4.1 basic dermatology skills

Question 1

what is the difference between a rash and a lesion?

Answer 1

rash = widespread, inflammatory e.g eczema

leison = isolated, skin cancer route

Question 2

how would you check a patients skin for physical findings?

Answer 2

inspect
palpate
describe
systemic check (whole skin, hair, nails, mucous membranes)

Question 3

how would you describe a physical finding?

Answer 3

SCAM
S - site 
C - colour
A - associated changes
M - morphology

Question 4

how would you describe a pigment leison?

Answer 4

ABCD
asymmetry 
border (irregular/blurred)
colour (multiple? dark rim? pale centre?)
diameter (6mm+ = could be worrying)

Question 5

what are common dermatological treatment?

Answer 5

emollients = for long term. moisturise area of skin

corticosteroids = antinflammatories. only if you have a flare up.

Question 6

what are the ADR of long term usage of corticosteroids?

Answer 6

skin thinning
weight gain
reduced immunity
Cushings appearance
Poor wound healing

Question 7

what are the functions of the skin?

Answer 7

protective barrier against environmental insults
temperature regulatuon
sensation
vit D synthesis
immunosurvelliance
cosmesis

Question 8

what are sebaceous glands?

Answer 8

produces sebum through hair follicles which lubricates skin

stimulated by conversion of androgen to dihydrotestosterone

increased sebum production and bacterial colonisation in conditions such as acne vulagaris