AR94 Recognising and managing acute skin conditions in primary care: A dermatology short course for health care providers

Aims / objectives

By the end of this primary care dermatology course, participants will be able to:

• Conduct thorough dermatological assessments to identify various acute skin conditions such as infected eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
• Differentiate between acute and chronic skin conditions using differential diagnosis techniques to ensure accurate identification and treatment.
• Apply appropriate dermatological treatments for conditions commonly encountered in primary care, including fungal infections and bacterial infections.
• Be more familiar with pigmented and non-pigmented lesions, enhancing skills in skin cancer detection and improving early referral pathways.
• Manage dermatological emergencies such as severe drug rashes and blistering conditions, understanding the protocols for immediate and effective care.
• Recognize when to refer patients to specialist care for advanced treatment and further management of complex skin conditions.

Course programme

Principles of Dermatological Assessment:

• Introduction to dermatological terminology and skin examination techniques.
• Understanding skin anatomy and physiology to inform assessments.
• Utilizing patient history and clinical examination to identify dermatological issues.
• Best practices for documenting skin conditions.
  
  

Common Acute Skin Problems: Diagnosis, Differentials, and Management:

• Bacterial Infections: Identification, treatment, and management of common bacterial skin infections such as cellulitis and impetigo.
• Fungal Infections: Diagnosing and treating dermatophyte infections, including tinea and candidiasis.
• Viral Infections: Recognizing and managing viral skin conditions such as herpes simplex, varicella-zoster (chickenpox and shingles), and molluscum contagiosum.
• Viral Exanthems: Identifying viral rashes, understanding their etiology, and providing appropriate care.
  
  

When Chronic Skin Conditions Become Acute: Recognition and Treatment:

• Recognizing flare-ups in chronic conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and lichen planus.
• Strategies for managing acute exacerbations and preventing recurrence.
• Tailoring treatment plans to individual patient needs and monitoring progress.

Assessment of Skin Lesions (Benign Lesions and Skin Cancers):

• Identifying and differentiating between benign and malignant skin lesions using clinical examination.
• Understanding the ABCDEs of melanoma and other skin cancer detection criteria.
• Guidelines for biopsy and referral for suspicious lesions.
• Management of common benign lesions like seborrheic keratosis and nevi.

Dermatological Emergencies:

• Recognizing and managing life-threatening dermatological emergencies such as toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and erythroderma.
• Rapid assessment and initial treatment protocols for severe drug reactions and blistering diseases.
  
  

Case studies and practical exercises 

Led by

TBA