Skin lesions & Abrasions
What Are Skin Lesions? A skin lesion is a part of the skin that has an abnormal growth or appearance compared to the skin around it
Types of Skin Lesions Two types of skin lesions exist Primary Secondary
Primary skin lesions Primary skin lesions are abnormal skin conditions present at birth or acquired over one s lifetime Birthmarks are primary skin lesions
Types of primary lesions Macule : Freckles and flat moles Macules are small spots that are typically brown, red, or white They are usually about one centimetre in diameter Papule : A lesion that is rough in texture Most papules develop with many other papules A patch of papules is called a plaque Plaques are common in people with psoriasis
CONTD. Pustule: Small lesions filled with pus They are typically the result of acne Rash: lesions that cover small or large areas of skin They can be caused by an allergic reaction A common allergic reaction rash occurs when someone touches poison ivy Wheals : Skin lesions caused by an allergic reaction
Contd. Bullae: a large blister containing serous fluid. Blisters: a small bubble on the skin filled with serum and caused by friction, burning, or other damage. Vesicles: Vesicles are small, fluid-filled sacs that can appear on the skin. The fluid inside these vesicles may be clear, white, yellow, or mixed with blood
Secondary skin lesions Secondary skin lesions are the result of irritated or manipulated primary skin lesions For example, if someone scratches a mole until it bleeds, the resulting lesion, a crust, is now a secondary skin lesion
Secondary skin lesions include: Crust : a crust, or a scab, is created when dried blood forms over a scratched and irritated skin lesion Ulcer : typically caused by a bacterial infection or physical trauma.
Scale : patches of skin cells that build up and then fall off the skin Keloid: Hypertrophic scarring because of excess collagen
Scar : Some scratches, cuts, and scrapes will leave scars that are not replaced with healthy, normal skin Skin atrophy: Areas of skin that become thin and wrinkled from over use of topical steroids or antibiotic creams Lichenification: Thickening and Scaling With Increased Skin Markings
Excoriation: Abrasion or other loss that Does not extend beyond the superficial epidermis Erosion: Loss of superficial epidermis Fissure: Linear breaks in the skin
Causes of skin lesions The most common cause of a skin lesion is an infection on or in the skin Some skin lesions are hereditary, such as moles and freckles ( cluster of concentrated melanin ) Birthmarks are lesions that exist at the time of birth Still others can be the result of an allergic reaction or sensitivity caused by conditions like poor circulation
Diagnosing Skin Lesions A full physical exam- This will include observing the skin lesion and asking for a full account of all symptoms To confirm a diagnosis- Skin samples Biopsy of the affected area Swab from the lesion
Treating Skin Lesions Treatment is based on the underlying cause or causes for skin lesions A doctor will take into account the type of lesion, personal health history, and any unsuccessful treatments previously attempted
Medications Topical medications Treatments are often topical medications to help clean, disinfect, and protect the affected area Topical medication can also provide mild symptom relief to stop pain, itching, or burning caused by the skin lesion Oral medications- When skin lesions are the result of a systemic infection, such as chicken pox, patients may be prescribed oral medications to help ease the symptoms of the disease, including skin lesions
Topical medications used commonly- Clindamycin Erythromycin Fluorouracil Oral medications used Antibacterial Anthralin (micanol ) Antifungal Antiviral Corticosteroids
Surgical treatment Skin lesions that are infected or extremely painful can be drained to provide relief Moles that have become cancerous may need to be removed surgically A type of birthmark called vascular birthmarks result from malformed blood vessels, Surgery can remove this type of birthmark, too
Skin abrasions An abrasion is a wound caused by superficial damage to the skin, no deeper than the epidermis. It may be superficial and deep Mild abrasions, also known as grazes or scrapes, do not scar or bleed, but deep abrasions may lead to the formation of scar tissue A more traumatic abrasion that removes all layers of skin is called an avulsion.
classified by degree A first-degree abrasion involves only epidermal injury A second-degree abrasion involves the epidermis as well as the dermis and may bleed slightly A third-degree abrasion involves damage to the subcutaneous layer and the skin and is often called an avulsion
Treatment The abrasion should be cleaned and any debris removed A topical antibiotic (such as Neosporin or bacitracin) should be applied to prevent infection and to keep the wound moist Dressing the wound is optional, but helps to keep the wound from drying out which interferes with healing If the abrasion is painful, a topical analgesic (such as lidocaine or benzocaine) can be applied, but for large abrasions a systemic analgesic may be necessary Avoid exposing abraded skin to the sun as permanent hyperpigmentation can develop