
Definitions of Primary and Secondary Lesions Primary skin lesions are those which develop as a direct result of the disease process. Secondary lesions are those which evolve from primary lesions or develop as a consequence of the patient's activities.
What is an example of a primary skin lesion?
- Blisters. Small blisters are also called vesicles.
- Macule. Examples of macules are freckles and flat moles.
- Nodule. This is a solid, raised skin lesion.
- Papule. A papule is a raised lesion, and most papules develop with many other papules.
- Pustule.
- Rash.
- Wheals.
What is a primary lesion?
… Spinal metastasis from malignant primary brain tumors (MPBTs) in pediatric patients is rare and often appears as enhancing lesions on MRI. However, some indolent enhancing spinal lesions (IESLs) resulting from previous treatment mimic metastasis on MRI, leading to unnecessary investigation and treatment.
What are primary skin lesions?
Infections are one of the most prevalent causes of skin lesions and include:
- Viruses Herpes simplex Human immunodeficiency virus Human papillomavirus
- Bacteria Staphylococcus species Streptococcus species
- Fungi Candida albicans
What is a primary skin lesion?
Vesicle
- A small, fluid-containing blister (collection of fluid in the skin) measuring ≤ 1 cm in diameter
- Raised above the plane of the surrounding skin
- The fluid is visible as the lesions are translucent.
- Observed in: Chickenpox Chickenpox Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) is a linear, double-stranded DNA virus in the Herpesviridae family. ...

What are secondary lesions?
Secondary lesions are those lesions that are characteristically brought about by modification of the primary lesion either by the individual with the lesion or through the natural evolution of the lesion in the environment.
What is a primary lesion?
Primary lesions, which are associated with specific causes on previously unaltered skin, occur as initial reactions to the internal or external environment. Vesicles, bullae, and pustules are formed by fluid within skin layers. Nodules, tumors, papules, wheals, and plaques are palpable, elevated, solid masses.
What is an example of a secondary lesion?
Examples of secondary skin lesions are scales, crusts, excoriations, erosions, ulcers, fissures, scars, and keloids. Scales, which are shed dead keratinized cells, occur with psoriasis and eczema. They're irregular, flaky, and variable in size. Usually silver, white, or tan, they can be thick, thin, dry, or oily.
What is an example of a primary lesion?
Primary lesions are those lesions that arise de novo and are therefore the most characteristic of the desease process. Bulla: a circumscribed, elevated fluid-filled lesion greater than 1 cm in size (e.g. epidermolysis bullosa, bullous impetigo).
What are the 3 types of lesions?
Primary skin lesions tend to be divided into three groups:Lesions formed by fluid within the skin layers: Examples include vesicles and pustules.Lesions that are solid masses: Examples include nodules and tumors.Flat lesions: Examples include patches and macules.
Is a Tumour a primary or secondary lesion?
Primary lesions Macule, patch, wheal, papule, nodule, tumour, vesicle, bulla, pustule, comedo, follicular cast, alopecia, scale, crust.
Is a pimple a primary lesion?
What are the different types of primary skin lesions? Birthmarks are primary skin lesions, as are moles and acne. Other types include the following.
How are primary lesions treated?
Treatment of skin lesions includes identifying the type of lesion (primary or secondary), the underlying cause of the lesion and the patient's health status. Treatment may include corticosteroids, antibiotics, antifungal aids and other medications given systemically or topically.
What are lesions?
Definition of lesion 1 : injury, harm. 2 : an abnormal change in structure of an organ or part due to injury or disease especially : one that is circumscribed (see circumscribe sense 1) and well defined.
How many primary lesions are there?
Learn the 10 primary skin lesions, which include macule, papule, nodule, plaque, tumor, vesicle, pustule, bulla, wheal, and burrow.
What are the characteristics of secondary skin lesions?
* Scale-heaped-up keratinized cells; flakey exfoliation; irregular; thick or thin; dry or oily; variable size; can be white or tan.
How many types of lesions are there?
There are two types of skin lesions: primary and secondary.
What are primary skin lesions?
Primary skin lesions are present at the onset of a disease. In contrast, secondary skin lesions result from changes over time caused by disease progression, manipulation (scratching, picking, rubbing), or treatment.
What is a vesicle?
Vesicle —an elevated, circumscribed, superficial, fluid-filled blister less than 5 mm in diameter. Wheal —an elevated, irregularly shaped area of cutaneous edema; wheals are solid, transient, and changeable, with a variable diameter; can be red, pale pink, or white.
What is the difference between a cyst and a nodule?
Cyst —an elevated, circumscribed area of the skin filled with liquid or semisolid fluid. Macule —a flat, circumscribed area; can be brown, red, white, or tan. Nodule —an elevated, firm, circumscribed, and palpable area greater than 5 mm in diameter; can involve all skin layers.
What are the primary skin lesions?
A macule is a distinct discoloration of the skin that is flat and smaller than 1 centimeter in diameter. It does not cause a change in skin texture or thickness. Macules are noticed visually. 2. Papule. A papule is a raised skin area with no visible fluid and sized up to 1 centimeter in diameter.
What are the two types of skin lesions?
There are two types of skin lesions: primary and secondary. Primary skin lesions are changes in color or texture that are generally present at birth or acquired over time, such as a birthmark or an age spot. Secondary skin lesions are a progression of primary skin lesions. They are changes to the original lesion that result from a natural evolution ...
What is a small bump on the skin that contains pus?
Pustule. A pustule is a small bump on the skin that contains pus. They can be infected but not always, as in the case of pustular psoriasis. 9. Wheal. A wheal is a red, swollen mark that is often itchy and changes shape. They usually occur in response to a stimulus like a bug bite or food allergies.
What is a solid mass on the skin?
4. Tumor. A tumor is a solid mass on the skin or subcutaneous tissue (under the skin). It is firm and usually larger than 2 centimeters. 5. Plaque. A plaque is a flat-topped, raised lesion larger than 1 centimeter. It is often red, scaly and itchy. Plaques are typically found on the scalp, elbows, and knees.
What is secondary skin?
Secondary skin lesions are a progression of primary skin lesions. They are changes to the original lesion that result from a natural evolution of the lesion or a person scratching or aggravating the lesion.
What is skin lesion?
First of all, what is a skin lesion? A skin lesion is a broad term that refers to any abnormality on your skin. Medical dictionaries define skin lesion as a superficial growth or patch of the skin that does not resemble the area surrounding it. A skin lesion can be a rash, mole, wart, cyst, blister, bump, discoloration, ...
What is it called when you have a vein on your skin?
Telangiectasia is a condition where blood vessels near the surface of the skin are dilated and cause threadlike lines or patterns on the skin. They are sometimes called spider veins. It can be caused by a variety of conditions such as rosacea or liver disease.
What are primary skin lesions?
Primary skin lesions originate on previously healthy skin and are directly associated with a specific cause. Common examples of primary skin lesions include freckles, moles, and blisters, among others. On the other hand, secondary skin lesions develop from the evolution of a primary skin lesion, either due to traumatic manipulation, ...
How to diagnose skin lesions?
How do you diagnose skin lesions? Diagnosis of skin lesions begins with careful physical examination and medical history. Physical examination involves assessing the color, size, shape, depth, location, and comparison with other lesions. Dermoscopy can be performed to examine skin lesions under a magnifying glass.
What is benign skin?
A benign skin lesion is a non-cancerous skin abnormality, growth, or tumor that can occur anywhere on the body. Benign lesions can manifest in a number of different ways, depending on their cause and tissue of origin.
What is the treatment for malignant skin lesions?
Malignant skin lesions are generally treated with surgical removal, which can be followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or biological treatments like immunotherapy.
What is the best treatment for a skin lesion?
If needed, benign skin lesions can get local treatment with topical medications, such as retinoids, corticosteroids, or antimicrobial agents, as well as laser therapy, cryotherapy, phototherapy, or surgical removal. If the skin lesion is caused by a systemic disease, treatment may also address the underlying cause.
What is the difference between squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma?
Conversely, squamous cell carcinoma commonly appears as a thick, crusty sore, with a reddish, inflamed base that can ulcer (appear as an open sore) and bleed. Melanoma arises from skin cells called melanocytes. Melanoma typically looks like an abnormal or irregular mole.
What is the name of the skin cells that make up keratinocytes?
Keratinocyte carcinoma arises from skin cells called keratinocytes, and includes basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Basal cell carcinoma can appear as a pearly, flesh-colored skin lesion, with superficial blood vessels called telangiectasias on top.
What causes scars on the skin?
Ulcers always result in a scar. Causes include: Trauma (e.g., heat, cold, electrical, chemical) Infections (e.g., bacterial, viral, fungal) Chronic venous stasis.
What is a narrow linear crack/split in the skin, extending through the epidermis into
Fissure: narrow linear crack/split in the skin, extending through the epidermis into the dermis. Atrophy: loss of tissue that can be epidermal, dermal, or subcutaneous with appearance of thin, translucent, and/or wrinkled skin surface.
What is excoriation in dermatology?
Excoriation is a linear abrasion produced by mechanical means (scratching, rubbing, or picking) that usually involves only the epidermis but can reach the papillary dermis. Excoriation disorder secondary to skin picking. Image: “Derma me” by Boogafreak/Vatadoshu. License: Public Domain.
