cross-sectional study was conducted on participants from 27 different European nations. The findings revealed that 43.35% of the participants had at least one dermatological condition in the previous 12 months, and the most frequently reported conditions were atopic dermatitis or eczema (5.5%), acne (5.4%), and fungal skin infections (8.9%).

1. Acne

Acne develops when oil and dead skin cells block your pores (3). It results in red, white, or black bumps. Teenagers and young adults are prone to this condition. Hormones, family history, and certain medications may contribute to it. In addition, pricking acne, eating specific foods, stress, and environmental conditions can aggravate the condition (4). Treatments consist of medications and laser therapy.

Quick Tip

Under your dermatologist’s supervision, try topical creams containing retinoids or chemical peels such as glycolic acid to reduce the appearance of skin lesions.

2. Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly, or irritated skin. Hereditary and environmental factors may cause this chronic condition (5). Eczema can improve or deteriorate over time. Camille, a YouTuber, shares how she has been battling with eczema all her life. She says, “It used to burn like crazy during the nights I would never get any sleep and I just itched and itched to the point where I didn’t care if I tore all the skin off my body of my skin (i).” Treatment can help manage symptoms, but there is no cure. Consult a doctor if you are having discomfort and pain due to eczema.

3. Blisters

The tiny pockets of fluid that form when the upper layers of the skin are injured are called blisters. They can appear on hands and feet or anywhere on the body. They heal on their own in a few days (6). They don’t require medical attention unless they are severe, caused by burns, or have become infected.

4. Rash

A rash is a group of small or large skin lesions that cover a region of the skin. It can occur for various reasons. Reaction to skin care products is the most common cause (7). The ingredients in these products can irritate the skin. Rashes are harmless and may go away on their own. Some may be persistent due to underlying causes or illnesses. If you experience any symptoms, consult a dermatologist.

5. Cold Sores

Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that appear on and around your lips (8). Exposure to the scorching sun, chilly wind, or cold can cause them. Other issues like a compromised immune system, fluctuating hormone levels, or stress can also lead to cold sores. These blisters are found in patches. A scab forms when the blisters split, which may last many days. Cold sores normally heal without leaving a scar in two to three weeks. If your symptoms are severe, consult a doctor right away.

6. Hives

Hives are reddish, itchy swellings that can appear anywhere on the body (9). It can be caused by an allergic reaction to food or materials. It can be treated with anti-allergic medications.

Quick Tip

Relive your itch by applying calamine lotion and cut your fingernails short to avoid scratches.

7. Moles

Moles form when skin cells grow in clusters instead of spreading evenly throughout the skin. These cells (melanocytesⁱ  Cells found in the bottom part of the epidermis of the skin, whose role is to produce melanin (a dark pigment occurring in the skin). ) produce the pigment that gives skin its natural color (10). Moles may turn dark due to sun exposure, during adolescence, and during pregnancy. If the color or appearance of a mole changes, you should see a dermatologist. If your moles bleed, ooze, seem scaly, or become irritating, you should get them checked.

8. Shingles

Shingles cause rashes or blisters on the skin. It is caused by herpes zoster virus, which belongs in the same family of viruses that cause chicken pox (11). It looks like a ring of rashes or blisters in one area of the body and can be painful. Consult a doctor if you suspect a shingles infection. Antiviral drugs must be started to alleviate discomfort and shorten the length of your symptoms.

9. Skin Tags

A skin tag is a non-painful, benign growth of the skin (12). They grow for unknown reasons. They are common in locations where there is more friction of the skin. They are mostly found on the eyelids or other parts of the body with skin folds, like the neck, armpits, groin, and thighs.

10. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes red, dry, crusty skin patches coated with silvery scales. These patches are mostly found on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back (13). The severity of psoriasis varies widely. It may be a little irritating for some, but it can severely impact the quality of life for others. A dermatologist can diagnose psoriasis and create a tailored treatment plan. Moreover, if you notice scaly skin, it can be a symptom of underlying skin conditions that can produce lesions, including psoriasis and actinic keratosis.

11. Epidermoid Cyst

An epidermoid cyst, also known as a sebaceous cyst, is a non-cancerous, closed sac or lump under the skin. It typically forms when skin cells and keratin, a protein found in hair and nails, get trapped beneath the skin’s surface. It is slow-growing and painless, with a firm, raised appearance. Epidermoid cysts are often found on the face, neck, chest, or back. While they are generally considered to be benign, new evidence indicates that they can develop malignancy (14). It can also rupture or become inflamed, which can lead to discomfort and potential scarring. Treatment options may include draining the cyst, excision, or corticosteroid injections, typically performed by a healthcare professional.

Now that you know the causes and types of skin lesions, let’s look at some of the most common symptoms of this condition.

Symptoms Of Skin Lesions

• Swelling
• Itchiness
• Redness
• Bleeding
• Sores containing discharge
• Pain
• Irritation
• Dryness
• Peeling
• Flaking
• Inflammation
• Infection
• Headache
• Sweating
• Fever

In the next section, we have answered how skin lesions are diagnosed. Keep reading.

How Are Skin Lesions Diagnosed?

The doctor may perform a physical examination to understand the condition. He may inquire about your symptoms, family history, and medical history.

Some skin lesions may necessitate additional tests to understand the cause. A skin biopsy may also be conducted by a dermatopathologist, who is a specialist in diagnosing skin conditions through microscopic examination. This is essential for identifying the lesion’s nature and ruling out skin cancer.

Wondering how skin lesions can be treated? Keep reading to find out.

Treatments

The treatment for skin lesions depends on their type. Some lesions do not require treatment, while some may need special care.

1. Prescribed Medication

Topical medications like ointments and creams can reduce inflammation and calm the affected area. Itching, redness, and pain can be relieved with topical creams (15). If you have an infection, such as shingles, a doctor may prescribe oral medications.

2. Surgical Procedures

Surgery is an effective treatment option for several types of skin lesions. Some lesions can be removed permanently with surgery. The following surgical procedures may be used:

• Surgical removal of a lesion, usually a mole that has the potential to develop into a cancer like melanoma.
• Piercing and draining an infected lesion.
• Removal of damaged skin tissue through laser surgery. Doctors may recommend laser surgery to eliminate birthmarksⁱ  Common epidermal growths or lesions, also called vascular birthmarks or pigmented birthmarks, which appear at or soon after birth. .
• Cryotherapy, a treatment that uses liquid nitrogen to destroy the damaged skin tissue.

3. Self-Care At Home

There are a few types of lesions that do not require medical attention. You may try simple home treatments to gain relief from the symptoms.

You can use oatmeal to relieve irritation, get rid of rashes on the face that may or may not be associated with a lesion, and reduce swelling caused by certain skin lesions (16).

To prevent lesions from your skin rubbing against garments, apply absorbent powder.

For minor skin lesions, you can keep the area clean and apply natural remedies like aloe vera gel to soothe irritation. You may also use cool compresses to reduce swelling and discomfort.

Remember: While home remedies are becoming more popular, there is no evidence to support their effectiveness. It is best to follow a dermatologist’s advice.

Want to know when you should see an expert in dermatology? Keep reading to learn more.

When Should You See A Doctor?

If you observe any major symptoms, see a dermatologist right away. Here are a few instances:

• Any mole that is growing, bleeding, changing color, itching, or looking different.
• If your scalp develops a ringworm infectionⁱ  A ring-shaped rash caused by a fungus that results in discolored, scaly patches on the affected areas of the skin. .
• If eczema, dermatitis, or psoriasis persists despite the use of over-the-counter medications.
• You notice signs and symptoms of impetigo (a highly contagious skin infection).

Anyone can get skin lesions, but certain factors put some people at a higher risk. Read on to find out.

Who Are At Risk Of Skin Lesions?

• People with a family history of skin lesions.
• Skin that is exposed to the sun.
• People with a history of skin problems such as allergies, eczema, psoriasis, and so on.
• Old age.
• People with a lot of moles on their skin.
• People with a history of skin cancer.

It is better to prevent skin lesions from forming rather than having to deal with them later. So, scroll down to the next section where we share some helpful prevention tips.

Preventive Measures For Skin Lesions

Here are some simple preventive tips for you to keep in mind.

• Use sunscreen daily to protect against UV damage and reduce the risk of skin lesions.
• Maintain proper hygiene to prevent infections by keeping skin clean and dry.
• Avoid picking or scratching at wounds or scabs to avoid further injury or scarring.
• Wear protective gear in environments where skin injury is likely, such as during sports or manual labor.
• Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet to support healthy skin regeneration and prevent lesions.

Infographic: A Simple Guide To Skin Lesions

Skin lesions are abnormal growths or bumps that may develop at birth or due to changes in the skin. Understanding the different types and recognizing their symptoms can get you the right treatment on time. In the infographic below, we have compiled a simple guide to help you understand what they look like and their causes. Scroll down to know more!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What do skin lesions indicate?

Skin lesions indicate skin damage or the presence of underlying medical conditions, allergies, infections, genetic issues, or diabetes.

What is a papule skin lesion?

A papule skin lesion is a solid skin lesion with a raised area and distinct borders. Warts are papule skin lesions.

What is a macule skin lesion?

It is a non-palpable and flat skin lesion. Freckles and flat moles are examples of macule skin lesions.

Illustration: Skin Lesions: Causes Symptoms And Treatments

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Expand your dermatological knowledge by watching this engaging lecture on primary and secondary skin lesions. Learn to differentiate between them and enhance your identification skills. Check it out now!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Priya GillMBBCH, MRCP

 

Dr. Priya Gill is a consultant dermatologist in Klang, Malaysia, with over 16 years of experience. She specializes in the management of all medical and surgical dermatology issues and has a special interest in laser therapy and phototherapy.

Read full bio of Dr. Priya Gill

Monomita ChakrabortyBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.

Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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