Skin lesion

Skin lesion is a broad term that refers to any abnormality on the surface of the skin. These abnormalities can vary greatly in appearance, and can be present in a variety of forms, such as rashes, moles, skin tags, blisters, abscesses, and wounds, among others.

Types of Skin Lesions

There are two main types of skin lesions: primary and secondary.

Primary skin lesions are those which occur as a direct result of a disease process. Examples include macules, papules, nodules, tumors, vesicles, bullae, pustules, cysts, wheals, and plaques.

Secondary skin lesions are those which occur as a result of the progression of primary skin lesions, or as a result of external factors such as scratching, infection, or the healing process. Examples include scales, crusts, excoriations, lichenifications, scars, keloids, ulcers, fissures, and atrophy.

Causes of Skin Lesions

Skin lesions can be caused by a wide range of factors, including infections, allergies, inflammatory processes, skin cancers, and genetic disorders. They can also be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, chemicals, or physical trauma.

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of skin lesions typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and possibly further diagnostic tests such as a biopsy, dermoscopy, or skin culture. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the skin lesion, and may involve topical medications, systemic medications, surgery, or other interventions.

See Also

• Dermatology
• Skin disease
• Skin condition
• List of cutaneous conditions