Is That Spot Dangerous? Why Your Skin Has Lesions & Medical Next Steps

Noticing a new spot on your skin can be unsettling. Is it just a harmless blemish—or something more serious? The truth is, skin lesions are extremely common, and most are not dangerous. But some do require medical attention. Understanding what skin lesions are, why they appear, and when to act can help you make calm, informed decisions about your health.

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What Are Skin Lesions?

A skin lesion is any area of skin that looks or feels different from the surrounding skin. It may be:

• Raised or flat
• Darker or lighter than your normal skin tone
• Red, pink, brown, black, or even clear
• Itchy, painful, scaly, or smooth

Skin lesions can appear anywhere on the body. Some are present at birth (like certain birthmarks), while others develop over time due to sun exposure, aging, infections, allergies, or other health conditions.

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Common Types of Skin Lesions

Most skin lesions are benign (non-cancerous). Here are some of the most common types:

1. Moles (Nevi)

• Usually brown or tan
• Round or oval
• Can be flat or raised
  Most moles are harmless. However, changes in size, shape, or color should be checked by a doctor.

2. Freckles and Sunspots

• Caused by sun exposure
• Typically flat and darker than surrounding skin
  These are usually harmless but signal sun damage.

3. Skin Tags

• Small, soft, flesh-colored growths
• Often found on the neck, armpits, or groin
  They are benign and common, especially with age.

4. Acne and Pimples

• Caused by clogged pores
• May be red, white, or filled with pus
  These are temporary inflammatory skin lesions.

5. Rashes

• Red, irritated patches
• May itch or burn
  Often caused by allergies, infections, or irritants.

6. Cysts

• Fluid- or pus-filled lumps beneath the skin
  Usually slow-growing and non-cancerous.

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When Are Skin Lesions Dangerous?

While many skin lesions are harmless, some can signal skin cancer or other serious conditions. The key is recognizing warning signs.

Watch for the ABCDEs of Melanoma

If you notice a mole or pigmented lesion changing, look for:

• A – Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other.
• B – Border: Edges are irregular, blurred, or ragged.
• C – Color: Uneven color or multiple shades.
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about a pencil eraser).
• E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms.

Any of these changes warrant prompt medical evaluation.

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Other Concerning Signs

Seek medical advice if a skin lesion:

• Bleeds without injury
• Does not heal after several weeks
• Grows rapidly
• Becomes painful
• Develops crusting or oozing
• Appears as a firm, shiny bump or scaly patch that persists

These could indicate types of skin cancer such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma.

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Why Do Skin Lesions Develop?

There are many causes of skin lesions. Understanding the source can help guide next steps.

1. Sun Exposure

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages skin cells. Over time, this increases the risk of precancerous and cancerous skin lesions.

2. Infections

Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause lesions like warts, cold sores, or ringworm.

3. Allergic Reactions

Contact dermatitis from soaps, metals, or plants can lead to itchy rashes.

4. Autoimmune Conditions

Conditions like psoriasis or lupus can produce distinct skin lesions.

5. Aging

As skin ages, new spots and growths naturally develop.

6. Genetics

Family history can increase your risk of certain skin cancers or unusual moles.

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How Doctors Evaluate Skin Lesions

If you visit a healthcare professional about a concerning spot, they may:

• Examine the lesion visually
• Use a dermatoscope (a special magnifying tool)
• Ask about changes, symptoms, or family history
• Perform a biopsy (removing a small sample for testing)

A biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose skin cancer. While the word sounds intimidating, it is usually a quick in-office procedure with minimal discomfort.

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Should You Worry?

It's important not to panic. The majority of skin lesions are benign. However, ignoring persistent or changing lesions is not wise either.

A good rule of thumb:

• Stable and unchanged? Monitor it.
• New and unusual? Pay attention.
• Changing or symptomatic? Get it checked.

Early detection makes a major difference, especially for melanoma. When caught early, treatment outcomes are significantly better.

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What You Can Do Right Now

If you're unsure about a spot, start with these practical steps:

1. Perform a Skin Self-Check

• Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas.
• Check your scalp, back, palms, soles, and nails.
• Take photos to track changes over time.

2. Protect Your Skin

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
• Wear protective clothing and hats.
• Avoid tanning beds.

3. Consider a Symptom Checker

If you've noticed unusual changes in your skin and want to understand whether they need medical attention, try using a free abnormal skin symptom checker to get personalized insights about your symptoms and learn what steps to take next.

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When to Speak to a Doctor Immediately

Some symptoms require prompt medical attention. Speak to a doctor right away if a skin lesion:

• Changes rapidly over weeks
• Is associated with unexplained weight loss
• Causes severe pain
• Develops sudden bleeding
• Appears alongside swollen lymph nodes
• Looks like a spreading infection (redness, warmth, fever)

If there is any concern that a lesion could be cancerous or life-threatening, do not delay care. Early evaluation can be lifesaving.

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Treatment Options for Skin Lesions

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Options may include:

• Topical creams (for infections or inflammatory conditions)
• Cryotherapy (freezing off certain lesions)
• Minor surgical removal
• Laser therapy
• Prescription medications
• Monitoring without intervention

For skin cancer, treatment may involve surgical removal, specialized procedures, or referral to a dermatologist or oncologist.

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The Bottom Line

Most skin lesions are harmless. But some can signal more serious conditions, including skin cancer. The key is awareness—not fear.

Pay attention to:

• New growths
• Changes in existing moles
• Lesions that bleed, grow, or don't heal

If something doesn't seem right, trust your instincts and speak to a doctor. It is always better to have a professional evaluation than to ignore a potentially serious issue.

Your skin is your body's largest organ. Taking a few minutes to check it regularly—and acting promptly when something changes—can protect your health for years to come.