Dermatology MA Training- Common Diagnoses

What is acne vulgaris?

A common inflammatory condition involving hair follicles and sebaceous glands that results in the formation of comedones, papules, pustules, and sometimes cysts, primarily affecting adolescents and young adults.

What are common types of acne lesions?

Common types of acne lesions include comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts.

What areas are commonly affected by acne?

Acne commonly affects the face, neck, chest, shoulders, and back.

What symptoms might a patient report with acne?

Breakouts, tenderness, redness, and sometimes scarring.

What is rosacea?

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition characterized by facial redness, flushing, and the appearance of small, red, pus-filled bumps. It often affects the central face and can cause blood vessels to become more visible.

What symptoms can accompany rosacea?

Common symptoms include burning or stinging sensations, visible blood vessels, and dry or itchy skin. Patients may also experience flushing or sensitivity to skincare products.

What is seborrheic dermatitis?

Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes red, flaky, and greasy patches, commonly affecting the scalp, face, and other areas rich in oil glands.

What does seborrheic dermatitis typically look like?

Red or pink patches with greasy or flaky white/yellow scale

What symptoms might the patient experience with seborrheic dermatitis?

Patients may experience itchiness, burning sensations, and discomfort in affected areas, along with redness and scaling.

What is atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy, red, and dry patches. It often starts in childhood and can be associated with a personal or family history of allergies.

What is the most common symptom of atopic dermatitis?

The most common symptom of atopic dermatitis is intense itchiness, which can lead to scratching and further skin irritation.

What does an active flare of atopic dermatitis typically look like?

An active flare of atopic dermatitis typically presents as red, inflamed patches of skin that may be oozing, crusted, or very dry. These areas are usually accompanied by significant itchiness.

What areas can be affected by atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis can affect various areas of the body, including the face, neck, wrists, and the bends of the elbows and knees. In infants, it often appears on the scalp and cheeks.

What is contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, resulting in red, itchy, and often blistered skin.

What can trigger contact dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis can be triggered by various irritants such as soaps, detergents, chemicals, and allergens like nickel, plants (e.g., poison ivy), and fragrances.

What type of testing can be used to identify the cause of allergic contact dermatitis?

The most common method for testing contact allergens is through patch testing, where small amounts of allergens are applied to the skin under patches to observe for allergic reactions.

What does nummular dermatitis look like?

Nummular dermatitis appears as round or coin-shaped patches of eczema on the skin, often characterized by dry, scaly, and sometimes itchy lesions that can ooze or crust.

Why is it called “nummular” dermatitis?

The term "nummular" is derived from the Latin word "nummulus," meaning coin.

Where does nummular dermatitis commonly occur?

It commonly occurs on the extremities, particularly the arms and legs, and can also appear on the trunk.

What does psoriasis typically look like?

Well-defined, raised red or pink plaques with overlying silvery-white scale.

What are common locations for psoriasis?

Common locations for psoriasis include the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.

Why should you always ask about joint pain when a patient has psoriasis?

Because psoriasis is associated with psoriatic arthritis, which can lead to joint inflammation and pain.

What causes lichen simplex chronicus?

Repeated scratching or rubbing of the skin, creating an itch-scratch cycle.

What does the affected skin from lichen simplex chronicus typically look like?

Thickened, leathery, darker or lighter skin with prominent skin markings.

Where might lichen simplex chronicus occur?

Neck, ankles, wrists, arms, legs, and genital areas.

What does the classic rash of lichen planus look like?

Purple, flat-topped, often polygonal papules or plaques.

What does lichen planus commonly affect besides skin?

Mouth and other mucous membranes; it can also affect nails, scalp, and genital areas

What is vitiligo?

A condition in which pigment-producing cells are lost, causing areas of depigmented skin

Is vitiligo contagious?

No, vitiligo is not contagious.

What is an actinic keratosis?

A precancerous lesion caused by chronic sun exposure.

What does an actinic keratosis typically feel/look like?

A rough, gritty, scaly spot that might be pink, red, tan, or skin-colored.

Where are actinic keratoses commonly found?

Sun-exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, forearms, and hands

What does a seborrheic keratosis typically look like?

A waxy, scaly, raised lesion that often appears “stuck on”.

Are seborrheic keratoses usually benign or malignant?

Benign

Where can seborrheic keratoses occur?

Almost anywhere except the palms and soles.

What is a dermatofibroma?

A common benign fibrous skin growth, scar tissue growth

What is the “dimple sign” on a dermatofibroma?

The lesion dimples inward when the surrounding skin is pinched.

Where are dermatofibromas commonly found?

Lower legs, although they can occur elsewhere.

What is a cherry angioma?

A common benign growth made up of small blood vessels.

What color are cherry angiomas typically?

Bright red to dark red or purple.

Are cherry angiomas generally benign?

Yes

What are milia?

Small, benign keratin-filled cysts.

What do milia typically look like?

Tiny white or yellowish, firm bumps.

Where are milia commonly found?

Around the eyes, cheeks, and forehead.

Are milia usually symptomatic?

No.

What does sebaceous hyperplasia look like?

Small yellowish or skin-colored bumps, often with a central depression.

Where is sebaceous hyperplasia commonly found?

The face.

What type of gland is involved with sebaceous hyperplasia?

Sebaceous (oil) glands.

What is an epidermal inclusion cyst?

A benign cyst filled with keratin.

What might happen if an epidermal inclusion cyst becomes inflamed?

It may become red, swollen, tender, painful, and possibly start draining.

What PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is recommended when performing an I & D (incision and drainage)?

It is recommended to wear gloves, goggles, face mask, and gown to protect against blood and other bodily fluids.

What is a lipoma?

A benign tumor made of fat cells.

How does a lipoma typically feel on examination?

Soft, rubbery, and often moveable beneath the skin.

What is a nevus?

A benign growth or lesion made up of melanocytes or other skin cells.

What is the common term for nevus?

A mole.

What changes in a mole should be reported?

Changes in size, shape, color, border, or evolution; the “ugly duckling” meaning different from the rest.

Where can nevi occur?

Anywhere on the skin.

What is a basal cell carcinoma?

The most common type of skin cancer, arising from basal cells. It often appears as a pearly bump or “pimple” that does not heal and may crust or bleed.

What is a squamous cell carcinoma?

A skin cancer arising from squamous cells. It typically appears as a firm, red nodule or a flat sore with a scaly crust. It can develop from actinic keratosis and may invade nearby tissues.

What symptoms or changes should raise a concern for squamous cell carcinoma?

Symptoms include new growths, persistent sores, or changes in existing lesions that bleed, crust, or do not heal. These lesions are often tender or painful to the touch.

What is melanoma?

A type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, usually appearing as a dark mole or spot. Melanoma can vary in color, size, and shape, and may have irregular borders.

What are the ABCDE warning signs?

The ABCDE warning signs are a set of characteristics used to identify potential melanoma: A for asymmetry, B for border irregularity, C for color variation, D for diameter greater than 6 mm, and E for evolving or changing lesions.

Why is early detection for melanoma important?

Melanoma can spread to other parts of the body and is more treatable when detected early.

What is a dysplastic nevus?

A mole that has atypical features compared with an ordinary mole.

What are the 3 grades of an atypical or dysplastic nevus?

The three grades of an atypical or dysplastic nevus are mild, moderate, and severe dysplasia, which indicate increasing degrees of abnormality in the mole's appearance and cellular structure.

What is a verruca vulgaris?

A benign skin growth caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), commonly known as a wart.

Where do plantar warts occur?

On the soles of the feet.

What can make plantar warts painful?

Pressure from walking or standing.

How can you distinguish a plantar wart from a callus?

A plantar wart can be distinguished from a callus by the presence of black dots, which are tiny blood vessels, and the wart is usually painful when pinched, whereas a callus is generally not tender.

What is molluscum contagiosum?

A viral skin infection characterized by small, firm, flesh-colored or pearly bumps with a dimpled center.

Is molluscum contagious?

Yes, molluscum contagiosum is contagious and can spread through direct skin-to-skin contact or contact with contaminated objects.

What is tinea corporis?

A fungal skin infection commonly known as ringworm, characterized by circular, red, itchy patches with clear centers.

What causes tinea corporis?

Dermatophyte fungi.

What is tinea pedis?

A fungal skin infection affecting the feet, often called athlete's foot, characterized by itching, redness, and peeling skin.

What is onychomycosis?

A fungal infection of the nails that causes discoloration, thickening, and possible separation from the nail bed.

What part of the body does onychomycosis affect?

Fingernails and toenails.

What causes onychomycosis?

Fungal infections, often due to dermatophytes, yeasts, or non-dermatophyte molds.

What causes cutaneous candidiasis?

Overgrowth of Candida yeast on warm, moist skin, often in areas such as the groin, armpits, or under breasts.

What causes herpes zoster?

Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (the virus that causes chickenpox) in the body.

What does the herpes zoster rash typically look like?

Clusters of painful fluid-filled blisters on a red base.

What does “dermatomal” mean in relation to herpes zoster?

It refers to the distribution of the herpes zoster rash along specific nerve pathways, affecting a single dermatome.

What symptoms often accompany shinges (herpes zoster)?

Commonly includes pain, itching, and sensitivity in the affected area, along with fever and headache.

What causes herpes simplex infections?

Herpes simplex virus (HSV).

Where can herpes simplex lesions occur?

Around the mouth, nose, genitals, or other areas of the skin.

What is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS)?

A chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed and painful lumps under the skin, typically in areas where skin rubs together, such as the armpits and groin.

What type of lesions can occur from HS?

Painful nodules, abscesses, draining lesions, and tunnels (sinus tracts).

What is folliculitis?

Inflammation of a hair follicle.

Where can folliculitis occur?

Anywhere hair follicles are present.

What is a furuncle?

A deeper infection of a hair follicle that forms a painful boil.

What is impetigo?

A contagious bacterial skin infection.

What does the classis impetigo crust look like?

Honey-colored crust.

What is cellulitis?

A bacterial infection involving the deeper layers of the skin.

What symptoms usually accompany cellulitis?

Pain, warmth, swelling, fever, or chills.

Why should spreading redness from cellulitis be taken seriously?

It may indicate a worsening infection or the need for immediate medical intervention.

What does the term “alopecia” refer to?

It’s a generic term for hair loss.

What is alopecia areata?

An autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss.

What does alopecia areata typically look like?

Smooth, round or oval patches of hair loss.

Is alopecia areata usually a scarring or non-scarring type of hair loss?

Non-scarring.

What is androgenetic alopecia?

A common form of patterned hair loss influenced by genetics and hormones.

What is telogen effluvium?

A temporary hair loss condition often triggered by stress, significant weight loss, surgery/illness, resulting in shedding of hair after the telogen phase.