Skin sores

Skin Sores
Synonyms	Skin ulcers, lesions
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Redness, swelling, pain, discharge
Complications	Infection, scarring
Onset	N/A
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Injury, infection, allergic reaction, autoimmune disease
Risks	N/A
Diagnosis	N/A
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Depends on cause; may include antibiotics, topical treatments, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Skin sores are areas of damaged skin that can result from a variety of causes, including injury, infection, or underlying medical conditions. They are also known as skin ulcers or lesions and can vary in severity from minor irritations to serious wounds that require medical attention.

Causes

Skin sores can be caused by:

• Injury: Physical trauma such as cuts, abrasions, or burns can lead to the formation of sores.
• Infection: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause sores. Common examples include impetigo, herpes simplex, and athlete's foot.
• Allergic reaction: Contact with allergens can cause skin irritation and sores.
• Autoimmune disease: Conditions like lupus or psoriasis can lead to chronic skin sores.
• Pressure ulcers: Also known as bedsores, these occur due to prolonged pressure on the skin, often in bedridden patients.

Symptoms

The symptoms of skin sores can include:

• Redness and swelling around the affected area
• Pain or tenderness
• Discharge or pus
• Itching or burning sensation
• Crusting or scabbing

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of skin sores typically involves a physical examination and medical history. Additional tests may include:

• Skin biopsy: To examine the tissue under a microscope.
• Culture test: To identify any infectious agents.
• Blood tests: To check for underlying conditions.

Treatment

Treatment for skin sores depends on the underlying cause:

• Antibiotics: For bacterial infections.
• Antiviral or antifungal medications: For viral or fungal infections.
• Topical treatments: Such as creams or ointments to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove dead tissue.
• Wound care: Proper cleaning and dressing of the sore to prevent infection and promote healing.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Maintaining good hygiene
• Avoiding known allergens
• Using protective gear to prevent injuries
• Regularly changing positions to prevent pressure ulcers

Complications

If left untreated, skin sores can lead to:

• Infection: Which can spread to other parts of the body.
• Scarring: Permanent marks on the skin.
• Chronic wounds: Sores that do not heal properly.

Also see

• Dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Wound healing
• Pressure ulcer