Skin lesions are growths or patches that appear on the skin's surface. Common skin lesions, categorized as primary or secondary, can appear at the time of a person's birth or at some other time in a person's life. Skin lesions develop because of infectious diseases, allergic reactions or environmental factors. Many of these common skin conditions are benign and do not cause life-threatening illnesses while others, if left untreated, lead to serious infections. At times, skin lesions cause low self-esteem in those who have them, whether or not they cause internal damage.
Pustules
The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that these common skin lesions appear as inflamed, pus-filled eruptions on the skin. Acne is a common skin lesion on the body and the development of bacterial infections. They usually develop on the face, shoulders, back and breastbone, and doctors treat them with anti-bacterial medications.
Papules
Papules are common skin lesions described as solid, elevated circular spots on the body. The color range of papules includes brown, purple, pink and red, and scratching releases infected fluids. These skin lesions indicate that someone has a contagious condition like chickenpox.
Ulcers
Ulcer appears on the skin when pressure is place on an area of the body, reducing the blood supply and leading to tissue death. The U.S. National Library of Medicine says that these common skin lesions occur when a person suffers from a chronic illness like diabetes or become bedridden because of health conditions or when recovering from surgery or injury.
Hives
The American Academy of Dermatology describes hives as itchy, swollen skin that appears on a specific area of the body. These common skin lesions occur because blood plasma leaks from small blood vessels under the skin. Common causes of hives, which are symptomatic of allergic or psychological reactions, include stress, shellfish, chocolate, medications, colds and the sun. Hives usually go away within 24 hours or a few days after their appearance, but in severe cases, people take over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamines or cortisone for pain relief.
Guttate Psoriasis
The U.S. National Library of Medicine states that guttate psoriasis is a common skin lesion that appears as small, red, teardrop-shaped spots. People under the age of 30 develop this condition on their arms, legs, and midsection, indicating that they have an infection like strep throat, burns, stress, excessive exercise and over drinking. Sunshine or phototherapy treats this common skin condition.
Keloids
The American Academy of Family Physicians states that keloids are common skin lesions that appear when the skin experiences some kind of injury. The colors of these skin lesions include flesh, red and pink, growing as lumpy masses on the injured area of the body. Keloids, common in African-Americans, develop from wounds as diverse as acne scars, burns, ear piercing, injection sites and surgical cuts. Doctors perform procedures that reduce the size of keloids; however, these procedures leave scars and keloids can return after treatment. Most people do not experience severe pain for this common skin condition, but keloids change their physical appearance.
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