Dermatological history and examination

• Autores: Shalini Narayana
• Localización: Medicine, ISSN-e 1357-3039, Vol. 45, Nº. 6, 2017, págs. 352-358
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Skin disease is very prevalent and, according to the British Skin Foundation, currently affects 8 million people in the UK and is increasing. According to Cancer Research UK, melanoma skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the UK. In 2014, 15,419 new cases of melanoma skin cancer and 131,772 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer were registered. The skin has a major protective and important social function, and relatively minor skin complaints can cause much anguish. Most skin diseases are not life-threatening, but many are associated with high morbidity, in the form of discomfort, disfigurement, embarrassment, social stigmatism and loss of work and earnings. The impact of skin disease must not be underestimated, and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) assessment tool has been developed to assess this formally. This article focuses on how to take a comprehensive dermatological history and examination for both skin rashes and skin malignancies. It also discusses the diagnostic methods and tools commonly used by dermatologists, as well as the DLQI system.