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!
In This Article
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:
1. Acne
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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.
Related: Facial Steam For Acne: Benefits And A Step-By-Step Guide StyleCraze Says 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
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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. Treatment can help manage symptoms, but there is no cure. Consult a doctor if you are having discomfort and pain due to eczema.
Related: Tips To Use Neem Oil For Eczema
3. Blisters
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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.
Related: 16 Home Remedies For Blisters On The Tongue & Prevention Tips
4. Rash
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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
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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.
Related: 20 Home Remedies To Get Rid Of Cold Sores And Prevention Tips
6. Hives
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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.
StyleCraze Says Relive your itch by applying calamine lotion and cut your fingernails short to avoid scratches.
7. Moles
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Moles form when skin cells grow in clusters instead of spreading evenly throughout the skin. These cells (melanocytes) 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
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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
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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
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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.
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 biopsy may also be conducted if the diagnosis is still unclear.
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 (14). If you have an infection, such as shingles, a doctor may prescribe oral medications.
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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 cancer.
- Piercing and draining an infected lesion.
- Removal of damaged skin tissue through laser surgery. Doctors may recommend laser surgery to eliminate birthmarks.
- 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 or swelling caused by certain skin lesions (15).
To prevent lesions from your skin rubbing against garments, apply absorbent powder.
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 a doctor? 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 infection.
- If eczema 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.
In A Nutshell
Skin lesions are a broad category of growths, bumps, and lumps on the skin surface. They can be moles, cysts, skin malignancies, etc. If you have any worries about a lesion, seek immediate medical attention. Early detection and treatment always lead to positive outcomes. You should also get any sudden changes in a lesion checked by a doctor.
Key Takeaways
- Primary skin lesions are abnormal skin growths present at birth or develop over time.
- Eczema is a skin condition that causes dry, scaly, or irritated skin.
- Hereditary and environmental factors may cause eczema.
- Itching, redness, and pain caused by lesions can be relieved with topical ointments.
