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Dermatology
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Introduction
Diseases that affect the skin are often evaluated and managed by internists and other nondermatologists. Many dermatologic diseases are manifestations of systemic disease. Most dermatology care is delivered in the outpatient setting, although some of the most challenging cases are seen in hospitalized patients. This rotation guide provides an overview of outpatient and inpatient skin conditions that are important for general internists to understand, with a particular emphasis on clinical diagnosis.
The skin biopsy is a frequently used diagnostic tool. This NEJM video includes a technical review of the procedure as well as a discussion of indications, contraindications, preparation (including selection of the biopsy site), equipment, procedure, and aftercare.
The most important aspect of the skin biopsy is selection of the most appropriate and most representative sample. Additional dermatology procedure videos can be found at the American Academy of Dermatology website.
The following conditions are covered in this rotation guide:
- Keratinocyte Carcinomas (Squamous- and Basal-Cell Carcinomas)
- Melanoma
- Acne and Rosacea
- Psoriasis
- Atopic Dermatitis & Contact Dermatitis
- Stasis Dermatitis
- Cutaneous Herpes Infections
- Molluscum Contagiosum
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Warts
Other relevant topics in Dermatology are covered in the following rotation guides:
- Drug Allergy, Urticaria (Allergy/Immunology)
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (Infectious Disease)
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Rheumatology)
See Next Steps if you are interested in a career in dermatology and are looking for more information on conferences, training, and other opportunities.
This rotation guide was developed by a collaborative team of contributors including:
Writers: Anar Mikailov, MD
Peer Reviewers: Emily Baumrin, MD; Chen (Amy) Chen, MD; Lauren Guggina, MD
Section Expert: Arturo Saavedra, MD, PhD, MBA
Senior Editor: Ole-Petter Hamnvik, MB BCh BAO, MMSc
Last updated: October 2021 by Clement Lee, MD, MS (NEJM Fellow)
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Arturo Saavedra, MD, PhD, MBA
Arturo P. Saavedra, MD, PhD, MBA, is Chief of Population Health and Health Policy and Chair of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. As a clinician and researcher, he specializes in the care of complex medical dermatology, with particular interest in HIV dermatology, severe drug reactions that manifest with dermatologic complications and care of oncologic and posttransplant patients.
