Category Dermatology

Hypopigmented rashes

Pityriasis alba Elizabeth Dupuy and Preeti Jhorar Clinical features Pityriasis alba is a benign inflammatory skin condition that presents with poorly circumscribed hypopigmented oval or round macules, patches, or thin plaques. Pityriasis alba is generally asymptomatic; patients may seek medical…

Bumpy rashes

Arthropod bites Campbell Stewart Clinical features Arthropods are responsible for many dermatologic complaints, including bites, stings, and infestations. They can also be vectors for numerous systemic and life-threatening diseases. The clinical manifestations of arthropod bites vary greatly depending on which…

Hand and foot dermatitis

Hand dermatitis—with a specific focus on irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema Clinical features Hand dermatitis is extremely common because the hands are exposed to many environmental chemicals and irritants. The severity of hand dermatitis ranges dramatically…

Body dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis—trunk and extremities Clinical features The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has developed atopic dermatitis (AD) criteria that are useful in evaluating patients for AD. The three essential criteria (pruritus, typical AD pattern, and chronic/relapsing course) should be used…

Face dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis—face Clinical features Atopic dermatitis (AD; often referred to by patients as “eczema”) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by pruritus and pruritic, ill-defined, red, scaly papules and plaques that predominantly affect flexural surfaces (e.g., antecubital fossa, popliteal…

Scalp dermatitis

Scalp psoriasis Clinical features Scalp psoriasis is characterized by the presence of well-demarcated erythematous plaques with overlying white scale of variable thickness affecting the occipital scalp more commonly than the remainder of the scalp. The scalp may be the only…