- Quick Reference Material
- Foreword to the second edition
- Foreword to the first edition
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Symbols and abbreviations
- Definitions
- Chapter 1 Structure and function of the skin
- Chapter 2 The history in dermatology
- Chapter 3 Examination of the skin
- Chapter 4 What is the diagnosis?
- Chapter 5 Skin failure and emergency dermatology
- Chapter 6 Bacterial and spirochaetal infections
- Chapter 7 Viral and fungal infections
- Chapter 8 Infestations and parasites
- Chapter 9 Psoriasis
- Chapter 10 Eczema and lichen planus
- Chapter 11 Urticaria and erythema
- Chapter 12 Pustular rashes
- Chapter 13 Blisters
- Chapter 14 Oral and genital mucosae
- Chapter 15 Leg ulcers and lymphoedema
- Chapter 16 Sun and skin
- Chapter 17 Tumours
- Chapter 18 Cutaneous reactions to drugs
- Chapter 19 Skin and rheumatology
- Chapter 20 Vasculitis
- Chapter 21 Panniculitis
- Chapter 22 Skin and diabetes and endocrinology
- Chapter 23 Skin and renal disease
- Chapter 24 Skin and gastroenterology
- Chapter 25 Skin and chest diseases
- Chapter 26 Skin and haematology/oncology
- Chapter 27 Skin and neurology
- Chapter 28 Skin and psychiatry
- Chapter 29 Skin in older people
- Chapter 30 Skin and pregnancy
- Chapter 31 Skin in infancy and childhood
- Chapter 32 Skin and genetics
- Chapter 33 Special tools and investigations
- Chapter 34 Medical management
- Chapter 35 Resources
- Index
(p. 53) What is the diagnosis?
- Chapter:
- (p. 53) What is the diagnosis?
- Author(s):
Susan Burge
, Rubeta Matin
, and Dinny Wallis
- DOI:
- 10.1093/med/9780198747925.003.0004
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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- Quick Reference Material
- Foreword to the second edition
- Foreword to the first edition
- Preface
- Acknowledgements
- Symbols and abbreviations
- Definitions
- Chapter 1 Structure and function of the skin
- Chapter 2 The history in dermatology
- Chapter 3 Examination of the skin
- Chapter 4 What is the diagnosis?
- Chapter 5 Skin failure and emergency dermatology
- Chapter 6 Bacterial and spirochaetal infections
- Chapter 7 Viral and fungal infections
- Chapter 8 Infestations and parasites
- Chapter 9 Psoriasis
- Chapter 10 Eczema and lichen planus
- Chapter 11 Urticaria and erythema
- Chapter 12 Pustular rashes
- Chapter 13 Blisters
- Chapter 14 Oral and genital mucosae
- Chapter 15 Leg ulcers and lymphoedema
- Chapter 16 Sun and skin
- Chapter 17 Tumours
- Chapter 18 Cutaneous reactions to drugs
- Chapter 19 Skin and rheumatology
- Chapter 20 Vasculitis
- Chapter 21 Panniculitis
- Chapter 22 Skin and diabetes and endocrinology
- Chapter 23 Skin and renal disease
- Chapter 24 Skin and gastroenterology
- Chapter 25 Skin and chest diseases
- Chapter 26 Skin and haematology/oncology
- Chapter 27 Skin and neurology
- Chapter 28 Skin and psychiatry
- Chapter 29 Skin in older people
- Chapter 30 Skin and pregnancy
- Chapter 31 Skin in infancy and childhood
- Chapter 32 Skin and genetics
- Chapter 33 Special tools and investigations
- Chapter 34 Medical management
- Chapter 35 Resources
- Index