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Skin Lesions

What are Skin Lesions?

Skin lesions are abnormal changes in the skin’s appearance or texture. They can vary widely in size, shape, and color and may result from various causes, including infections, inflammation, or growths. Common types of skin lesions include cysts, lipomas, warts, and moles.

Types of Skin Lesions

Here are some common types of skin lesions you might encounter:

Cysts: Closed sacs filled with fluid or semi-solid material, often arising from blocked hair follicles or glands.

Lipomas: Soft, benign tumors made of fatty tissue, typically appearing as movable, painless lumps beneath the skin.

Warts: Small, rough growths caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), commonly found on hands, feet, or other areas.

Moles: Pigmented spots or growths on the skin, which can be flat or raised and vary in color.

Symptoms of Skin Lesions

Skin lesions can appear in various forms and may indicate underlying conditions, including benign growths or skin cancer. Common symptoms to watch for include:

Changes in Color: Lesions that change color or have uneven pigmentation, such as darkening, reddening, or becoming multicolored.

Size and Shape Variations: Sudden growth or changes in the shape of a lesion, especially irregular borders or asymmetry, may signal concern.

Itching or Pain: Lesions that become itchy, tender, or painful, particularly if these sensations persist or worsen over time.

Bleeding or Crusting: Lesions that bleed, scab, or develop crusts can be a sign of irritation or malignancy.

Non-Healing Sores: Any lesion that does not heal or keeps reopening over several weeks should be evaluated by a doctor.

Monitoring changes in skin lesions and seeking prompt medical evaluation is essential, as some lesions can indicate skin cancer or other serious conditions.

Causes and Risk Factors​

Skin lesions can result from various factors and conditions:

Genetics: Some skin lesions, like certain types of moles or cysts, may have a hereditary component.

Infections: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can lead to warts or other types of skin lesions.

Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of skin lesions such as actinic keratosis or skin cancer.

Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like acne or eczema can cause cysts or other skin changes.

Diagnosing Skin Lesions

Diagnosing skin lesions typically involves a combination of physical examination and diagnostic tests:

Physical Examination: A thorough examination of the lesion, including its appearance, size, and texture.

Skin Biopsy: Removal of a small sample of the lesion for microscopic examination to determine if it is benign or malignant.

Imaging Tests: In some cases, imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI may be used to assess the lesion’s depth and surrounding tissue.

Treatments for Skin Lesions

Treatment for skin lesions depends on the type and severity of the lesion:

Medications: Topical or oral medications may be prescribed to treat infections or inflammation.

Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, or electrosurgery to remove or reduce lesions.

Surgery: Surgical removal of larger or deeper lesions, including cysts, lipomas, or suspicious moles.

Observation: Some benign lesions may simply be monitored for any changes over time.

What Happens If Left Untreated?​

If left untreated, some skin lesions may cause discomfort, become infected, or lead to further complications. In certain cases, particularly with lesions that are potentially malignant, delayed treatment can result in the spread of cancer or other serious health issues. Regular monitoring and timely treatment are essential to prevent these outcomes.

Schedule a Consultation

If you have a skin lesion that concerns you or need treatment, contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists. We can provide a thorough evaluation, discuss your options, and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your needs.

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  • Schertz Clinic
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