DERM: Examining the skin

Question 1

when examining skin, what is the order of examination?

Answer 1

1. Examine the affected area (lesion/rash)
2. Examine the rest of the skin (hands, arms, head, trunk)
3. Examine the scalp, hair, nails, mucous membranes, lymph nodes

Question 2

how would you describe a lesion on examination?

Answer 2

For pigmented lesions, remember ABCDE:

Asymmetry
Border (irregular, poorly defined)
Colour (two or more colours)
Diameter (>6mm)
Evolving