Skin Lesions - Causes, Symptoms & Effects

The hydrated, clean and consistent texture of the skin indicates a hygienic and healthy lifestyle. However, there are instances of abnormal growth in the skin compared to the surrounding tissue.

This can be benign, symmetrical and generalised or cancerous depending on the growth. It is essential to observe the changes in skin and consult a dermatologist at the earliest.

Keep reading to learn more about skin lesions and their treatment.

Skin lesions are areas of skin that look patchy and different from the surrounding areas. They are often bumpy and can cause irritation and redness. These lesions have different characteristics such as shape, colour, texture and size.

Ideally, skin lesions are caused due to localised damage to the skin. Conditions such as infections, genetic disorders, diabetes can also lead to such skin issues.

Though most skin lesions are benign and harmless, there can be a chance of malignancy. Avoiding the condition for a longer time can lead to situations like skin cancer.

Skin lesions are divided into two types: primary and secondary. Primary skin lesions usually originate on healthy skin due to certain conditions. Blisters, freckles, moles are examples of primary skin lesions.

Secondary skin lesions develop from the growth of primary lesions due to scratching, rubbing or traumatic manipulation. Treatment methods can also cause secondary lesions. Skin conditions like ulcers, crusts, scars, etc., are a form of secondary lesions.

Now that you know what skin lesions are, let’s check the leading causes behind them.

Multiple conditions can cause primary and secondary skin lesions.

The conditions that can lead to skin lesions are as follows.

• Acne
• Carbuncles and boils 
• Bruises
• Burns and sunburn
• Scrapes or cuts 
• Exposure to wind or sun
• Folliculitis
• Freckles
• Injury caused to existing skin lesions
• Insect bites 
• Keloid 
• Moles and benign skin growths
• Skin tags

Some age-related factors can cause skin lesions in humans.

• Delicate skin
• Xerosis
• Age spots
• Bacterial infection
• Streptococcus
• Meningococcal meningitis
• Diabetes
• Varicella-zoster
• Chickenpox or shingles

Other factors like reaction to jewellery, food allergy, medication allergies, etc., can also cause skin lesions.

Individuals should know that skin lesions can turn into life-threatening conditions when left undiagnosed. Severe allergies can lead to rashes or hives, causing swelling in the throat or mouth.

Skin lesions in most cases occur alongside bacterial or viral infections. They can also occur when an individual’s immune system reacts to an allergen leading to symptoms like:

• Difficulty in breathing
• Chills and fever 
• Headache
• Itchiness
• Joint stiffness or pain
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Swelling
• Redness
• Sweating
• Sores with pus

If the condition deteriorates, the symptoms can include - 

• High fever
• Rash with coughing or fever
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Rash after taking new medications
• Breathing problems
• Swelling of the lips, face or tongue

Let’s check the types of skin lesions to understand the concept better.

Primary skin lesions develop from birth or over a lifetime. They can be caused due to specific reasons like skin reactions or internal and external conditions. This is further divided into three categories- 

• Lesions caused by fluid within vesicles or pustules.
• Skin lesions that are palpable masses.
• Patches and macules that are flat.

The common types of primary lesion include -

• Bullae - Bullous skin lesions are less than 1cm and can be caused by friction, contact dermatitis, etc. There can be chances of infection when the fluid turns milky. 
• Cyst - An elevated area of the skin that is filled with fluid.
• Macule -  A flat lesion that is less than 0.5cm and different in colour.
• Nodules - These are of small or medium growth and filled with dead tissues or fluid. They are usually wider than pimples.
• Papule - This lesion is solid in shape and measures up to 0.5 cm in size. 
• Patch - This is a flat and non-palpable lesion that is bigger than 0.5 cm in size.
• Plaque - It is larger than 1-2 cm in diameter and raised like a solid, papule and rough top.
• Telangiectasia - They are clusters of spider veins where red lines are caused by tiny blood vessels.
• Tumour - A tumour is bigger than a nodule which can be benign or malignant. They are generally larger than 0.5 cm.
• Vesicle - A vesicle is filled with fluid and measures less than 0.5 cm in size.

Secondary skin lesions occur when the primary lesions are disturbed or irritated. The conditions are similar to eczema and can turn into crust when scratched.

The common types of secondary skin lesions are -

• Atrophy - It occurs when the skin turns transparent, paper-like or wrinkled due to steroids.
• Crust -  These are bumpy growth caused by dried fluids like pus or blood.
• Erosion - Erosion is caused by epidermis loss, causing a moist appearance.
• Excoriation - Linear scratches cause excoriation.
• Fissure - Infection or linear break that is caused in the dermis can cause crack and excessive dryness.
• Lichenification - This is caused by thickening epidermis.
• Maceration - Contacting water or fluid for an extended period can cause the skin to become light and wrinkly. 
• Scale - Growth of keratinised cells flake off the skin by forming patches.
• Umbilication - It looks similar to the navel due to its depth.

These are types of lesions that individuals with skin infections should check. They should be aware of the diagnosis and treatments for skin lesions.

Technically, aged individuals have an increased susceptibility to this disease. Skin lesions on face and other areas can be caused by several conditions like -

• Heredity
• Age
• Genetic condition of having freckles or moles
• Individuals with food or jewellery allergy
• People suffering from autoimmune diseases

Individuals with the mentioned conditions can keep a tab over the skin conditions and symptoms of lesions. This will speed up the diagnostic process.

Skin lesions are diagnosed with physical examination and by profiling the medical history. A dermatologist examines the size, location, colour, shape and depth of the lesion. They compare the growth with the other lesions and plan a treatment accordingly.

Nevertheless, the methods of diagnosis include -

• Dermoscopy
• Wood’s lamp examination - This is a good method to identify the skin conditions like black skin lesions.
• Medical history - A dermatologist might assess the medical history of a patient. This includes asking about allergies, contact with irritants, medications, sun exposure, previous malignancy, etc.

Some skin lesions may require additional diagnostic tests like- 

• Allergy test
• Blood tests
• X-ray or CT scan
• Biopsy
• Wound swabs for microbiological examinations. 

Now, let’s find out how to treat skin lesions as recommended by medical practitioners.

The treatment of skin lesions usually depends on diagnosis of the causes. The general treatment procedure includes -

Medications

Doctors suggest topical medications to reduce the inflammation. This technique helps protect the affected area from further damage.

Surgery

Dermatologists may remove suspicious moles surgically. They may opt for laser treatment of vascular skin lesions to ensure minimum damage.

Home Remedies

Individuals can try home remedies that can relieve the itchiness and offer comfort. Treatments like an oatmeal bath or aloe vera can soothe the burning sensation. However, these methods are temporary and should be done under precaution.

Individuals should know that skin lesions are not preventable. It can be caused by genetic conditions or allergies.

However, individuals can try these methods to reduce the effect of skin lesions.

• One should regularly wash their hands and body with gentle soap.
• It is better to avoid sharing drinking glasses and utensils.
• Individuals should not touch the infected skin of people with lesions.
• It is advisable to clean gym equipment and other public spots before using.
• Sharing personal items like combs, blankets, undergarments, toothbrushes, swimsuits, etc., should be avoided.
• Individuals should avoid eating junk and oily foods.
• Sleeping for at least eight hours and drinking adequate water can reduce the chances of lesions.
• Individuals should practice meditation.
• One should maintain a healthy and balanced diet.
• Individuals should consult a doctor in conditions like chickenpox.

Now that you know everything regarding skin lesions, you will be able to identify its symptoms if you come across them. However, you should always get in touch with a dermatologist to know more about this condition.