Dermatology (session 4)

Question 1

Briefly state how to describe a skin condition

Answer 1

SCAM
Site and distribution (rash)
Size and shape (lesion)
Colour
Associated changes
Morphology

Question 2

Briefly state and describe site descriptors

Answer 2

Generalised
Flexural
Extensor
Photosensitive
Intertriginous

Question 3

Briefly state and describe distribution descriptors

Answer 3

Generalised

Discrete

Question 4

Briefly state and describe configuration descriptors

Answer 4

Discrete
Confluent
Linear
Target

Question 5

Briefly state and describe colour descriptors

Answer 5

Erythematous- red and blanching
Purpuric- red/purple and non-blanching
Pigmented or hyperpigmented- brown or black
Hypopigmented

Question 6

Briefly state and describe associated changes descriptors

Answer 6

Scale- build up of keratin
Crust- dried exudate
Excoriation- erosion from scratching, pruritus
Erosion/ulceration- partial or full thickness loss

Question 7

Briefly state and describe morphology descriptors

Answer 7

Macule-small and flat
Patch-big and flat
Papule- Raised lesion <1cm
Nodule- Raised lesion >1cm
Plaque- Wide, raised lesion >2cm
Vesicle- Blister filled with fluid <1cm
Bulla- Blister filled with fluid >1cm
Pustule- Blister filled with pus
Annular- Ring shaped
Wheal- Urticaria
Discoid/nummular- round erythematous plaque
Comedone- open or closed filled follicle

Question 8

Briefly state and describe hair descriptors

Answer 8

Alopecia- patchy or diffuse hair loss
Hypertrichosis- non androgen dependent hair growth
Hirsutism- androgen dependent hair growth

Question 9

Briefly state and describe nail descriptors

Answer 9

Koilonychia- spoon shaped
Leukonychia- white in nail
Pitting- nail depressions
Onycholysis- thickened and lifting from nail bed
Clubbing- rounded and softened nails