A skin lesion is a variation on the skin’s surface, where the affected area is a different color or texture from the surrounding skin. Skin lesions can appear on any part of the body, including the legs and feet, and may be present at birth or develop over time due to conditions such as acne, injuries, diseases, aging, sun damage, allergies, and cancer. Skin lesions can be small or large and can vary in number. Some examples of common skin lesions are freckles, moles, warts, birthmarks, acne, rashes, and boils.

Although most skin lesions are benign, any change or difference in skin tone or texture should be observed, as changes may indicate that a harmless skin lesion has become malignant. Diabetics and those suffering from weakened immune systems may have skin lesions as a result of the disease. Areas subjected to sun exposure, such as the tops of the feet, can be sites where cancerous skin lesions develop, such as malignant melanoma and actinic keratosis. AIDS or HIV-positive people may have Kaposi’s sarcoma lesions appear on the soles of the feet. These cancerous skin lesions are purplish in color, irregularly shaped, and spread out on the skin’s surface.

If you have a skin lesion that has changed in size, shape, or color, be sure to have it immediately checked by a medical professional. A podiatrist can assist you with skin lesions on the feet and legs. Suspicious or malignant skin lesions must be removed by a doctor.