Dermatology Introduction

Question 1

4 major lesion characteristics

Answer 1

• Type of lesion (Macule, papule, plaque, wheal, nodule, cyst, vesicle, pustule, ulcer, hyperkeratosis, sclerosis, atrophy, telangectasia, infarct, purpura)
• Shape of lesion (is it circular? Linear? Serpiginous?
• Arrangement (Group of lesions): herpetiform (clustered group of vesicles), annular, linear, serpiginous
• Distribution of lesions: on trunk only, all over body, on back, etc. (There are a very small handful of rashes that affect the palms and feet. Ex) excema vs. psoriasis –> look very similar but the distribution is opposite! Excema is in creases, psoriasis is on extensor surfaces)

Question 2

what else to check if the person has psoriasis

Answer 2

joints, heart and lungs

Question 3

diascopy

Answer 3

• glass slide pressed against skin

- Blanching indicates intact capillaries; pupura do not blanch due to extravasated blood

Question 4

KOH prep

Answer 4

dissolves keratin/cellular material, does not affect fungi –> so its good to check for fungal infections

Question 5

tzanc stain

Answer 5

for herpes lesions –> not super useful but it may be a PANCE question

Question 6

how to tell skin types

Answer 6

• Sensitive skin may sting or burn after product use
• Normal skin is clear and not sensitive
• Dry skin is flaky, itchy or rough
• Oily skin is shiny and greasy
• Combination skin is dry in some areas and oily in others

Question 7

exfoliation

Answer 7

• Chemical – alpha or beta hydroxy acids. Salicylic acid does some too
• Mechanical – uses a tool like a brush or sponge, or a gritty/rough paste

Question 8

role of skin

Answer 8

• protective barrier
• maintains body temp
• obtains sensory info from surroundings

Question 9

constitution symptoms

Answer 9

• as opposed to skin specific symptoms

- i.e. fever, malaise, weight loss, weakness

Question 10

how long do you need to wait to see if a product is effective

Answer 10

3 months