Dermatology
Dermatology is the study of the skin, hair, nails, and oral and genital mucus membranes and the diseases affecting them. It is predominantly an outpatient specialty. This chapter explains the common terminology used to describe skin lesions and dermatoses. The commonest conditions encountered in the dermatology clinic are described: eczema, psoriasis, pyoderma gangrenosum, skin cancers (basal cell skin cancer, squamous cell skin cancer, malignant melanoma), acne vulgaris and bullous disorders, in addition to dermatological manifestations of systemic disease such as vasculitis. Emergency presentations such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, anaphylaxis, and necrotizing fasciitis are outlined. A practical guide to common dermatological procedures such as punch biopsy, and a clinical approach to the dermatological patient are included.