There are many different types of skin lesions that you can be born with or acquire. Some are benign, which means they are harmless. Others can be severe and cancerous. They may appear all over your body, or they may be in one place.
The shape can vary, too. Some lesions are symmetrical, meaning they are the same shape all the way around. Others are irregular in shape.
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery describes a skin lesion as an abnormal lump, bump, ulcer, sore, or colored area of the skin. The way a skin lesion looks and where it appears can help identify it. To find the cause of a skin lesion, healthcare providers consider:
ColorSizeTextureLocation
This article looks at 20 different types of skin lesions, their causes, and their treatment.
Primary vs. Secondary Skin Lesions
Skin lesions are either primary or secondary. Primary skin lesions are either present from birth or develop during your lifetime.
Secondary skin lesions arise from primary skin lesions. This can happen when a primary skin lesion is:
DisturbedIrritatedChanges over time
For example, if eczema is scratched, a crust may form. The crust is a secondary lesion.
Primary Skin Lesions
Primary skin lesions tend to be divided into three groups:
Lesions formed by fluid within the skin layers: Examples include vesicles and pustules. Lesions that are solid masses: Examples include nodules and tumors. Flat lesions: Examples include patches and macules.
Types of primary lesion include:
Bulla: A vesicle that is more than 0. 5 centimeters (0. 2 inch) and is filled with fluid. Cyst: A raised area of the skin that has clear borders and is filled with fluid or semi-solid fluid. Macule: A flat lesion that is different in color, and less than 0. 5 centimeter (0. 2 inch) in size. Papule or maculopapular: An elevated solid lesion, up to 0. 5 centimeter (0. 2 inch) in size. It has clear borders and is firm. It can appear in various colors. Patch: A flat lesion that is different in color and greater than 0. 5 centimeter (0. 2 inch) in size. Plaque: A lesion that is raised like a papule and is greater than 1-2 centimeter (0. 4 to 0. 8 inch) in size. It is solid, rough, and flat-topped. Vesicle: A fluid-filled blister less than 0. 5 centimeter (0. 2 inch) in size. Pustule: Similar to a vesicle but filled with pus instead of fluid. Nodule: A circular, elevated, solid bump greater than 0. 5 centimeter (0. 2 inch) in size. Telangiectasia: Clusters of “spider veins” where tiny blood vessels cause red lines on the skin. Tumor: A lesion that is larger than 0. 5 centimeter (0. 2 inch) in size but looks similar to a nodule. Tumors can be benign or cancerous. Wheal: An irregular-shaped, solid, elevated area that can vary in color and lasts for only a short time.
Secondary Skin Lesions
Examples of secondary skin lesions include:
Atrophy: Skin that is paper-thin, transparent, and wrinkled. It is usually due to the use of a topical medicine like steroids. Crust: A rough, elevated area formed from dried fluid. The fluid may be pus, blood, or serum. Erosion: The loss of the top layer of skin. It is moist and glistening in appearance. Excoriation: Straight scratches that result in the loss of the top layer of skin. Fissure: Straight breaks in the skin that go deeper than the top layer of skin into the second layer of skin. They can be painful and can be caused by excessive dryness. Lichenification: A rough thickening of the top layer of skin. Maceration: Skin that is wet, wrinkly, and lighter in color. This happens when skin is in contact with water or fluid for too long. It can occur due to leaking wounds that have been improperly cared for. Phyma: A thickening of the skin. This is often seen in advanced rosacea. Scale: A build-up of cells that form patches and then flake off the skin. Ulcer: A wound deeper than the top layer of skin that damages the second layer of skin. It is concave and variable in size. Deeper ulcers are more serious. Umbilication: A dip inside a skin lesion that looks similar to a navel.
The faceThe neckThe chestThe upper back
Acne can leave scars if not treated.
Acne occurs when your pores become blocked with dead skin or an oily secretion called sebum. It can also be caused by too much of a certain kind of bacteria on the skin.
Mild to moderate cases of acne can usually be treated at home. Over-the-counter skin treatments and medications can help get rid of acne. If acne does not go away or is very severe, it is a good idea to see a doctor.
Actinic keratosis has a scaly, raised surface. This makes it easier to feel than see. Over time, it can turn hard and wart-like. It may develop a horn-like texture.
Actinic keratosis can be removed by freezing, scraping, or laser. Topical creams like Adrucil (fluorouracil), Solaraze (diclofenac), and Zyclara (imiquimod) can also be used.
About 40% to 60% of squamous cell cancer cases begin as actinic keratosis. Identifying and treating it early can help prevent skin cancer from developing.
Most blisters can be treated at home. Try not to pop blisters. Avoid putting more pressure on the blister area.
If a blister does pop, clean the area. Cover it with a sterile bandage until healed.
See a doctor if you have signs of infection. These include:
Pus, a thick yellowish or greenish dischargeFeverRed hot skin around the blister
Symptoms of cellulitis include:
Redness SwellingPainLeaking of fluid
Cellulitis feels hot to the touch. It can also cause a fever. You may feel unwell.
If identified early, most cases can be treated at home with antibiotics. If left untreated, severe and serious complications can occur. Sometimes hospitalization may be needed.
Chickenpox causes red, fluid-filled blisters all over the body. They are typically hot and itchy. The blisters can ooze pus. They may cause secondary crusting.
Chickenpox is contagious two days before the rash first appears. It remains contagious until all the blisters have crusted over.
It is possible to recognize chickenpox at home. However, you may want to see a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis.
A range of topical treatments can help soothe chickenpox. You can use them until the itching and pain subside.
There are a few different types:
Blackheads are open comedones, which means the pore is still open. They have a dark spot in the middle. Soft closed comedones are soft, painless, and smooth. Hard closed comedones have white heads. They are also called milia. They are not the same as whiteheads, which are filled with pus.
Comedones can be treated with topicals. If necessary, they can be extracted by a dermatologist.
Cold sores can be red, painful, and cause fluid-filled blisters. You may feel tingling before the sore appears. Because they are caused by a virus, you may also have flu-like symptoms.
Cold sores usually go away on their own without treatment. Over-the-counter topical treatments can help speed up healing.
Very severe cold sores or sores that don’t seem to be healing on their own may require treatment from a healthcare provider. They can prescribe antiviral medication that may be helpful.
HSV-1: Usually causes oral herpes. Cold sores and fever blisters appear around the lip and mouth area. HSV-2: Usually responsible for genital herpes.
However, oral or genital outbreaks may be caused by either virus.
Symptoms may include:
Redness Itching Macules Papules Fissures Blisters Swelling Tenderness to the touch Chafing
Chronic contact dermatitis can often form plaques.
You can treat contact dermatitis by keeping your skin clean and moisturized. The key to healing is to avoid the allergen or irritant.
If contact dermatitis does not get better at home, see a doctor. You may need a prescribed antihistamine or corticosteroid cream. If the area becomes infected, you may also need an antibiotic.
Red, grey, brown, or yellow patches of skinItchingDrynessBlistersFissuresPlaquesSensitive and painful patches
Certain external conditions like hot or cold weather can cause symptoms to flare up. Some skin products may also contribute to irritation. Food allergies, hormonal changes, and pet/dust mites can often worsen symptoms.
The most common treatment types include:
Keeping skin hydrated with emollient like a moisturizerTopical soaps and creamsCorticosteroid creamAvoiding triggers and irritants
Mild eczema can be managed at home with over-the-counter remedies. If you have more severe eczema, your healthcare provider or dermatologist can help you with a treatment plan.
Most common freckles are harmless and rarely turn into skin cancer. They are more common in people with light, fair skin, or red hair.
Freckles do not require any treatment unless they change and skin cancer is suspected.
Ephelides. These are typical freckles that occur from childhood. They are more common in people with fair skin and/or red hair. They tend to be round in shape and just millimeters in size. They appear in various brown shades. Solar lentigines. These are macules with clear borders. They vary from light brown to black. They are most often called sun spots, liver spots, age spots, or actinic lentigines. They are caused by chronic sun exposure and are most commonly seen in older individuals.
Hives are usually caused by an allergic reaction to something specific. They can also happen for unknown reasons.
Hives can itch or sting. Typically, the individual marks last less than 24 hours, though more can continue to appear.
Most cases of hives can be treated with an antihistamine and managed at home.
Urticaria occurs on the outer layer of the skin. Angioedema occurs under the skin. Angioedema can also affect the mucous membranes, such as the eyelids and lips. It can be painful. It often presents as deep swelling around the mouth and eye areas. It can sometimes affect the genitals, hands, or feet.
Severe angioedema can cause the throat or tongue to swell. This may create breathing difficulties. It may also cause swelling of the intestinal tract lining, which can lead to gastrointestinal cramping.
It is possible to get both urticaria and angioedema at the same time. Treatment for both conditions is similar. If breathing is affected, it is essential to seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Whether it is urticaria or angioedema, call seek emergency medical care if you experience:
Difficulty breathing Wheezing Chest tightness Tongue/facial swelling Dizziness
Impetigo is very contagious. It most commonly affects young children.
Impetigo is treated with topical antibiotics or oral antibiotics prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Some people are more prone to developing keloids. For these people, certain preventative measures may stop keloids from forming.
Those who have had keloids in the past have a higher risk of developing them again. To prevent this, there are a few things you can do:
Pay close attention to any thickening skin in injured areas. If you notice this after an ear piercing, for example, immediately remove the earring and wear a pressure earring over the piercing. Make sure to practice good wound care. Wash with soap and water and bandage with sterile petrolatum gauze. Apply silicone gel or silicone sheets to freshly healed scars.
Keloids are harmless and do not require medical attention. Still, some people may feel distressed by the way they look. If you notice any thickening of the skin around a recently healed wound, consult your dermatologist. Treatment can help reduce their appearance.
Moles are usually harmless. However, see a doctor if a mole changes shape, color, size, or begins to bleed or crust. This could be a sign of melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Asymmetrical: Look at the shape of the mole. Moles are usually even in shape and look similar on all sides. Melanomas tend to be uneven in shape. Border: Normal moles have a smooth edge. Melanomas typically have an irregular, jagged border. Color: Moles tend to be even in color throughout. Melanomas might be uneven in color. Diameter: Moles tend to be small. Melanomas are usually over 6 millimeters wide. Evolving: Moles don’t tend to change much. Melanomas often change in size, shape, color, or texture.
Keep an eye out for changes in your moles or new moles with these qualities. If you find anything suspicious, see a healthcare provider right away.
Psoriasis happens because the body produces skin cells too quickly, over days rather than weeks. The excess growth of skin cells causes thick, raised, scaly patches.
The most common areas for psoriasis to occur are:
KneesElbowsScalpLower back
Still, it can occur anywhere on the body.
Psoriasis is managed with a combination of treatments, inclulding:
Self-careTopical medicationsOral or injectable immune suppressantsUltraviolet (UV) light therapy
There is no cure for psoriasis.
Itching tends to be much more intense with eczema and milder in psoriasis. Eczema tends to occur in places like the crooks of the knees and the elbows. Psoriasis most commonly occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. With eczema, the skin tends to be red, inflamed, cracked, blistered, and may leak pus. With psoriasis, the skin appears scaly, flaky, thickened, raised, and can be silvery.
If you are unsure if you have eczema or psoriasis, consult a doctor or dermatologist. The correct diagnosis will help ensure you get the right treatment.
Symptoms can be worse if you have an allergy to the mite. Prescribed oral and topical medications can kill the mites.
A ruptured cyst may become infected and needs to be treated. Otherwise, sebaceous cysts don’t usually require treatment. They tend to grow slowly and are benign.
The rash itches, burns, and can be painful. Other symptoms can include:
FeverChillsHeadacheLethargy
You may hear shingles referred to as a belt or band. This is because it often appears as a belt-like formation around the rib cage or waist.
Shingles can be treated with home remedies such as a cool compress. Your doctor may also recommend:
AntihistaminesPain relieversAntivirals or other prescription medication
Removal is not usually necessary. Skin tags usually don’t require medical attention unless:
They cause cosmetic concernAre in a position that causes irritation
Warts are raised, flesh-colored papules. They may contain tiny black dots in the center. They are not dangerous but can be painful and are easy to pass to others.
There are several different types of warts, including:
Common warts Plantar warts Flat warts Filiform warts Genital warts Periungual warts
Most warts can be treated with over-the-counter remedies. If you have warts that are not improving with home treatments, talk to your healthcare provider. They can prescribe medication or offer in-office procedures such as freezing.
Causes of skin lesions include blocked pores, sun exposure, and organisms like viruses, bacteria, or mites. Allergens, friction, and other outside irritants can also cause skin lesions. Other lesions may be caused by chronic conditions, or may form as you get older.
Many lesions can be treated at home with topical ointments and creams. Others require treatment from a healthcare provider. If you are unsure of what type of lesion you have, it is always best to seek medical care.
A Word From Verywell
If you are ever concerned about a skin lesion, see a dermatologist, who can identify lesions and do mole mapping if necessary.
Sudden changes in any lesion should cause concern. Cancer is a less likely cause of skin lesion changes, but early diagnosis and treatment almost always leads to better outcomes.
