Skin lesions are abnormal areas on the skin. They can be flat like freckles or raised to form a bump like a blister. Skin lesions can be localized like contact dermatitis rash or they can be generalized like chickenpox.
The color of the lesions can vary too. There are many different types of skin lesions, some are present at birth and some can appear later.
Although most are harmless and may be treated at home, some may be cancerous or serious skin conditions that require medical treatment.
This article includes descriptions of different types of skin lesions with charts and pictures of common skin lesions. It also covers their causes and treatment options.
What is a lesion?
A lesion is a term used for any abnormal area or tissue in the body. A lesion can be cancerous or non-cancerous.
What are skin lesions?
A skin lesion, also known as a cutaneous lesion, is any area of skin that differs from the surrounding normal skin. This difference may be noticeable in color, texture, consistency, or surface characteristics.
Skin lesions can be divided into two types: primary and secondary skin lesions.
Primary skin lesions are the ones that appear first on healthy skin. They are a direct result of an underlying cause. These may be present at birth or may appear later in life.
Secondary skin lesions occur due to the manipulation or progression of primary lesions. For instance, as a blister heals, it may form a crusty skin lesion.
Skin conditions that cause them
Below is a list of 32 conditions that can result in various types of skin lesions, including both non-cancerous and cancerous ones.
NEXT PAGE
