Clinical and laboratory tests of an immunological nature are valuable in the diagnosis and management of certain skin diseases. Patch tests are helpful in the investigation of contact dermatitis , serum immunoglobulin (Ig) E tests or prick tests are sometimes…
Skin disorders, after stress and musculoskeletal problems, are the commonest reported cause of occupational disease and are responsible for much lost productivity. An occupational dermatosis is defined as a skin condition that is primarily due to components of the work…
Common dermatoses may show variable manifestations in different races due to differences in pigmentation, hair or the response of skin to external stimuli. In addition, some conditions have a distinct racial predisposition. The response of darkly pigmented skin to injury…
The skin of the male genitalia, glans penis, foreskin (prepuce) and scrotum can be involved by diseases that affect the rest of the skin, such as eczema and psoriasis. The scrotum is particularly prone to the development of lichenified eczema…
The genital and perianal skin can be involved by the same disease processes that affect skin elsewhere, although the appearances may be different. The genital skin is also subject to specific disease processes that may present diagnostic difficulties to non-experts…
In the UK and Ireland, genitourinary medicine has traditionally been a separate specialty from dermatology, but the two are combined as ‘dermatovenereology’ in many countries. It has become increasingly important for those treating skin disease to know more about genitourinary…
All skin conditions may arise in pregnancy, and pre-existing conditions may worsen or improve. Treatments must also account for the health of the unborn baby, and advice sought if safety is uncertain. The skin during pregnancy The changes in the…
In Westernized societies, the proportion of people aged over 65 is high and continues to rise. Poor nutrition, lack of self-care and general illness contribute to skin disease in the elderly. Few people die from old skin, but many suffer…
The classification of vascular tumours can seem complicated, but it is important since prognoses differ, and some types are systemic, with internal organ involvement ( Box 67.1 ). Box 67.1 A classification of vascular birthmarks Vascular tumours Infantile haemangioma Congenital…
Some conditions are almost exclusive to childhood (e.g. napkin dermatitis and juvenile plantar dermatosis), and others are more common in children (e.g. atopic eczema or viral exanthems). The common childhood dermatoses not mentioned elsewhere are detailed here along with some…