1
Basic Principles of Dermatology
• In the approach to the patient with a dermatologic disease, it is important to think initially of broad categories (Fig. 1.1); this allows for a more complete differential diagnosis and a logical approach.
Fig. 1.1 Classification scheme for dermatologic disorders. This scheme is analogous to the structure of a tree with multiple branch points terminating in leaves.
• Key elements of any clinical description include distribution pattern (Table 1.1; Figs. 1.2 and 1.3), type of primary lesion and its topography (Table 1.2; Fig. 1.4), secondary features (Table 1.3), and its consistency via palpation (Tables 1.4 and 1.5).
Fig. 1.2 Distribution pattern – generalized versus localized. In addition to these patterns, involvement of multiple mucosal sites can be seen. Photographs courtesy, Peter C. M. van de Kerkhof, MD, Thomas Bieber, MD, and Julie V. Schaffer, MD.
Fig. 1.3 Linear distribution patterns. Photographs courtesy, Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, Jean L. Bolognia, MD, Whitney High, MD, Joyce Rico, MD, and Louis Fragola, MD.
Table 1.2
Primary lesions – morphological terms.
Photographs courtesy, Jean L. Bolognia, MD, Louis A. Fragola, Jr., MD, Joyce Rico, MD, Julie V. Schaffer, MD, Kalman Watsky, MD, and Whitney High, MD.
Fig. 1.4 Descriptive terms for topography. Photographs courtesy, Jennifer Choi, MD, Hideko Kamino, MD, Reinhard Kirnbauer, MD, Petra Lenz, MD, Frank Samarin, MD, Julie V. Schaffer, MD, and Judit Stenn, MD.
Table 1.3
Secondary features – morphological terms.
