Dermatology History and Examination Flashcards
What are the key features to ask about in the history of presenting complaint for a patient presenting with rash?
Nature, site and duration of problem
Initial appearance and evolution of lesion
Symptoms (itch and pain)
Aggravating and relieving factors
Previous and current treatments (effective or not)
Recent contact, stressful events, illness and travel
Hx of sunburn or use of tanning machines
What are key factors to ask about in the past medical history of a patient presenting with rash?
History of atopy
History of skin cancer
What are key factors to ask about in the socialhistory of a patient presenting with rash?
Occupation and potential exposures
?Improvement in lesions when away from work
What are the key headings which you should use to describe a skin lesion?
Morphology of primary lesion Size Demarcation Colour Morphology of secondary lesion Distribution
Describe the ABCD system for describing pigmented skin lesions
A - Asymmetry
B - irregular Border
C - two or more Colours within the lesion
D - Diameter >6mm
the presence of any of these features increases the likelihood of melanoma
When palpating a skin lesion what are the key features to elucidate?
Surface Consistency Mobility Tenderness Temperature
When examining a patient with a skin lesion, what other parts of the body should be examined in the systematic check?
Nails Scalp Hair Mucous membranes General examination of other body systems
What is the definition of a macule?
A <1cm non-elevated (flat) distinct skin lesion
What is the definition of a patch?
A >1cm non-elevated (flat) distinct skin lesion
What is the definition of a vesicle in dermatology?
A <1cm elevated skin lesion containing clear non-pustular fluid
What is the definition of a bulla?
A >1cm elevated skin lesion containing clear non-pustular fluid
What is the definition of a wheal?
A transient, elevated solid skin lesion
It is often itchy
What is the definition of a papule?
A <1cm superficial solid elevated skin lesion
What is the definition of a plaque?
A >1cm superficial solid elevated skin lesion
What is the definition of a nodule?
A deep solid elevated skin lesion
