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skin and RELATED dermatologic diseases

Learn more about different skin diseases using this atlas.

ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS

Acanthosis Nigricans is a skin condition characterized by overgrowth of the epidermis. It presents with darkening and thickening of the skin in the flexural areas including the axillae, neck, groins and inframammary regions. It is usually a sign of an underlying disease such as obesity or diabetes. It can also, rarely, be an indicator of internal malignancy.

CLINICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Use this reference to understand the pathophysiology of acanthosis nigricans and how it can be diagnosed. This resource also outlines the treatment options for the condition.

This review article provides information on the pathogenesis of acanthosis nigricans and provides a framework for classification based on severity. The article also outlines treatment options available for each type.

AUDIOVISUAL RESOURCES

Watch this video for an overview of the causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of acanthosis nigricans.

This video presents more information on acanthosis nigricans in a question and answer format from a licensed dermatologist in the US. Use it to fill in any gaps in your knowledge.

VISUAL AIDS

REVIEW

Use this patient handout to review acanthosis nigricans and take steps to reduce the impact of the condition. 

Content developed by: Sofia Maruschak-Love

Edited by: Taylore Shalovsky, Lauren Fraess, Kristina Nazzicone

ACNE

Acne is a common skin condition that can present in different forms and significantly impact patients’ lives. Effective management by dermatologists is a hallmark of preventing long-term effects and improving patient quality of life.

  • Acne Vulgaris: a common cutaneous inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. (1)

  • Acne Fulminans: a rare skin disorder presenting as an acute, painful, ulcerating, and hemorrhagic clinical form of acne. (2)

  • Acne Conglobata: a rare but severe form of nodulocystic acne. (3)

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PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

ACNE VULGARIS: SUBTYPES AND TREATMENT

Review the resources below for a deeper dive into the various subtypes of acne vulgaris, progression of the condition, photo guides, and management strategies:

Content developed by: Caden Carver 

Edited by: Taylore Shalovsky, Lauren Fraess, Nawar Tarafdar,  Iryna Savinova

ALBINISM

INTRODUCTION

​Take a look at this article on albinism to familiarize yourself with the condition. Following, test your new knowledge with a quiz located at the bottom of the page!​​​

Watch this video to learn more about the genetics behind albinism, as well as the pathophysiology, subtypes, clinical presentation and diagnosis of this condition.

SUBTYPES

Deepen your knowledge on the genetics and subtypes of albinism by reading this article.

Management & PREVENTION 

 The Treatment section of this article explores recommended symptom management measures and support options for people with albinism. genetics and subtypes of albinism by reading this article.

Learn more about Preventative Medicine - Sun Protection through the Skin Curriculum!

Experiences of people with albinism 

This short podcast series will help you gain insight into the perspectives and experiences of people living with albinism.​

Content developed by: Juliette Charbonneau

Edited by: Sofia Maruschak-Love, Lauren Fraess, Kristina Nazzicone

ALOPECIA

Alopecia is the absence or loss of hair in an area where it is expected to be present. For an introduction and broad overview on alopecia, review the following resources:

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1. NON-SCARRING ALOPECIAs

  • Alopecia Areata: is a chronic immune-mediated disease commonly presenting as acute onset patchy hair loss on the scalp. (4) For a quick overview of the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of alopecia areata, review the resources below:

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  • Androgenetic Alopecia: or androgenic alopecia, is commonly known as male and/or female pattern hair loss, and is a slowly progressing kind of hair loss presenting with unique characteristics in men and women. (4) Learn more via reviewing the following resources:

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  • Telogen Effluvium: a noninflammatory acute or chronic alopecia usually affecting the entire scalp. (4) To learn more:

2. SCARRING ALOPECIAs

  • Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia (CCCA): is a unique form of scarring alopecia that clinically presents as patches of permanent hair loss on the vertex or crown of the scalp, and spreads centrifugally. (5) This type of hair loss is associated with signs and symptoms of inflammation. Learn more about CCCA, treatment options and differential diagnoses via the resources below:

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  • Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia (FFA): is characterized by band-like cicatricial alopecia of the frontotemporal zone of the scalp, signs of perifollicular inflammation at the edge of the hairy region may also be present. (6) Learn more below: 

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  • Traction Alopecia: occurs in individuals having hairstyles that produce a continuous pulling force on the hair roots. (7) Learn more about the causes, clinical signs, treatment, and prevention below:

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  • Trichotillomania with Alopecia: also known as hair-pulling disorder, results in the loss of patches of hair.  (8) The resource below presents a comprehensible summary of trichotillomania; a hyperlink at the bottom of the page will direct you to more information about the diagnosis and treatments:

For more on scarring alopecia....

Content developed by: Juliette Charbonneau

Edited by: Caden Carver, Lauren Fraess, Iryna Savinova

Autoimmune Cutaneous DiseaseS

Curious how the immune system interacts with the skin? Check out this page for an overview of immune-mediated conditions that manifest on the skin! For an introduction review this one-page article summarizing each type of autoimmune skin diseases:

1. Autoimmune Blistering Skin Diseases

Autoimmune blistering skin diseases are rare conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks proteins necessary for skin layers to stick together, which causes painful blisters that affect the skin and mucous membranes. (9)

  • Pemphigus

  • Pemphigoid

  • IgA-mediated bullous dermatoses

  • Epidermolysis bullosa acquista

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2. PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is a chronic proliferative and inflammatory condition of the skin, characterized by erythematous plaques and silvery scales, particularly over the extensor surfaces, scalp, and lumbosacral region. (10)

3. VITILIGO

Vitiligo is an acquired pigmentary skin disorder by the absence of pigmentary cells from the epidermis that results in white macules and patches on the body, which can be due to various autoimmune disorders. (11)

4. Scleroderma

 Scleroderma is a connective tissue disorder characterized primarily by the thickening and hardening of the skin. (12)

5. Lichen Planus

Lichen planus is an inflammatory disorder of the skin and mucous membranes of unknown cause,  which appears as pruritic, violaceous papules and plaques most commonly found on the wrists, lower back, and ankles. (13)

6. Dermatomyositis

Dermatomyositis is a rare acquired immune-mediated muscle disease characterized by muscle weakness and skin rash, which is classified as one of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies. (14)

7. Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

Cutaneous lupus erythematosus is lupus affecting the skin. Lupus erythematous is an inflammatory connective tissue disorder characterized by pathogenic autoantibodies, immune complex formation, deposition, and attributed to the loss of immune tolerance. (15)

Content developed by: Caden Carver

Edited by: Olivia MacIntyre; Lauren Fraess, Iryna Savinova

BURNS

INTRODUCTION

A burn is an injury to the skin or other organic tissue primarily caused by heat or due to radiation, radioactivity, electricity, friction or contact with chemicals (20).

 

For a thorough overview on everything you need to know about the management of burns, including the “6 C’s” of systemic care with summary tables and diagrams, review the resource below:

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

CLASSIFICATION

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Levels of Burns

Hover over this image to reveal the answers.

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Acquired from: EMS1.com

MANAGEMENT

Review the resources below for an overview on how to manage different levels of burns.

Content developed by: Juliette Charbonneau, Iryna Savinova

Edited by: Olivia MacIntyre, Lauren Fraess, Nawar Tarafdar

SKIN MANIFESTATIONS OF CELIAC DISEASE

INTRODUCTION

Celiac disease is a chronic gluten-dependent enteropathy where gluten ingestion results in damage of the intestinal lining. The most common cutaneous manifestation is dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) but some patients may also present with eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, and alopecia areata.

Clinical Background Information

Use this review article from Gastroenterology Research and Practice to get an overview of dermatologic manifestations of celiac disease. It also features associations with other mucocutaneous diseases

Use this resource to understand DH which is the most common cutaneous manifestation, including causes, risk factors, symptoms and treatment. 

This resource provides more detail on the symptoms and treatment of DH, including both prescription and over-the-counter remedies 

videos & podcasts

These two videos will help you:

  1. Understand the less common systemic manifestations of celiac disease, including pictures and information about pathophysiology.

  2. Learn about DH, including its clinical features and treatment options.

This Boston Children’s Hospital podcast discusses DH in the context of celiac disease and how this can be managed at home and in schools.

Hover over this image to reveal the answers.

VISUAL AIDS

This library of photos can be used to examine how DH might present on different body surfaces and in different Fitzpatrick skin types. 

Content developed by: Sofia Maruschak-Love

Edited by: Nahlah Haddouch, Lauren Fraess, Kristina Nazzicone

DERMATITIc DISEASES

  • Atopic Dermatitis: is a chronic skin condition, which usually begins in childhood, and causes pruritic, dry, and inflamed skin.

  • Stasis Dermatitis: is a skin condition that develops in individuals with poor blood flow, often associated with findings of venous insufficiency (e.g., edema, varicose veins, atrophic hypopigmented scars, and appears as erythematous patches involving the distal lower leg.

  • Contact Dermatitis: is an inflammatory skin condition caused by irritants or allergens

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ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition commonly encountered in dermatology. It results from defects in the skin barrier and an overactive immune response, both of which contribute to severe pruritus and characteristic eczematous skin lesions. Learning to properly diagnose and treat atopic dermatitis can greatly improve patients’ lives, and is a crucial skill for all dermatologists.

 

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Check out these overview resources that discuss the risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and treatment of atopic dermatitis. In addition to the resources on this page, visit our virtual clinic to advance your knowledge of atopic dermatitis!

Key Molecular Players: Deepen your understanding with this animated video that helps visualize the key molecular players involved in atopic dermatitis.

Presentation: Further your ability to recognize key clinical features of atopic dermatitis in a variety of skin types with these additional clinical images.

Comorbidities: Atopic dermatitis is commonly associated with other medical conditions. Check out the article below to learn about common comorbid conditions seen in eczema.

Treatment: To read the most recent clinical guidelines on treating atopic dermatitis, visit the links below.

QUICK QUIZ!

After reviewing these resources, test your knowledge of atopic dermatitis with this brief quiz!

Review: Here is a one page study guide to quickly refresh your knowledge of the high-yield aspects of atopic dermatitis! Or, if you are a fan of podcasts, check out the episode linked below for a great review!

Content developed by: Caden Carver

Edited by: Juliette Charbonneau; Lauren Fraess, Nawar Tarafdar, Iryna Savinova

ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS (acd)

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a condition commonly encountered by the practicing dermatologist. The severe itching and sometimes unclear triggers can be debilitating for patients. Learning to understand, diagnose, and treat ACD is crucial to providing relief for these patients. 

 

Read this comprehensive overview of ACD including the causes, mechanisms, clinical features, and treatment options.​

ACD varies significantly in clinical appearance. View these additional images to familiarize yourself with how ACD commonly presents.

Understanding the pathophysiology of ACD can help you differentiate it from other clinical entities. Watch this video to dive deeper into these molecular mechanisms!

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

Patch testing is the gold standard for diagnosing ACD. Check out these resources to learn more about performing and interpreting patch testing.

PATCH TESTING

QUICK QUIZ!

Learn to differentiate ACD from other forms of contact dermatitis with these practice questions!

Review: Need a review on the go? This podcast episode provides relevant information regarding ACD in the perfect format, so you can continue your learning in the car or at the gym. 

Content developed by: Caden Carver

Edited by:  Juliette Charbonneau, Lauren Fraess, Nawar Tarafdar, Kristina Nazzicone

epidermolysis bullosa

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare genetic skin disorder marked by structural defects at the dermo-epidermal junction, resulting in extreme skin fragility. Even minor shear stress or trauma can lead to blistering, erosions, and ulcers. Patients with this condition also face a heightened risk of infections and cutaneous malignancies.

CLINICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

Use this resource to learn about the etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of epidermolysis bullosa. It also provides a classification framework for its various subtypes, each with distinct severity and implications for morbidity and mortality.

This manual provides an accessible overview of epidermolysis bullosa pathogenesis and outlines treatment options, presented in a format suitable for patient education.

Audiovisual resources

Watch these videos for an overview of epidermolysis bullosa, including its causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. The second video presents a 3D animation that delves into the genetic defects underlying the condition.

This podcast explores the experiences of patients in the United States living with epidermolysis bullosa and highlights its daily impact on both patients and caregivers

VISUAL RESOURCES

Take a look at this visual resource to see the different ways that epidermolysis bullosa can present.

Use this pathology reference to learn how each epidermolysis bullosa subtype can present, helping you confidently identify and diagnose this condition in all patients.

QUICK QUIZ!

After reviewing these resources, test your knowledge of epidermolysis bullosa with this brief quiz!

Content developed by: Sofia Maruschak-Love

Edited by: Olivia MacIntyre, Lauren Fraess, Kristina Nazzicone

FROSTBITE

Frostbite, also known as freezing cold injury (FCI) is tissue damage as a result to cold exposure, occurring at temperatures below zero degrees Celsius (22).

Clinical Background:

Visual Library:

Treatment:

Study Resources:

Content developed by: Juliette Charbonneau

Edited by: Caden Carver, Lauren Fraess, Iryna Savinova

HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS), also known as “Acne inversa”, is a chronic skin condition that causes small painful lumps to form under the skin”. This condition can significantly affect mental and emotional well-being and is an area of significant research to improve outcomes for patients.

Clinical Background:

Visual Library:

Pathophysiology:

Study Resources:

Content developed by: Sofia Maruschak-Love

Edited by: Juliette Charbonneau; Lauren Fraess, Iryna Savinova

hyperhIdrosis

Hyperhidrosis is characterized by excessive sweating. It can be caused by a genetic mutation, an underlying medical condition, or an adverse effect of certain medications.

OVERVIEW 

HYPERHIDROSIS SUBTYPES

Here is a quick read about the two types of hyperhidrosis. Links to lists of medical conditions and medications causing secondary hyperhidrosis are included here as well.​

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS & TREATMENT

IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE

test yourself!

Test your knowledge with this short quiz!

Content developed by: Juliette Charbonneau

Edited by: Sofia Maruschak-Love, Lauren Fraess, Kristina Nazzicone

Hypopigmentation

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HERPES FAMILY INFECTIONS

Herpesvirus infections are extremely common, as they are a lifelong disease that can remain dormant or latent in host cells. There are 8 different types that are known infect humans, of which the most common are included below.

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Overview of Human Herpesvirus (HHV) infections

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1. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

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2. Shingles (VZV)

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3. Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

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​4. Pyteriasis Rosea (HHV-6, HHV-7)

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There are two types of Herpes Simplex Viruses. HSV-1 causes oral herpes (i.e., cold sores) and HSV-2 causes genital herpes. HSV has the potential to affect many other organs and is highly contagious.​

Shingles is a painful rash that develops as a result of re-activation of the virus that causes chickenpox, also known as Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV). This virus typically appears in individuals over the age of 50.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is a highly contagious virus that spreads through bodily fluids, primarily affecting children and young adults. It can lead to infectious mononucleosis (commonly known as mono) and, in rare cases, may even contribute to the development of certain cancers.

The exact etiology of pyteriasis rosea is unclear, although many suspect HHV-6 and HHV-7 have a causative role. Its presentation can alarm patients; typically presenting with red, scaly patches appearing in clusters typically on the trunk of patients. This virus is self-limiting and typically resolves without complications.

Content developed by: Olivia Macintyre

Edited by: Sofia Maruschak-Love, Lauren Fraess, Kristina Nazzicone

KELOIDS

INTRODUCTION

EPIDEMIOLOGY & PATHOGENESIS

To learn more about the epidemiology and pathophysiology of keloids, take a look at the corresponding sections of this article.

DIAGNOSIs & Differential Diagnosis

This article provides an overview of keloid scar diagnosis and differential. It also serves as an introduction to the Japan Scar Workshop 2015 Scar Scale (JSS 2015), a useful tool to help you determine if you are looking at a matured, hypertrophic or keloid scar.

Take a look at the Japan Scar Workshop 2015 Scar Scale (JSS 2015) to familiarize yourself with the classification of different types of scars and keloids. Images are also provided to give you a visual of the signs and symptoms you could encounter.

TREATMENT & PREVENTION 

This article explores treatment and management options for keloids.

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FOUR KELOID SCAR PREVENTION TIPS FROM THE AAD

image-based resources for further learning

 

Content developed by: Juliette Charbonneau
Edited by: Sofia Maruschak-Love, Lauren Fraess, Kristina Nazzicone

KERATOSIS PILARIS

Keratosis pilaris is a common benign condition also known as “chicken skin”. It is generally characterized by small hard bumps on hair follicles, usually on the arms, thighs, and/or buttocks.

OVERVIEW

This introductory video will give you an idea of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of keratosis pilaris.

EPIDEMIOLOGY & PROGNOSIS

Learn more about the epidemiology and prognosis of keratosis pilaris by consulting the corresponding sections of this article.

Keratosis Pilaris Across The skin spectrum

Keratosis pilaris presents itself differently depending on the patient’s skin color.

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TREATMENT

Use this resource to review the various treatment options for keratosis pilaris.

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Content developed by: Juliette Charbonneau
Edited by: Taylore Shalovsky, Lauren Fraess, Kristina Nazzicone

MELASMA

Melasma refers to an acquired hyperpigmentation disorder of the skin, primarily affecting the face. It is more commonly seen in adults of darker skin tones. The pathogenesis has been linked to genetics, hormones, and exposure to the sun.

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Check out these resources to discover what is currently known about the pathophysiology and histopathology of melasma.

Overview

DIAGNOSIS & Differential diagnosis

There are several different classifications of melasma. Review this resource to learn about the different subtypes. 

Although appearing similar to other forms of hyperpigmentation, melasma must be differentiated from other disorders to ensure appropriate treatment. Familiarize yourself with a differential of hyperpigmentation and the clinical presentation of melasma using this resource.

TREATMENT 

While curative treatment does not exist, various topical, oral, and procedural treatments currently exist with different  efficacies.

HANDS-FREE LEARNING

Solidify your knowledge using a clinical snapshot and practice question in this MedBullets podcast.

Content developed by: Mirha Zohair
Edited by: Olivia MacIntyre, Lauren Fraess, Kristina Nazzicone

SKIN CANCER

melanoma

Melanoma is a malignant tumor produced from malignant transformation of melanocytes. (16)

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Melanoma Canada is an organization that provides a  comprehensive overview of melanoma - review that resource below for a thorough introduction to this topics:

ABCDEs of Melanoma: Warning signs that can help you identify lesions suscpicious for melanoma.

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Diagnosis and Treatment: Involve a thorough clinical assessment, skin biopsy, evaluating possible metastases and more. Review the resource below for a systematic approach to diagnosing and managing melanoma.

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Staging: Staging classifies a cancer based on how much cancer there is in the body and where it is when first diagnosed. For melanoma skin cancer there are 5 stages – stage 0 followed by stages 1 to 4.

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Gallery: Recognizing melanoma requires practice and experience visualizing the different ways the lesion may present. See below for galleries depicting different melanoma presentations:

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Uncommon Presentations: Below are some uncommon presentations of melanoma (e.g., foot and nail) as well as melanoma presentations in children, to supplement your learning.

NON-melanoma SKIN CANCER

Non-melanoma skin cancers include a broad category of skin cancers outside of melanoma, which occur as the result of skin cells developing malignancy. Below are a few resources that provide a comprehensive overview of the various types of non-melanoma skin cancer.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, usually presenting as slow-grade tumours that appears as flesh- or pink-colored, pearly papules with overlying ulceration or telangiectatic vessels. (17)

Merkel cell carcinoma: Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the skin, usually found on the head or neck region. (18)

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): SCCs are the second most common form of skin cancer, which are caused by the cumulative exposure of skin to UV light, and present as tender papules/nodules. The precursor lesions to SCC are called actinic keratoses, which exhibit tumour progression (although a large percentage of actinic keratoses do not develop malignancy).   (19)

Bowen's Disease: Malignant cells that are confined to the tissue of the epidermis are termed Squamous Cell In Situ (SSCIS), Intraepidermal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (IESCC), or Bowen’s disease

Invasive SCC: Malignant cells that have invaded other layers of the skin are considered Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma. When treated appropriately, these lesions are not life-threatening.

Content developed by: Olivia MacIntyre

Graphics by: Iryna Savinova 

Edited by: Juliette Charbonneau, Caden Carver, Lauren Fraess, Iryna Savinova

SKIN INFESTATIONS

Cutaneous infestations are common dermatologic diagnoses that require prompt treatment. Differentiating the various causes of skin infestations is necessary to ensure proper treatment and reduce spread. Check out these resources below, which provide information about the most frequent infestations encountered by the dermatologist.

Scabies:

Scabies is characterized by intense pruritus and can severely impact patients’ lives. The following article and video highlight key clinical features and management of scabies.

Lice:

Lice, also known as pediculosis, has multiple forms depending on the body region affected. See the resources below to gain a better understanding about how to diagnose and treat lice 

Bed Bugs:

Bed bug infestations commonly present with bites that appear overnight, following sleep on affected sheets, pillows, or mattresses. Knowing key presentations of bed bug infestations will allow for best management.

Fleas:

Flea infestation often occurs after close contact with affected animals. Fleas may be a vector for several serious human diseases. Because of this, timely recognition and treatment of flea infestation is crucial.

Dermoscopy can be useful in the diagnosis of scabies, lice, bed bugs, and fleas. Use the resource below to learn to recognize dermoscopic features of each.

Ticks

Tick bites and infestations can lead to characteristic skin findings and be a potential cause of serious systemic disease. Use the resources below to identify the various types of ticks and their associated clinical characteristics.

Diagnostics:

Content developed by: Caden Carver

Edited by: Mirha Zohair; Lauren Fraess, Nawar Tarafdar, Iryna Savinova

PAPULOSQUAMOUS DISORDERS

  • Plaque Psoriasis: an immune-mediated inflammatory disease, involving skin and joints.

  • Lichen Planus: an inflammatory disorder of the skin and mucous membranes with no known cause.

  • Pityriasis Rosea: meaning rose-colored scale, is an acute self-limiting papulosquamous disorder.

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PEDIATRIC EXANTHEMS

Exanthem refers to a widespread rash that is typically viral in nature and is usually accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever and malaise. Pediatric patients commonly present with exanthems and it is important for general practitioners and specialists to be aware of common exanthems, how they present, and how they can be treated clinically.

CLINICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Use this pediatric-specific reference to understand the pathophysiology of some common pediatric exanthems, how they can be prevented and management strategies:

  • Chicken Pox

  • Fifth Disease

  • Measles (or Rubeola)

  • Roseola

  • Rubella

assessment and diagnosis

Use the resources below to review how to identify and diagnose different pediatric exanthems based on the patient's age, distribution of the rash, and other clinical findings.

VISUAL AIDS

Review these visual glossaries to become familiar with the presentation of different pediatric exanthems across a variety of skin colours.

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Reference: img.grepmed.com

Content developed by: Sofia Maruschak-Love

Edited by: Taylor Miller, Lauren Fraess, Iryna Savinova

PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is one of the most common skin conditions seen by dermatologists. It is an immune-mediated, multifactorial condition with many varying clinical presentations, which necessitates a thorough familiarity with the condition.

CLINICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Classically, psoriasis presents with discolored, distinct plaques with overlying scales that can appear on any area of the body. Psoriasis can be seen in all age groups, and tends to persist throughout an individual’s lifespan.

TYPES OF PSORIASIS

Types of psoriasis include plaque, guattate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic. Learn more about the etiologies and presentations of these psoriasis types in the resource below.

PSORIASIS PHOTO GALLERY

​The appearance of psoriasis is never the same, so becoming familiar with how to visually identify the different types is crucial as a learner! Use the following resources to familiarize yourself with all the different psoriasis presentations.

Psoriasis can present differently based on an individual’s Fitzpatrick skin type classification. On darker skin tones psoriasis may be present with darker brown or purple plaques with grey colored scales while on lighter skin tones it normally presents with reddish plaques with white scales.

TREATMENT

Psoriasis may be treated with topical therapies, light therapy, and oral or injected medications. Treatment modality is determined based on the type and severity of psoriasis, and may need to be adjusted depending on response. Learn more about psoriasis treatment with the below resource!

STUDY RESOURCES

Check out the links below to consolidate the information you have learned and complete your studying on psoriasis. Test yourself with the shared quiz!

Content developed by: Olivia MacIntyre

Edited by: Sofia Maruschak-Love, Lauren Fraess, Iryna Savinova

ROSACEA

Rosacea is a common chronic inflammatory disease that presents with recurrent flushing, erythema, telangiectasia, papules, or pustules on nose, chin, cheeks, and forehead (21).

CLINICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Review the resources below for an introduction on rosacea including the various types, signs and clinical manifestations, and triggers.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

The suggested pathophysiological mechanisms of rosacea include: neurovascular dysfunction, immune system activation, and infestation by Demodex mites. To learn more about the pathogenesis review the resource below.

TREATMENT

Treatment options for rosacea include both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. The initial approach to treating rosacea involves education on how to recognize and subsequently avoid triggers. This may include excess UV light exposure, spicy foods, weather, and alcohol. Review the resource below for an overview of rosacea treatment.

study resources

Use the podcast below to consolidate your knowledge and the quizzes to test yourself on what you have learned!

Content developed by: Juliette Charbonneau

Edited by: Sofia Maruschak-Love, Lauren Fraess, Iryna Savinova

URTICARIA

Urticaria is characterized by itchy weals (hives) that can be surrounded by erythematous flares. It can be acute, chronic, spontaneous or inducible and have a significant impact on a patient’s daily life.

CLINICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

This reference covers the pathophysiology of urticaria, how to make a diagnosis, and treatment options for several etiologies:

This reference provides background on how to diagnose and treat urticaria where it presents most often - primary care:

MULTIMEDIA

These resources provide an overview of the causes, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment of urticaria.

If you’re a podcast fan, this link will provide more information about urticaria and how the condition affects people in their daily lives.

VISUAL AIDS

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The two references below will help you explore how urticaria presents in different skin types, ages, and in different conditions

REVIEW

This short 5-question quiz will help assess your knowledge of urticaria and reinforce high yield concepts

Content developed by: Sofia Maruschak-Love

Edited by: Lauren Fraess, Taylore Miller, Kristina Nazzicone

VITILIGO

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disorder involving depigmenting of the skin where melanocytes are lost or destroyed over time. Check out these resources that detail the prevalence, classifications, differential, and possible treatment for vitiligo:

CLINICAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Subtypes, Manifestations, and DiagnOsis

Vitiligo Across the Skin Spectrum - this resource will help you familiarize yourself with manifestations on different skin tones and body regions

Drug-Induced Vitiligo - this resource will clarify the common causes, diagnosis, and treatment 

Dermoscopy - this resource reviews the dermoscopic features of vitiligo to aid in diagnosis

APPROACH TO TREATMENT

Though vitiligo has no definite cure, phototherapy has more recently emerged as a common non-invasive treatment option. Surgical options are also available with the goal of complete repigmentation of the skin through tissue and cellular grafting. Read more about medical and surgical treatments below!

PODCAST & REVIEW

Consolidate your knowledge about vitiligo and test yourself with practice questions from this MedBullets podcast

Content developed by: Mirha Zohair

Edited by: Nawar Tarafdar, Kristina Nazzicone

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

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