Skin Lesions: Health Topics: University of Iowa Health Care

Skin lesions

A skin lesion is any abnormality of the skin. Most skin lesions are normal and harmless. They can appear almost anywhere on the body. Most are not cancerous. But if you notice changes in a lesion, it should be seen by a healthcare provider.

There are common types of skin lesions:

Moles are small areas of darkened skin with a smooth, even border. They are one color and can be beige, pink, or dark brown.
Skin cancer may appear as a small growth with irregular edges or a sore that does not heal. A growth may be partly raised and partly flat. It may grow larger than the size of a pencil eraser. Any moles whose colors are mixed or that are blue, gray, white, or black, and any mole that is very different from other moles on the body, should be medically evaluated. A person with a very large number of moles on the body should consider having more frequent checks by a dermatologist.
Warts are small growths or bumps on the skin caused by a virus. They can spread from one site to another or from person to person. Warts found on the hands are called "common warts." Plantar warts appear on the soles of your feet. They may have tiny black dots in them. Genital warts are found on the anus, vagina, or penis and are transmitted by sexual contact. Genital warts are considered a sexually transmitted disease. * Cysts are abnormal swellings that are filled with fluid or semisolid material.
Boils are acute localized infections of the skin. Boils are often located in or around areas where you commonly sweat. A boil is a painful red bump with a white or yellow center that drains pus when it opens. Clusters of boils are called carbuncles.
Corns or calluses are thickened skin on a toe, bottom of the foot, or palm.
Keloids are a raised over-growth of healed scar tissue after a cut, injury, or surgery.
Skin tags are harmless and look like a little flap of skin. They may be flesh-colored or darker. Skin tags usually grow on the neck, underarm or groin areas, as well as, under the breasts of women. A provider may remove skin tags that cause irritation.
Scaly, dry patches of skin may be a sign of several skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, or skin cancer. This type of skin lesion may appear on the face, hands, legs, or scalp.

Many of these problems are caused by or worsened by sun exposure. It is a good idea to protect the skin by avoiding long exposure to the sun. Use a sunblock with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure. It is best to avoid being in the sun when the ultraviolet rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Also, wear hats or caps and long sleeves to protect your skin when working in the sun.

Seek medical evaluation for lumps that show signs of any of the following:

growth in size
change in color
change in shape around the edges
bleeding
pain or
do not heal

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.