LESIONS ON THE FACE AND SUN-EXPOSED SKIN

OVERVIEW

Skin lesions on the face and other sun-exposed areas are common and may have many different causes. These areas—including the scalp, ears, eyelids, temples, nose, lips, and backs of the hands—are exposed to cumulative ultraviolet (UV) radiation over time, which can alter normal skin appearance and behavior.

Because sun exposure changes skin structure, lesions in these locations may appear atypical and can be more difficult to identify accurately without medical evaluation. Growths that appear benign at first glance may require closer assessment to determine their nature and appropriate management.

COMMON TYPES OF LESIONS IN SUN-EXPOSED AREAS

Lesions affecting sun-exposed skin may include:

• Viral lesions such as common warts (verruca vulgaris) or flat warts (verruca plana)
• Benign growths that develop on sun-damaged skin
• Precancerous lesions related to chronic UV exposure
• Skin cancers that may initially resemble benign lesions

These conditions may coexist with sun damage, scarring, or actinic changes, which can obscure their true characteristics.

WHY LESIONS MAY APPEAR ATYPICAL ON SUN-DAMAGED SKIN

On chronically sun-exposed skin, lesions may:

• Appear irregular or poorly defined
• Become thickened or roughened
• Blend into surrounding sun-damaged tissue
• Mimic other conditions, including benign growths or inflammatory changes

For this reason, appearance alone is not always a reliable indicator of whether a lesion is benign or requires further evaluation.

FACIAL AREAS THAT REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE

Certain areas of the face warrant particular diagnostic caution, including:

• The inner corners of the eyes (medial canthal area)
• Eyelids
• Temples
• Perinasal and periocular skin

Patients may report that lesions in these areas:

• Began years earlier as a small bump or rough spot
• Remained unchanged for long periods
• Later developed changes such as:
  • Thickening or rapid growth
  • Crusting or scaling
  • Recurrent bleeding
  • Failure to heal

Changes in behavior over time are often more significant than appearance alone and may prompt further evaluation.

WHEN A “WART-LIKE” LESION MAY REQUIRE FURTHER ASSESSMENT

While viral warts can occur on the face, true viral lesions rarely ulcerate, bleed repeatedly, or progressively erode surrounding tissue.

Lesions that:

• Persist for many years
• Change in size, texture, or behavior
• Bleed, crust, or ulcerate
• Occur on sun-exposed facial skin

may require evaluation to exclude precancerous or malignant conditions, particularly in individuals with significant cumulative sun exposure.

IMPORTANCE OF ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS

Before any treatment is considered, accurate diagnosis is essential.

Evaluation may include:

• Detailed clinical examination
• Dermoscopic assessment
• Skin biopsy, when indicated

This approach helps ensure that treatment is appropriate, safe, and tailored to the specific diagnosis. Treating a malignant lesion as a presumed benign growth may delay diagnosis and affect outcomes.

ROLE OF TREATMENT IN MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY

Management decisions are individualized and based on diagnostic findings, lesion characteristics, anatomic location, and patient factors.

In confirmed benign cases, treatment options may be discussed when medically appropriate. In other situations, observation, biopsy, or referral for further management may be recommended.

Destructive or laser-based treatments are considered only after malignancy has been excluded and are not appropriate for all lesions.

KEY PATIENT TAKEAWAY

A lesion that changes over time—especially on sun-exposed facial skin—deserves medical evaluation.

This does not mean every lesion is cancerous.
However, changes in behavior matter more than appearance alone.

PHYSICIAN EVALUATION

Our office provides medical evaluation of facial and sun-exposed skin lesions, including growths that may resemble benign conditions but require closer assessment. Careful clinical examination helps guide appropriate management, whether observation, diagnostic testing, or treatment is recommended.

📞 Call (847) 518-9999 to schedule a consultation.

Medical Disclaimer
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace a personalized medical evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment recommendations depend on individual clinical findings. Not all lesions are appropriate for destructive or laser treatment. Outcomes vary and no specific result can be guaranteed.