Freckles are flat skin lesions (macular lesions) with extra pigment which can be red, tan, yellow, or brown in color. They are two types:
Ephelides: These are the freckles that appear in childhood. These are small, red to brown in color, and do not have well-defined borders. They are frequently seen on the face, arms, neck, and chest. They usually fade in winter.
Solar lentigines (Age spots, sunspots, or liver spots): These appear as flat tan or brown skin lesions on the sun-exposed areas like the face and back of hands in older individuals. These have a well-defined border and these do not fade in winter.
Treatment
Freckles are usually harmless and don’t need treatment unless for cosmetic reasons or if they look suspicious. They can be lightened by retinoids, lasers, chemical peels, or dermabrasion.
14. Hives
Hives called urticaria can lead to the formation of wheals. These are oval, round, or irregularly shaped itchy skin lesions. They can be skin-colored, pink, red, or tan in color. If you press them, they become pale.
They usually disappear in a short time. However, sometimes they can last longer (more than 6 weeks) and are called chronic hives.
Cause
These often occur due to the release of histamine from the immune cells. This can occur in response to certain foods, medications, infections, pollen, dust, etc.
Treatment
Over-the-counter antihistamines may reduce the symptoms. One should avoid the triggering factor.
In some cases, hives may be associated with swelling of the face, throat, and other parts of the body leading to difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, dizziness, and confusion. This is called anaphylaxis.
If one has any of these symptoms, one should go to the hospital immediately.
15. Impetigo
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial infection that can lead to red bumps which form blisters. These can burst leading to sores, red patches, over which honey-colored crust forms.
It is usually seen in children and involves the area around the mouth and nose.
Cause
It occurs due to infection by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. One can acquire it by direct contact with the lesions or contaminated surfaces.
Treatment
It is treated with mupirocin which is a topical antibiotic. Oral antibiotics may be required in a few cases.
16. Insect bites
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