Healthopedia.com - Your Health
Encyclopedia

Set Homepage Email Page Favorites      

 
  Home
  Health Centers
  Medical Encyclopedia
  Drugs & Medications
  Diseases & Conditions 
  Medical Symptoms
  Medical Tests & Exams
  Surgery & Procedures 
  Injuries & Wounds
  Diet & Nutrition
  Special Topics
  Pictures & Images      


Google
 
Web Healthopedia.com

You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Skin Lesions: Diagnosis & Tests
      Category : Health Centers > Skin Conditions

Skin Lesions

Alternate Names : Lesions on the Skin

Skin Lesions | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Attribution


How is the condition diagnosed?

The cause of some skin lesions can be diagnosed after a history and examination of the rash. Other lesions may be more difficult to identify, so further tests may be needed.

The tests that are ordered depend on the suspected cause of the problem. For example, a blood test called an antibody titer can help diagnose some infections and autoimmune conditions. A blood glucose level test can help diagnose diabetes. Blood tests such as a serum pregnancy test can help diagnose pregnancy.

Sometimes, a biopsy of the affected skin is needed. In this procedure, a small piece of skin is removed with a special tool. The skin can then be analyzed in the lab to identify the cause of the lesion.

Other tests may sometimes be needed, as well. For example, the provider may order a chest x-ray if he or she suspects a lung infection is causing the rash.


Previous section

 

Next section

Skin Lesions: Symptoms & Signs

 

Skin Lesions: Prevention & Expectations

Author: Adam Brochert, MD
Reviewer: Melissa Sanders, PharmD
Date Reviewed: 07/24/01









Content provided by The Patient Marketing Group, Inc.

Copyright © 2009 Healthopedia.com All Rights reserved.
About Us | Help/FAQ | Privacy Policy | Editorial Policy | Advertising Policy | Accessibility | Terms of Use
Contact Us | Link to Us

HONcode accreditation seal.

We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.


The information provided herein is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. The information should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call your local emergency number for all medical emergencies. Use of this online service is subject to the disclaimer and the terms and conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.
Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009