What are Skin Lesions? - Causes, Treatment and Symptoms

Skin lesions are characterized as unusual growths or alterations in the color or size that stand out from the surrounding healthy skin. 

They are typically classified into two categories: primary and secondary lesions. Primary lesions, which include macules, papules, or nodules, may be present at birth or skin changes over time, while secondary lesions, such as erosions, scars, or ulcers, occur as a progression of primary lesions. The common symptoms associated with skin lesions include itching and changes in skin color, such as red, brown, and black, and pus formation. 

Causes of Skin Lesions:

• Infections: Viral (HIV), bacterial (Staphylococcus), fungal, & ringworm infections
• Certain Skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, that result in dry, itchy, red, or silvery patches
• Certain allergic and autoimmune diseases, such as contact dermatitis and systemic lupus disease, result in scaling, redness, or itching and blister formation.
  Skin injuries, sunburns, or bites can further damage the skin layer and result in erosions and swelling.
• Underlying skin cancers, such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma, can result in dark
• pigmented lesions or bumps on the skin.
• Use of chemotherapy drugs in some individuals can cause side effects, including skin lesions, along with nausea, vomiting, etc.

Types of Skin Lesions:

Primary Lesions: Primary lesions are changes in your skin that aren’t associated with other conditions and include:

• Macule: They are characterized as brown, red, or white spots.
• Blisters: A skin lesion filled with clear fluid.
• Plaque: Raised, solid, rough, flat-topped skin lesion seen in psoriasis.
• Nodules: Deep & circular solid bumps on the skin that are seen in skin cancers such as lipomas.
• Papules: Raised skin lesions—appearing as pimples, often in individuals with warts caused by human papillomavirus.
• Pustules: Small lesions filled with pus, seen in individuals with acne.
• Bulla: A large skin lesion filled with fluid or blood.

• Bulla: A large skin lesion filled with fluid or blood.

The common secondary lesions are the result of changes in the primary lesion due to itching or external factors (direct injury to skin) or due to any underlying conditions. They are characterized by crust, erosion, fissures (painful skin cracks), scaling (scaly skin), scars, ulcers, or open sores, along with dry skin. 

• Eczema, impetigo, and athlete’s foot (cracks) are common conditions associated with secondary lesions.

When should you seek a doctor for a skin lesion?

Skin lesions can range from simple acne to tumors, which can be bothersome symptoms interrupting daily life; however, in certain cases, they heal, but a few might get worse over time. Early diagnosis & a timely treatment plan can decrease the severity & complications; therefore, it is important to seek attention when:

• The lesion is not healing over time
• There is oozing or bleeding from the skin lesion
• You notice a sudden change in the color, size, & appearance of a skin lesion
• You are experiencing associated symptoms such as itching, rashes, swelling of the lips, face, or the affected areas, along with breathing difficulty in allergic skin conditions.

Don’t wait for signs to grow severe. Consult our  Skin specialists today

Treatment for skin lesions:

Primary skin lesion: Use of topical creams, lotions, ointments, or medications improves the symptoms associated with the primary lesion.

Secondary Skin lesions: Treating the underlying conditions is the primary therapeutic approach.

For Cancerous lesions, medical therapy combined with a surgical approach is the best way to treat skin cancers. 
Have any questions or concerns about your health? We’re here to help! Call us at +918065906165  for expert advice and support.