Skin Lesions
Overview Skin lesions, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, are described as abnormal lumps, bumps, ulcers, sores, or colored areas of the skin. A skin lesion could be a part of the skin that, in comparison to the skin around it, has an abnormal appearance or growth. Though some skin lesions could be… Read More
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Skin Lesions
Table of contents
Overview
Skin lesions, according to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, are described as abnormal lumps, bumps, ulcers, sores, or colored areas of the skin.
A skin lesion could be a part of the skin that, in comparison to the skin around it, has an abnormal appearance or growth. Though some skin lesions could be a sign of skin cancer, most are harmless.
Lesions on the skin can be caused by many health issues and conditions like clothes or shoes rubbing against the skin. Within a few weeks, some of these lesions will resolve without medicines, but some, like psoriasis, which are long-term diseases, will require treatment.
Categories of Skin Lesions
The categories of skin lesions that exist include primary and secondary skin lesions.
Primary skin lesions
Primary skin lesions are those acquired over the person’s lifetime or skin conditions that are abnormal and present at birth. The different types include Birthmarks, Moles, Acne, Blisters, Nodules, rashes, wheals, papules, and pustules.
Secondary skin lesions
Secondary lesions happen when primary skin lesions are manipulated or irritated. An example is the resulting skin lesion or crust when one scratches a mole till it bleeds, known as a secondary skin lesion. The different types include Skin atrophy, ulcers, scars, scales, and crusts.
Causes of skin lesions
- The most common cause of skin lesions is the presence of a skin infection.
- Skin lesions can occur all through the body when an infection affects the whole body, like chicken pox and shingles.
- Warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), and HPV can be transmitted via direct skin contact from one person to another. The herpes simplex virus causes genital herpes and cold sores, which can be passed by direct contact.
- Allergic reactions can also be the cause of some. Skin lesions like allergic eczema and contact dermatitis while skin sensitivity caused by diabetes or poor circulation can also cause skin lesions.
- Moles and freckles are some hereditary skin lesions, while lesions like birthmarks are there at the time of birth.
People who are at risk
- Individuals with some form of allergies tend to be at risk of getting lesions on the skin that is connected to their allergies.
- For hereditary skin lesions, like moles and freckles, people will likely get these lesions if they have family members who have either skin lesions.
- Some individuals risk developing skin lesions throughout their lives, particularly those with autoimmune disorders like psoriasis.
Skin Conditions that cause skin lesions
1. Acne: Acne may cause the skin to be scarred or dark if left untreated. When dead cells of the skin and sebum (the natural oil of the skin) clog the skin, this can cause acne. Acne is mostly seen on the neck, face, shoulders, upper back, and chest. Sometimes the lesions can get inflamed due to the entry of bacteria into the clogged skin. Acne, also known as breakouts, comprises pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, or deep painful cysts and nodules. Though acne can be harmless for some, it can cause low esteem for some. There will be a need to see a dermatologist if the acne is severe or the over-the-counter drug does not work.
2. Eczema: Eczema is a common chronic condition. There is no cure for it; however, one can manage the symptoms with medications and lifestyle. The cause of eczema isn’t known. It often appears on the skin as patches that are itchy and red. It can be found on the forearms and hands. The National Eczema Association advises people with eczema to moisturize and bathe daily, use the prescribed medications and avoid what may worsen the condition.
3. Impetigo: Impetigo is a contagious infection caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. It spreads easily and is mainly found in children and babies. It causes an irritating rash, and this rash is located around the chin, nose, and mouth. This also causes fluid-filled blisters that easily pop and forms a crust that is honey in color.
4. Cold sores: Cold sores usually appear near the mouth and lips. It is typically painful, red, and with blisters filled with fluid. The blisters can either occur in clusters or alone. The viruses herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2) cause lesions, including genital and oral lesions, and the infection caused is contagious. Most times, persons do not realize that they have the disease until cold sores are noticed on or around their lips. Before cold sores become visible, the affected area will most times burn or tingle. Within a few weeks, cold sores may heal without medication. The cold sores reoccur from time to time and are triggered by factors like menstruation, stress, exposure to the sun, or illness.
5. Actinic keratosis: Actinic keratosis appears on skin that the sun has damaged, which most times are parts of the body that are being exposed more to the sun, which include the hands, face, arms, neck, and scalp. The risk of developing skin cancer increases for those with actinic keratosis. It is usually less than 2 centimeters and is a thick, scaly, or crusty skin patch. Though the color is typically pink, it could still be a brown, tan, or gray base.
6. Psoriasis: The exact cause of psoriasis isn’t known. It is an autoimmune disorder and has no cure. It may present with no symptoms or may be itchy. The patches formed on the skin may be itchy or scaly. Though the patches can appear on any part of the body, they tend to develop on the knees, lower back, scalp, or knees.
7. Chickenpox: This is a contagious infection characterized by rash and other symptoms, including fever, sore throat, body aches, and loss of appetite. At the various stages of healing, chicken pox leaves clusters of red, itchy, and fluid-filled blisters on the body. Until all the blisters have crusted over, a person with chickenpox is still contagious.
8. Shingles: the rash caused by shingles can be excruciating, and the rash can be seen mainly on the torso; however, it can still appear on any other part of the body, including the face. The rash comprises clusters of blisters containing fluids that weep fluid after breaking easily. This rash, painful as it is even without blisters, may tingle, itch or burn. The rash may come with chills, headache, fatigue, or low-grade fever.
9. Blisters: Blisters look like bubbles formed on the skin when serum (a watery liquid) is leaked into the damaged area when the skin gets injured. The most common causes of blisters include rubbing, infections, allergies, and burns. Blisters are characterized by clear, watery, fluid-filled areas on the skin, which may either occur on their own or group. These lesions can resolve without the use of drugs. The risk of getting infected increases when these blisters are popped or burst.
10. Rash: A rash may be a medical emergency requiring urgent attention. A rash can be said to be a noticeable change on the skin, be it the color or texture of the skin. Rashes can be caused by some things, including the side effects of some medicine, bites from insects, fungal or bacterial skin infection, an autoimmune disease, or an allergic reaction. Though some rashes can be managed at home, however, urgent medical attention may be needed for rashes that are severe, especially if they present with symptoms like fever, pain, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, or vomiting.
11. Boil: these are mostly seen on the neck, armpit, face, and buttock but can also appear on any place on the body. Bacterial or fungal infection of either the oil gland or a hair follicle is the cause of boil. Boils are raised bumps that are painful, red in color, and with either a white or yellow center. When a boil ruptures, fluids are released.
12. Hives: these are characterized by rashes that itch, are red, and are bumpy. Hives occur when a person is exposed to allergens. They can be mildly painful and warm to the touch.
13. Wart: warts can be passed from one to another because they are contagious. Warts can be found on either the mucous membranes or the skin. They are characterized by bumps that are raised and rough. Warts are caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV).
14. Diabetic bullae: this is also known as bullosis diabeticorum. A distinct marker for diabetes is Diabetic bullae. They are seen spontaneously in a diabetic patient, mainly on the feet and hands. They are usually blister-like lesions that are painless with irregular shapes. Though they are rare in occurrence, They are mostly seen in men than women and among the age group of 17 and 84 years.
15. Skin cancer (non-melanoma): the appearance of a patch that is discolored or lump which persists after a few weeks is usually the first sign of non-melanoma skin cancer. This progresses slowly for months or years. The cancerous patches are mostly scaly and flat, while the cancerous lumps are firm and red and can sometimes turn to ulcers. The areas that are usually exposed to the sun, like the ears, face, hands, shoulders, back, and upper chest, will most likely have Non-melanoma skin cancer developing there.
Treatment
- The underlying cause of the skin lesion will determine the kind of treatment to be administered. Topical medications are usually the first line of medications for skin lesions. Apart from helping to reduce inflammation and protect the affected area, it can help relieve the individual of mild symptoms like itching, pain, or burning sensation associated with a skin lesion.
- Oral medications may be prescribed for skin lesions caused by a systemic infection like shingles or chicken pox to help relieve the symptoms, including the lesions caused by the disease. Some skin lesions may need to be drained to provide relief.
- Some home care therapy to help ease symptoms of skin lesions include;
- To relieve itching or burning symptoms of skin lesions, an oatmeal bath or lotions can be used
- You can use protective balms or absorbents to prevent skin lesions from developing while reducing friction, particularly in areas where chafing is causing contact dermatitis.
Reference
https://www.dermtnz.org/topics/skin-problems-associated-with-diabetes-mellitus