HOW A DERMATOLOGIST IDENTIFIES DIFFERENT TYPES OF SKIN LESIONS

 



Skin lesions are characterised as patches or regions of the skin that differ from the surrounding skin in appearance. They manifest as red, blue, or much darker-colored lumps, strips, or clusters. These lesions may occur for a variety of reasons, and each lesion will require a unique approach depending on its kind. While the majority of skin lesions are not dangerous, some can develop into more severe skin conditions. Because of this, it's critical to spot them early so that they can receive the necessary care. Dr. Afhan Ahmed, a dermatologist on staff, helped us explain some of the most prevalent skin lesions below, including their appearance, primary causes, and recommended treatments. Find out by reading on.

  • 1. Acne
  • 2. Chickenpox
  • 3. Eczema
  • 4. Scabies
  • 5. Shingles
  • 6. Dermatitis from contact
  • 7. Ringworm
  • 8. Hives
  • 9. Keloid
  • 10. Chilly sores
 

1. Acne

Acne - Common types of skin lesions

In the simplest terms possible, acne is a variety of inflammatory conditions. It manifests as papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts and develops as a result of bacterial proliferation. Many factors, primarily genetic, environmental, nutritional, stress-related, and hormonal ones, may be to blame. In order to address the underlying cause of acne, both topical and oral medications are effective treatments. The severity and underlying cause of the acne will define the course of treatment, with post-treatment scar management being a completely other method yet working in tandem with it.

 

2. Chickenpox

Chickenpox - Common types of skin lesions

One of the most prevalent viral illnesses in both children and adults is chickenpox. The varicella-zoster virus is to blame for the illness, which commonly manifests as a very familiar-looking skin rash. A few days before the rash appears, the patient will have an upper respiratory infection that causes flu-like symptoms such a sore throat, mild throat pain, appetite loss, and possible fever. The emergence of a rash that a dermatologist can quickly identify as a chickenpox rash follows this. Antiviral medications like acyclovir and valacyclovir are used in the treatment along with topical or oral antibiotics to prevent infection and excessive scarring from the rash.

 

3. Eczema

Eczema - Common types of skin lesions

Eczema is an inflammatory condition that causes scaly, reddish, and itchy skin areas. It can happen at any age, from childhood to adulthood. The most prevalent kind of eczema seen in patients, atopic dermatitis, has many environmental factors. Depending on the degree and kind of the condition, treatment choices range from utilising merely a very good moisturising skincare regimen to using occasional drugs and making the appropriate lifestyle modifications as advised by dermatologists.

 

4. Scabies

Scabies - Common types of skin lesions

A mite called Sarcoptes scabiei causes the severely irritating illness known as scabies. The syndrome is primarily present in cramped or substandard housing. It can occasionally be seen in homes with pets, recently moved-in homes, old clothing, and dusty regions. Lesions commonly develop in the finger web gaps, where the mites are typically buried in the skin and visible as burrows on the skin. Scabies needs to be treated right away for the sufferer as well as the entire family. Typically, creams like permethrin and crotamiton are applied, sometimes with the addition of antibiotics and antihistamines.

 

5. Shingles

Shingles - Common types of skin lesions

Herpes zoster, a viral infection brought on by the same chickenpox virus, is a common term used to describe the medical disease. If the patient had chickenpox in the past or had contact with the virus, the virus remains latent in the spinal cord. It becomes triggered and travels through one specific cutaneous nerve that is supplying one specific area of the body unilaterally and manifests as shingles under certain bodily conditions or immune parameters. They are clusters of painful, burning blisters that are filled with fluid and have a reddish skin base. They present unilaterally, as is fairly common, and need to be treated right away with antiviral drugs such acyclovir and valacyclovir, as well as,antibiotics taken orally. The less difficulties this ailment causes, the sooner it is addressed.

 

6. Dermatitis from contact

Contact Dermatitis - Common types of skin lesions

The two main kinds of contact dermatitis are allergic contact dermatitis and irritating contact dermatitis. It manifests as extremely itchy or inflamed skin in various distributions and can be brought on by any internal or environmental source. The most typical causes of allergic contact dermatitis that we encounter include specific drugs, cosmetics, plant saps, insect touch, or hair dyes. With comparable triggers, irritant contact dermatitis is also rather frequent. Topical steroid therapy and oral antihistamines are simple and effective treatments for these diseases.

 

7. Ringworm

Ringworm - Common types of skin lesions

The term "ringworm" refers to a medical ailment known as tinea, which has several kinds and names according on where it manifests. Everywhere from the scalp to the toes can experience it. The areas of our bodies where we sweat the most, such as the underarms, groyne, and under the breasts, are where it is most prevalent. It is a fungal infection that needs to be treated as soon as possible using oral and topical antifungals. The majority of people abuse the topical steroid combo creams sold at pharmacies, which results in delayed and inefficient treatment. To prevent further problems, you should visit a dermatologist about the situation as soon as you notice it.

 

8. Hives

Hives - Common types of skin lesions

Urticaria is a term used frequently to describe a medical ailment. These large-looking, crimson, itchy swellings that can appear anywhere on the body are characterised by their itching and redness. Its primary cause is an allergic reaction, which can occur when you consume certain foods, chemicals, or medications, or when you come into touch with certain allergens externally. It is triggered by a histamine release in the skin, which is where the illness is evident, and has a number of causes, including bee stings and other plant irritants. Antiallergic medications administered as soon as feasible and in the proper dosage can very simply treat it.

 

9. Keloid

Keloid - Common types of skin lesions

Keloid literally translates to "claw" from its name. It is a scar tissue that has no control over its growth and won't stop. As a result, it digs into the nearby skin and basically grows like an unregulated scar tissue. The patient experiences a great deal of discomfort in addition to an unpleasant appearance. There are many various treatment methods available, and it is recommended to avoid surgery as it could lead to a larger keloid.Injections or intralesional triamcinolone acetonide spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart are two highly successful therapy modalities that can be used alone or in combination to treat it. This course of treatment has shown excellent results when combined with other drugs like fluorouracil and medical procedures like cryotherapy and liquid nitrogen therapy. Many people have also benefited from scar gels, silicone patches, and pressure patches.

 

10. Chilly sores

Cold sores - Common types of skin lesions

The genuine viral infection known as herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)—which is also the cause of cold sores—is commonly referred to as "cold sores" by laypeople. They can affect people of all ages, spread in various ways, and are treated with antiviral medications like acyclovir or valacyclovir. The diagnosis may also be confirmed by a blood test. The reason it is named a cold sore is because it is a very frequent ailment that is typically observed during a period of febrile illness or fever, or if a patient is ill with a cold, cough, or flu.

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