Student Pages

• Diagnosis and treatment of skin disorders is an important part of podiatric practice

• Up to 50% of consultations are related to dermatological complaints (USA figures)

• Many skin disorders look similar - clinical experience is important but also a systematic and thorough approach is needed

• Thorough history is required

• Examination should take place after history has been taken

Principles of examination

• Visualisation

• Light source

• Palpation of lesion

• Diascopy

Volcabulary

• Primary lesion

• Secondary lesion

Descriptions

• Size

• Shape

• Borders

• Arrangement

• Extension

• Location

• Colour

• Number

• Texture, surface and symptoms

• Changes encountered in the skin

Dermatological therapies

• Topical

• Systemic

• Intralesional therapy

• U.V. therapy

• Surgical

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