Skin lesions

Skin lesions refer to any abnormal change in the skin’s appearance or texture. They can be a result of various conditions, including infections, chronic diseases, allergic reactions, or trauma. Skin lesions can vary greatly in terms of size, color, shape, and texture, and they may appear anywhere on the body. The classification and characterization of skin lesions are critical for diagnosing underlying health conditions.

Characteristics to Note:

• Color: Lesions can be red, brown, black, white, or skin-colored.
• Size and Shape: Lesions vary in size from tiny spots to large patches. They can be round, oval, or irregularly shaped.
• Texture: Lesions can be smooth, rough, scaly, or crusted.
• Location: Lesions can appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp, face, trunk, extremities, and mucous membranes.

Causes:

• Infections: Bacterial (impetigo), viral (herpes simplex), fungal (ringworm), or parasitic (scabies).
• Chronic Diseases: Psoriasis, eczema, lupus, diabetes.
• Allergic Reactions: Contact dermatitis, urticaria.
• Trauma: Cuts, burns, insect bites.
• Cancer: Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma.

Source | Author Doctor Nikas Samuolis, reviewed by Prof. Virginijus Šapoka | Vilnius University | Faculty of Medicine | Head of the Department of Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, and Oncology