Question 1

What is Skin Lesions?

Accepted Answer

Skin lesions are abnormal areas of skin that differ in appearance from surrounding tissue, including bumps, sores, rashes, or discoloration. They are caused by various factors including heavy metal toxicity (especially arsenic), infections, autoimmune conditions, and environmental exposures. The Heavy Metals Panel Blood Test is the most important test for diagnosing skin lesions related to toxic metal exposure.

Question 2

What causes skin lesions?

Accepted Answer

Skin lesions are caused by multiple factors including heavy metal toxicity, bacterial or viral infections, autoimmune disorders, allergic reactions, and chronic sun exposure. Arsenic and other heavy metals like mercury and lead are particularly known for causing distinctive skin changes including hyperpigmentation, keratosis, and unusual growths. Environmental contamination, occupational exposure, contaminated water sources, and certain dietary sources can lead to heavy metal accumulation that manifests as skin lesions. Other common causes include herpes simplex virus, fungal infections, psoriasis, eczema, and skin cancers.

Question 3

What is the best test for skin lesions?

Accepted Answer

The Heavy Metals Panel Blood Test is the most important test for skin lesions when toxic exposure is suspected because it detects arsenic, mercury, lead, and other metals that commonly cause skin changes. This test is essential if you have unexplained skin discoloration, unusual growths, or lesions that do not respond to standard dermatological treatment, especially if you live in areas with known environmental contamination or have occupational exposure. While direct examination and skin biopsy remain the gold standard for diagnosing the lesion itself, blood testing for heavy metals identifies the underlying systemic cause that must be addressed to prevent progression and guide proper treatment.

Question 4

When should I get tested for skin lesions?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice unexplained skin changes like unusual pigmentation, persistent sores that do not heal, new growths or bumps, or lesions that appear after potential environmental exposure. Testing is particularly important if you work in industries involving metal exposure (mining, smelting, manufacturing), live near industrial sites or contaminated water sources, or have skin changes accompanied by other symptoms like fatigue, numbness, or digestive issues. You should also consider testing if conventional dermatological treatments have not improved your skin lesions or if multiple family members develop similar skin changes, suggesting an environmental exposure source.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of skin lesions?

Accepted Answer

Skin lesions appear as visible changes in the skin including raised bumps, flat patches, blisters, ulcers, or areas of discoloration. Arsenic-related lesions specifically cause hyperpigmentation (darkening) on the trunk and limbs, palmar and plantar keratosis (thickened skin on palms and soles), and small wart-like growths. You might notice changes in skin texture, unusual scaling or crusting, persistent redness or inflammation, or lesions that bleed easily or do not heal. Some lesions may be painful, itchy, or burning, while others cause no discomfort but are cosmetically concerning.

Question 6

Who is at risk for skin lesions from heavy metals?

Accepted Answer

People at highest risk include those working in metal mining, smelting, pesticide manufacturing, or electronics industries where heavy metal exposure is common. Individuals living near contaminated industrial sites, using wells in arsenic-contaminated areas, or consuming contaminated water or food sources face increased risk. Agricultural workers exposed to arsenic-based pesticides, people who eat large amounts of rice grown in contaminated soil, and those using certain traditional medicines containing heavy metals are also vulnerable. Children are particularly susceptible because their developing bodies absorb metals more readily than adults.

Question 7

What happens if heavy metal toxicity causing skin lesions is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated heavy metal exposure leading to skin lesions can progress to severe health complications including increased cancer risk, particularly skin cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer from arsenic exposure. Continued exposure causes worsening skin changes, development of pre-cancerous lesions, and potential transformation to malignant growths. Systemic effects include peripheral neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver and kidney damage, and neurological impairment. Early detection through blood testing and removal of the exposure source is critical to prevent these serious complications and allow the body to gradually eliminate accumulated metals.

Question 8

Can skin lesions be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot directly diagnose the skin lesion itself, but they are essential for identifying underlying causes like heavy metal toxicity that may be responsible for the skin changes. The Heavy Metals Panel measures arsenic, mercury, lead, and other toxic metals in your bloodstream, revealing exposures that cause distinctive skin lesions. While dermatologists typically diagnose lesions through visual examination and skin biopsy to determine the specific type and rule out cancer, blood testing provides critical information about systemic causes that must be addressed for effective treatment. This comprehensive approach combining physical examination with blood testing ensures both the lesion and its underlying cause are properly managed.

Question 9

How are skin lesions from heavy metal exposure treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment begins with immediately identifying and eliminating the source of heavy metal exposure, whether from contaminated water, occupational exposure, or environmental contamination. Chelation therapy using medications like DMSA or EDTA may be prescribed to bind heavy metals and help your body excrete them more quickly. Dermatological treatment addresses the skin lesions themselves through topical medications, cryotherapy for pre-cancerous lesions, or surgical removal when necessary. Nutritional support with antioxidants, adequate hydration, and a diet rich in fiber helps support natural detoxification processes. Regular monitoring through follow-up blood tests ensures metal levels are decreasing and treatment is effective.

Question 10

How can I prevent skin lesions from heavy metal exposure?

Accepted Answer

Prevention focuses on avoiding heavy metal exposure by testing well water for arsenic and other contaminants, using water filtration systems certified to remove heavy metals, and wearing proper protective equipment if you work in industries with metal exposure. Minimize consumption of rice and rice products from contaminated regions, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and avoid using traditional medicines or supplements that may contain heavy metals. If you live near industrial sites, advocate for environmental testing and remediation. Regular blood testing for heavy metals provides early detection if exposure occurs, allowing prompt intervention before significant skin damage develops.

Question 11

What can I do at home for skin lesions?

Accepted Answer

While home care cannot treat heavy metal toxicity, you can support your skin health by keeping lesions clean and moisturized, avoiding harsh soaps or irritants, and protecting affected skin from sun exposure with broad-spectrum sunscreen. Stay well-hydrated to support your body's natural detoxification processes, and eat a diet rich in antioxidants from colorful fruits and vegetables, which may help counteract oxidative stress from metal exposure. Avoid picking or scratching lesions to prevent infection and scarring. However, these measures are supportive only—getting proper blood testing to identify heavy metal exposure and working with healthcare providers for chelation therapy and source elimination are essential for addressing the underlying cause.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Skin Lesions Blood Test

What is Skin Lesions?

What causes skin lesions?

What is the best test for skin lesions?

When should I get tested for skin lesions?

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