Study guides
General Dermatology
2 guides for this subject — how to prepare, what to practise, and how to know it has gone in.
A practice question
Choose an answer and it is marked, with the explanation. From General Dermatology Practice Questions: 10 Cases.
A 34-year-old has well-demarcated, erythematous plaques with silvery scale on both elbows and knees. The plaques are limited in area; there is no nail disease or joint pain. What is the most appropriate initial treatment?
A topical corticosteroid of suitable potency is a common first-line treatment for limited plaque psoriasis, with emollients used to reduce dryness and scale. Emollient alone may soothe but is unlikely to control active plaques. Systemic corticosteroids are not a routine treatment for plaque psoriasis and can cause problems when withdrawn.
A spoken answer, marked
An examiner's question, answered out loud and marked criterion by criterion. From General Dermatology Viva Questions: Three Worked Stations.
Examiner
A 34-year-old has well-demarcated scaly plaques on the elbows and scalp. How would you assess and manage them?
You identified well-demarcated scaly plaques at typical sites.
ImproveSay explicitly whether the lesions are erythematous and whether nails or flexures are involved.
Psoriasis was your leading diagnosis and you gave reasonable alternatives.
ImproveExplain which atypical features would make you reconsider psoriasis.
You asked about itch and daily impact.
ImproveAsk specifically about joint pain, stiffness and swelling, and examine the nails.
You mentioned topical treatment but did not link treatment to site or severity.
ImproveDescribe an emollient and site-appropriate topical anti-inflammatory plan, review response, and consider specialist input for extensive or difficult disease.
A strong answerThe well-demarcated scaly plaques on the extensor elbows and scalp are typical of plaque psoriasis. I would ask about duration, itch, previous treatment, impact on daily life and joint symptoms, and examine the scalp, nails, flexures and other skin. If the appearance is atypical, I would reconsider diagnoses such as eczema or fungal infection and investigate only as indicated. I would discuss regular emollient use and a topical treatment appropriate to the site, with clear instructions and review of response. Extensive, difficult-to-control disease or suspected psoriatic arthritis would prompt appropriate specialist assessment.
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Guides
- General Dermatology Practice Questions: 10 CasesTest your general dermatology knowledge with 10 clinical questions on common conditions, urgent presentations, diagnosis and first-line management.
- General Dermatology Viva Questions: Three Worked StationsPractise general dermatology viva questions with a structured method, three worked stations and examples of how to improve an oral answer.
Studying general dermatology? Build your general dermatology board from your own notes — the cards, papers and lectures are written from it. Free plan: 20 cards, a paper, a lecture and a viva to try.
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