Introduction to Dermatology
Prof. S.Anandan, MD, DD*
• Caveats
No two skin diseases look alike
Most skin diseases have characteristic primary and secondary lesions
Primary skin lesions may be obliterated by secondary lesions
Complete examination of entire body is a necessity when confronted with a diffuse skin eruption.
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Points in history taking
Elicit nature and course of disease
Family history
Any other factors in disease exacerbation
Record the recent use of drugs
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Points in examining the skin:
Examining the entire skin surface
Use hand lens and adequate illumination
Look at nails, mucous membranes and hairs
Observe for distribution, individual lesions
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PRIMARY LESIONS
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Lesion Description Example
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Macule Circumscribed alteration of skin vitiligo colour <0.5cm size freckles
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Patch More than 0.5 c.m.
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Papule Circumscribed, solid elevated Lichen planus lesion of <0.5cm molluscum contagiosum
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Nodule Larger than 0.5 cm with depth neuro fibroma/dematofibroma
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Pustule Pus filled blister furuncle
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Plaque Circumscribed elevated plateau psoriasis, lupus vulgaris like elevation of skin of more than 0.5 cm
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Vesicle Fluid filled lesions of 0.5 cm size
* - Professor and HOD - Dermatology
Sri Ramachandra Medical College& Research Institute (Deemed University)
