Skin Lesions and Infections

Skin Lesions

• A skin lesion is any abnormal growth or appearance on the skin compared to the surrounding skin.
• Causes of skin lesions include infections, allergies, burns, and skin cancers.

Infections

• Athlete's Foot: Itchy, red, peeling skin between the toes caused by the fungus tinea pedis.
• Ringworm: A fungal infection affecting the skin of the scalp, feet, groin, beard, or other areas. It can affect both humans and animals.
• Boils & Carbuncles: Inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, often on the dorsal neck, caused by bacterial infection.
• Impetigo: Pink, water-filled raised lesions that develop a yellow crust and rupture. Commonly found around the mouth and nose. Caused by a contagious staphylococcus infection.
• Cold Sores: Small fluid-filled blisters around the lips and oral mucosa caused by a herpes simplex infection. They are itchy and sting.
• Chickenpox: Caused by the Varicella zoster virus. It results in itchy rash with blisters.
• Shingles: Reactivation of the Varicella zoster virus, which causes shingles. It often starts with altered sensation along a dermatome.
• Warts: Caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Spread through direct contact. There are vaccines available.

Allergies

• Contact Dermatitis: Itching, redness, and swelling of the skin that progresses to blistering.
• Psoriasis: A chronic condition characterized by overproduction of skin cells. Reddened epidermal lesions are covered by dry, silvery scales. Attacks can be triggered by trauma, infection, hormones, and stress.

Burns

• Burns: Tissue damage and cell death caused by intense heat, electricity, UV radiation, and certain chemicals.
• Burn Risks:
  • Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance leading to circulatory shock.
  • Burned skin is sterile for 24 hours, making it prone to infection after that.