Skin Lesions: What They Are and How They Are Treated

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Saily Shejol , Dermatologists

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Skin lesions are abnormal changes or growths on the skin that can vary in size, shape, color, texture, and appearance. They may result from infections, inflammation, injuries, autoimmune conditions, or skin cancers. Skin lesions can be harmless, but some may require medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

What Are the Types of Skin Lesions?

Skin lesions are broadly classified as primary or secondary lesions based on how they develop and change over time.

Primary Skin Lesions

Primary skin lesions are the initial changes that occur directly because of an underlying skin condition. Common types include:

Macules and Patches: Macules are flat, distinct areas of altered skin color measuring less than 1 cm. Patches are similar but larger than 1 cm.
Papules and Nodules: Papules are small, raised lesions, while nodules are larger and extend deeper into the skin.
Plaques: Plaques are raised, flat-topped lesions that may develop when several papules join together. They are commonly seen in conditions such as psoriasis.
Vesicles and Bullae: Vesicles are small, fluid-filled lesions, while bullae are larger fluid-filled lesions.
Pustules: Pustules are raised lesions containing pus and may occur with infections or inflammatory skin conditions.

Secondary Skin Lesions

Secondary skin lesions develop when a primary lesion changes because of scratching, infection, healing, or other external factors.

Scales and Crusts: Scales are flakes of accumulated skin cells, while crusts form when dried blood, serum, or pus collects on the skin surface.
Ulcers and Scars: Ulcers are open areas caused by loss of skin tissue, while scars develop as damaged skin heals.
Lichenification: Lichenification is thickened skin with more prominent skin markings, usually caused by repeated scratching or rubbing.

What Are the Symptoms of Skin Lesions?

The symptoms of skin lesions vary depending on their underlying cause, type, and location. Some lesions cause no symptoms, while others may produce discomfort or noticeable changes in the skin.

Changes in skin color
Redness or inflammation
Itching
Pain or tenderness
Swelling
Changes in skin texture or thickness
Scaling or flaking
Blisters or fluid-filled areas
Bleeding or oozing
Ulcers or sores
Rapid growth or changes in the appearance of a lesion

What Are the Causes of Skin Lesions?

Skin lesions can have many causes, including infections, inflammatory disorders, autoimmune diseases, genetic conditions, injuries, and cancer. Bacterial infections such as impetigo, viral infections such as herpes, and fungal infections such as ringworm can cause different types of skin lesions. Inflammatory conditions such as eczema and psoriasis may also cause lesions.

Autoimmune diseases such as lupus can produce characteristic skin changes, while genetic disorders such as neurofibromatosis may cause skin growths. Some lesions can also be caused by skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

When Should You See a Doctor for a Skin Lesion?

A healthcare professional should evaluate a skin lesion if it is new, changing, persistent, painful, bleeding, or does not heal normally. Prompt evaluation is particularly important when a lesion develops features that could indicate skin cancer.

Rapid increase in size
Changes in color, shape, or border
Persistent bleeding or crusting
A sore that does not heal
Persistent pain, itching, or tenderness
A new or changing mole or pigmented lesion

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How Are Skin Lesions Diagnosed?

Diagnosing a skin lesion usually begins with a medical history and detailed examination of the affected skin. A dermatologist may use specialized tools to evaluate the lesion and determine whether additional testing is needed.

Dermoscopy

Dermoscopy uses a specialized magnifying device to examine structures and patterns within a skin lesion that may not be visible to the naked eye. It can help distinguish between benign and potentially malignant lesions and determine whether a biopsy is needed.

Biopsy

A skin biopsy involves removing part or all of a suspicious lesion and examining the tissue under a microscope. It is commonly used when the diagnosis is uncertain or skin cancer is suspected.

Other Diagnostic Tests

Physical examination: Evaluation of the lesion's size, shape, color, texture, and distribution.
Medical history: Review of symptoms, medications, exposures, previous skin conditions, and family history.
Laboratory tests: May be performed when an infection or systemic condition is suspected.
Imaging tests: May be considered for lesions that extend into deeper tissues or when an underlying tumor is suspected.

What Are the Treatment Options for Skin Lesions?

Treatment for skin lesions depends on the underlying cause, type, size, location, symptoms, and whether the lesion is benign or malignant. Some harmless lesions only require observation, while others may require medication or removal.

Medical Treatments

Topical medications: Corticosteroids, antifungal medicines, antibiotics, or other topical treatments may be used depending on the cause.
Oral medications: Oral medicines may be prescribed for infections, inflammatory conditions, or systemic diseases affecting the skin.

Surgical and Procedural Treatments

Excision: The lesion is surgically removed, particularly when it is suspicious, symptomatic, or requires treatment.
Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen may be used to destroy certain superficial skin lesions.
Laser therapy: Specific lasers may be used for selected vascular, pigmented, or other skin lesions.
Mohs surgery: A specialized technique used for certain skin cancers to remove cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy surrounding skin as possible.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Skin Lesions?

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing certain types of skin lesions. The specific risk depends on the underlying condition causing the lesion.

Excessive or prolonged sun exposure
History of skin cancer or previous skin lesions
Family history of skin cancer or certain genetic disorders
Weakened immune system
Chronic skin inflammation or irritation
Exposure to certain infections or allergens
Repeated skin injuries or trauma
Increasing age

How Can Skin Lesions Be Prevented?

Not all skin lesions can be prevented, but protecting the skin and managing underlying conditions can reduce the risk of some lesions and help detect concerning changes early.

Limit excessive sun exposure.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply it as directed.
Wear protective clothing and seek shade when outdoors.
Avoid unnecessary skin trauma and irritation.
Maintain good skin hygiene.
Follow treatment plans for chronic skin conditions.
Perform regular skin self-examinations and report suspicious changes to a healthcare professional.

What Are the Possible Complications of Skin Lesions?

Most skin lesions are harmless, but complications depend on their underlying cause. Infections may spread, some lesions can leave scars, and malignant lesions can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body if not treated.