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What is the diagnosis? 

What is the diagnosis?
Chapter:
What is the diagnosis?
Author(s):

Susan Burge

, Rubeta Matin

, and Dinny Wallis

DOI:
10.1093/med/9780198747925.003.0004
Page of

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date: 10 July 2020

This chapter provides guidance on how to reach a diagnosis, after formulating a differential diagnosis. The framework for analysing clinical signs should be particularly helpful. Topics include the epidemiology of skin diseases and causes of rashes with linear patterns and sharp demarcations. The differential diagnosis is outlined in a variety of presentations, including rashes in sick patients, patients who itch, scaly and smooth red rashes, purpura and telangiectasia, red faces, red legs and leg ulcers, rashes involving the hands, feet, and other extremities, flexural rashes, pustules, blisters, nodules, and cutaneous ulcers, change in skin colour, change in hair (too much or too little), and funny nails. Skin problems that are commoner in skin of colour are described.

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