Skin Lesions

A study of 148000 outpatients recorded 15% infectious skin lesions among patients. This statistic translates to how common skin infections are rapidly and widely spreading across the globe. It happens to the best of us. The key to downsizing these numbers is understanding what causes these skin infections and identifying some alarming symptoms. In this article, we will explore skin lesions, their symptoms, types, and treatment options in depth.

What are skin lesions?
A skin lesion is an area of the skin that is either different or abnormal from other parts of your skin.  It could take a different shape, size, color, or texture.  The most common types of lesions that our skin normally exhibits are moles, warts, rashes, acne, freckles, and even pimples. Skin lesions can be caused by sunburns, food allergies, damage to the skin, exerting too much pressure on one area of the skin, and even insect bites.

How can you identify a skin lesion?
Several conditions can cause lesions on the skin, but two broad categories can be used to categorize this.

The primary skin lesions 
These are lesions we are born with or develop over our lifetime. Take acne as an example. You may not have been born with acne, but as you age, you may notice your face breaking out. The primary skin lesions can manifest as Boils, rashes, and chicken pox.

• Acnes. Acne is a primary skin lesion that can appear as a pimple, white head, or boil. When you burst this pimple, it leaves a dark spot on that area, creating a secondary lesion.
• Hives. Hives are caused mainly by insect bites or allergic reactions to certain foods. If a bee stings you, a caterpillar gets in contact with your skin, your skin develops hives.
• Cold sores. These are crusty, pus-filled, painful yellow wounds that show when you catch a cold. They appear at the corners of the mouth, upper lip, or lower lip.
• Bullae. These are red, swollen, pimple-like cysts that appear on the part of the skin where you’ve applied too much friction. They’re primarily seen on our hands and feet.
• After braid cysts. They appear on the skin due to pressure exerted on the hair follicles during braiding. They mostly appear at the back of the neck, forehead, and sideways.
• Epidermoid cysts. These are yellow, fluid-filled pimples that appear at the back of the neck, heels, and soles of the feet.
• The secondary skin lesions. Secondary skin lesions result from manipulating an already existing lesion. For example, if you interfere with cysts, you leave a scar on that part of your skin. The resulting scar now becomes the secondary skin lesions. Secondary lesions can also show up as scars, scales, or ulcers.

Are skin lesions cancerous?
It’s important to note that not all skin lesions are cancerous, especially the primary ones. These benign lesions are noncancerous and usually go away on their own. If you don’t like how they look on your skin, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. For example, you can seek many cleansers, moisturizers, ointments, and creams to treat acne. Malign lesions, on the other hand, are skin cancers. Look for two things: a wound that doesn’t seem to be healing and a continuous increase in the size of the wound.

Symptoms of skin lesions
According to NCBI, the most common reason for hospitalization is the increase in skin infection through lesions by a whopping 65% in the previous years. If you happen to notice any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them.

• Swelling.
• Itchiness.
• Change in color of your skin (black, red)
• Pain.

Additionally, the most predominant types of skin lesions are skin and soft tissue infections. These infections are caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even parasites.
Skin and soft tissue infections result in skin lesions like cellulitis, impetigo, folliculitis, ecthyma, and furuncles.

How to cure skin lesions
If you notice any of the above symptoms, book a consultation appointment with Dr. Luciano Fiszer. They will examine your skin and advise you accordingly. In rare cases, patients ask for tests, but if any, you might be required to do a blood test, microbial swap, bioscopy, and allergy test.

The best cream for treating bacterial skin infection is the mupirocin ointment. This medication kills existing bacteria while also preventing the growth of new ones. To exercise caution, you can implement these tips to avoid skin lesions.

• Wash your hands well
• Handle cuts and wounds with care
• Avoid contact( skin to skin) with someone who has skin infection
• Avoid sharing personal effects like towels and razors.

In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding of skin lesions empowers you to take proactive steps towards healthier skin. If you’re concerned about any symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult Dr. Luciano Fiszer for personalized advice and treatment options. Your skin’s health starts with informed decisions—take charge of it today.