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……Skin Lesions: Types with Chart, Pictures, Causes, Treatment⬇️⬇️.

There are many different skin lesions and the underlying cause of each will vary.  Some of the possible causes include:

  • Local infection in an area like warts.
  • Systemic infection like chickenpox.
  • Genetics like ichthyosis.
  • Allergies like hives.
  • Irritant like contact dermatitis.
  • Any injury.
  • Medical conditions like diabetes.
  • Drugs.

Some lesions do not have a clear cause behind them.

Primary skin lesions

Primary skin lesions can be present at birth, as in the case of hemangiomas or moles, or they can develop later in life, like acne or melasma, among others.

Some key factors help in identifying these lesions: whether the skin lesion is flat or raised, the size of the lesion, and the consistency or their contents.

Additionally, the color and distribution of the skin lesion can further help in identifying different types of skin lesions.

The various types of primary skin lesions are shown in the chart below.

Chart showing various types of primary skin lesions.
  • Macule: A flat circumscribed skin lesion with a different color (an area of discoloration) and less than 1 cm in size.
  • Patch: A flat skin lesion with a different color and greater than 1 cm.
  • Papule: A circumscribed, elevated, and firm lesion less than 1 cm in size. It may be of different colors.
  • Plaque: A bigger circumscribed, elevated, solid lesion greater than 1 cm in size.
  • Pustule: A circumscribed, elevated lesion filled with pus, usually less than 1 cm in size. These may be white or yellow.
  • Vesicle: A circumscribed, elevated, lesion filled with fluid and less than 0.5 cm in size.
  • Bulla: A circumscribed, elevated, lesion filled with fluid and greater than 0.5 cm in size
  • Nodule: A firm skin lesion that extends into deeper layers of skin (the dermis or subcutaneous tissue). The surface may be flat or form a raised bump. They are usually more than 1 cm in size.
  • Tumor: A firm lesion that is usually greater than 2 cm in size.
  • Cyst: A cyst is a sac or cavity filled with air, fluid, or semisolid material.
  • Wheal: It is an oval, round, or irregular solid, elevated skin lesion. It occurs due to swelling in the dermis. They usually last for a short time.
  • Blood spots: They are the result of bleeding into the skin. Different names are used depending on the size: petechiae < 2 mm, purpura 2-10 mm, and ecchymosis >10 mm.

Secondary skin lesions

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