A skin lesion is the part of your skin that has an abnormal growth and has a different look from its surrounding area. They are often the bumps, patches, ulcers, sore or colored areas of the skin. Although most skin lesions are harmless, some can be signs and warnings of skin cancer.

If you notice changes in your skin condition, contact the best dermatologists in Brooklyn and have it checked. Visit us at Dermatology – Doral Health & Wellness NY.

There are two categories of skin lesions, which are the primary skin lesion and secondary skin lesions. The primary skin lesions are the abnormal skin condition of your skin that are already present at birth. Such as freckles and moles. While secondary skin lesions are the result of manipulated or irritated primary skin lesions. For example, if your mole is scratched until it bleeds, the resulting lesion is now your secondary skin lesion. Examples of secondary skin lesions include crusts, ulcers, sores, and scars.

Causes of Skin Lesions

Skin lesions can develop due to a wide variety of underlying causes—some external, some internal. Identifying the root cause is essential for proper treatment and management. Here are the most common triggers and contributing factors:

1. Viral Infections

Certain viruses can cause skin lesions by affecting the skin’s structure or immune response. These include:

• Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) – Causes cold sores and genital lesions.

• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) – Weakens the immune system, making skin more prone to lesions and infections.

• Human Papillomavirus (HPV) – Causes warts and other growths on the skin.

2. Bacterial Infections

Some skin lesions result from bacterial infections, particularly when the skin barrier is compromised:

• Staphylococcus aureus – Leads to boils, abscesses, and impetigo.

• Streptococcus pyogenes – Commonly causes cellulitis and skin ulcers.

3. Fungal Infections

Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and may cause red, itchy, or scaly patches. One of the most common fungal culprits is:

• Candida albicans – Often responsible for yeast infections and rashes in skin folds.

4. Allergic Reactions and Medication Side Effects

Some skin lesions may develop as a response to:

• Medications such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy drugs.

• Allergens in skincare products, food, or the environment.

5. Irritant Exposure

Direct contact with harsh chemicals, detergents, or certain metals can trigger contact dermatitis, resulting in red, inflamed, or blistered skin.

6. Excessive Sun Exposure

Unprotected sun exposure can damage the skin over time, leading to lesions such as actinic keratosis, sunburns, or even skin cancer.

7. Severe Burns and Physical Injury

Thermal, chemical, or electrical burns can leave scars or open lesions. Even minor injuries, if infected, may develop into problematic skin issues.

8. Insect Bites and Stings

Mosquito bites, spider bites, or stings from bees or wasps can create painful or itchy lesions. Some insect bites may also transmit diseases that manifest through skin symptoms.

9. Vitamin Deficiencies

Lack of essential vitamins, particularly vitamin C, B12, and A, can lead to dry, flaky, or ulcerated skin.

10. Systemic Diseases

Underlying health conditions can manifest as skin changes or lesions. These include:

• Autoimmune diseases (like lupus or psoriasis)

• Diabetes (which may slow healing and increase infection risk)

• Liver or kidney disorders

Diagnosis of Skin Lesions

Diagnosing a skin lesion starts with a thorough physical examination and a detailed medical history. Your healthcare provider will assess key characteristics of the lesion, including:

• Color

• Size and shape

• Texture

• Depth

• Location on the body

• Rate of growth

• Associated symptoms such as pain, itching, bleeding, or discharge

These visual and symptomatic cues help narrow down potential causes and determine whether the lesion is benign or may require further evaluation.

Dermoscopy

A dermoscope may be used during the exam. This handheld, non-invasive device magnifies and illuminates the lesion, allowing your provider to see structures beneath the surface of the skin. Dermoscopy is especially useful for evaluating pigmented lesions like moles and distinguishing between non-cancerous and malignant growths.

Additional Testing

In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis or rule out serious conditions:

• Skin culture – If infection is suspected, a swab may be taken to identify the type of bacteria, virus, or fungus.

• Allergy tests – If contact dermatitis is suspected, a patch test may be recommended.

• Blood tests – Useful for identifying systemic causes like autoimmune conditions or nutritional deficiencies.

Skin Biopsy

If there is a concern for skin cancer or if the lesion appears abnormal and does not respond to treatment, your provider may recommend a skin biopsy. This involves removing a small sample of tissue from the lesion for examination under a microscope. Types of biopsies include:

• Shave biopsy

• Punch biopsy

• Excisional biopsy

A biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing malignant lesions such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to prevent complications, especially when dealing with suspicious lesions. If you notice any unusual changes in your skin.

Treatment of Skin Lesions

Treatment for skin lesions will vary depending on the type of your skin lesions, and if malignancy is present. If your skin lesion is benign, it may not need to be treated and will be managed through regular checkups. If malignancy is suspected, surgery can be performed to remove the lesion.

The most common treatments for skin lesions may include:

• Medication
• Surgery
• Home care/remedies

The first line of treatment for skin lesions is often topical medications to help treat your skin’s inflammation. This type of treatment can provide relief to your symptoms, such as pain, itchiness, or burning sensation.

Some skin lesions are usually not a source of worry. But if you notice skin lesions that are suspicious, immediately book an appointment with your dermatologist to diagnose your condition.

At Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center, our dermatologists are ready to help you take care of your skin conditions. As dermatology experts in Brooklyn, New York we are dedicated in providing the best services. You can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 to schedule an appointment. You can also call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit our website at https://www.bestbrooklyndermatologist.com to schedule an appointment online.