Skin lesions can be best described as parts of the skin with abnormal growth or appearance. They can be skin moles, rashes, red spots or any other parts of the skin you might consider unnatural looking. Here are some common examples of skin lesions:
- Blisters: Blisters are harmless skin lesions – basically they are small lesions on the skin filled with fluid. They can be a result of sun or steam burns, insect bites and more.
- Macules: Macules are smaller skin lesions, mostly in brown, white and red. Common examples of macules are moles and freckles. These skin lesions are not dangerous by themselves but can pose a threat when evolving over time.
- Plaques: Plaques are patches of skin lesions. They usually have a rough texture and are known to be common on people with psoriasis.
- Rashes: Rashes are skin lesions that can cover a portion of the body. The size of the rashes depends on the cause and differs with every person. Rashes are an allergic reaction and mostly harmless.
- Pustule: Pustules are small lesions that are filled with pus, hence the name. They come in different forms, but acne is the most common.
So what causes skin lesions?
As there are numerous skin lesions, there are also multiple causes that can be described. But the most common cause of skin lesions are infections on the skin. These infections can come from plants, humans and other sources. An allergic reaction is also a common cause, which can result in all sorts of lesions. Last but not least there’s the hereditary factor, which for example causes moles.
What does a normal mole look like?
Analyzing skin lesions
As a lot of skin lesions are not dangerous, treatment is fairly easy in most cases. But, of course, there are exceptions. Analyzing skin lesions is carried out by a dermatologist or doctor, who conducts a full physical exam to diagnose the skin lesion and advise on further steps. As a first check, you might consider using skin apps like SkinVision to have an indication if your skin lesion might pose a risk.
Skin lesions and treatment
As there is a wide range of skin lesions, it’s hard to say something about treatment. Each lesion might require a different treatment – but in most cases, the use of drugs or skin products may hold the resolution. Of course in the case of skin cancer lesions, that’s a different story.
If you don’t feel comfortable about your skin or any lesions you might come across, make sure to do a self-check or go and see your GP or dermatologist to have a spot diagnosed.
