Clinical Medicine 1: Introduction & Pediatric Dermatology

Flashcards covering introductory dermatology concepts, pediatric viral and bacterial exanthems, and common skin conditions based on the Summer 2026 Clinical Medicine 1 lecture.

Skin Layers

The skin is the largest organ of the body and consists of three layers: the epidermis, the dermis, and subcutaneous tissue.

OLD CHARTS

A mnemonic for history taking: Onset, Location, Duration, Character, Aggravating, Relieving Factors, Timing, and Severity.

Hand-foot and mouth disease

A viral exanthem typically caused by the Coxsachie virus or Enterovirus, common in the first decade of life (especially children under $5$ years old).

Coxsachie virus

The causative agent of Hand-foot and mouth disease, which can be spread via fecal-oral (GI) or upper respiratory tract routes.

Measles (Rubeola)

A viral disease caused by Paramyxovirus, spread via respiratory droplets, featuring a prodrome of Cough, Coryza, and Conjunctivitis.

Koplik spots

The pathognomonic sign for Measles, appearing as grains of sand inside the mouth.

Vitamin A

A supplement given as two doses $24$ hours apart for patients with Measles to reduce eye damage and mortality.

Rubella (German Measles)

Known as $3$-day measles; caused by the RNA togavirus (Rubella virus) and associated with petechiae of the soft palate called Forchheimer spots.

Forchheimer spots

Petechiae of the soft palate associated with Rubella (German Measles).

Erythema infectiosum (fifth disease)

Caused by Parvovirus B$19$, it presents with erythematous "slapped cheeks" and a lacy rash on the extensor surfaces of the arms, trunk, and neck.

Roseola Infantum (sixth disease)

Also known as Exanthema Subitum; caused by Human herpesvirus-$6$ and characterized by a very high fever followed by a blanching maculopapular rash once the fever subsides.

Varicella (chickenpox)

Caused by Human herpesvirus-$3$, it presents as itchy clear, fluid-filled vesicles on an erythematous base, often described as a "dew drop on a rose petal."

Reye Syndrome

A rapidly progressive encephalopathy with hepatic dysfunction that may occur if aspirin is used during the recovery period of Varicella.

Molluscum contagiosum

A poxvirus infection presenting as scattered, skin-colored, dome-shaped papules with central umbilication.

Herald patch

A round, salmon-colored rash that appears about $2$ weeks before the full outbreak of Pityriasis Rosea.

Pityriasis Rosea

A viral condition presenting with a Herald patch followed by scaling papules and patches in a "Christmas tree" pattern.

KOH Prep

A Potassium Hydroxide preparation used to identify fungal infections by dissolving skin cells to reveal branching hyphae under a microscope.

Scarlet Fever (Scarlatina)

A bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) featuring a "sandpaper" erythematous rash and a "strawberry tongue."

Impetigo

A highly contagious bacterial infection; the nonbullous form presents with papules progressing to vesicles and honey-colored (yellow) crusting.

Pediculosis capitis

Lice infestation caused by Pediculus Humanus Capitis, characterized by pruritus of the scalp and nits (eggs) on the hair shaft.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) triad

The clinical association of Allergies, asthma, and eczema.

Lichenfication

The thickening of the skin often seen in chronic cases of atopic dermatitis.

Keratosis pilaris

A condition caused by a keratin plug, resulting in erythematous or hyperpigmented papules on the deltoid area of the arms, thighs, and cheeks.

Erythema multiforme

An immune-mediated condition characterized by generalized target-like lesions with a dusky central area or blister surrounded by a pale center and red halo.

TORCH Infections

An acronym for infections transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy: Toxoplasmosis, Other (Syphilis, varicella, mumps, HIV, fifth disease, measles), Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, and Herpes Simplex.