Which statement about primary skin lesions is true?

• A. They are original skin changes such as macules and papules
• B. They are scars or crusts from prior lesions
• C. They are always caused by infection
• D. They cannot appear on the skin surface

Answer: (A)

Primary skin lesions are the initial, direct manifestations of a skin condition. They represent original changes in the skin, such as macules (flat color changes) and papules (small, raised bumps), and can also include vesicles, pustules, and plaques. These are contrasted with secondary lesions, like scars or crusts, which arise from healing, scarring, or the evolution of a primary lesion. Not all primary lesions are caused by infection; many originate from noninfectious processes as well, and they do appear on the skin surface as part of the disease. So describing original skin changes such as macules and papules is the true statement.