Fundamentals of Clinical

Diagnosis

Introduction
Familiarize the lexicon of
dermatology
Formulation of differential diagnosis
Clinical documentation
Research
Communication with other physicians

Approach to the patient:

History
Dermatologist vary in whether they
take a history before, during or after
performing a physical examination.

 Re-evaluate diagnosis
Modify treatment accordingly
Monitor disease progress and
complications
Is the patient candidate for therapy?
Establish a Diagnosis
Initial Examination

Approach to the patient:

History

Approach to Dermatologic Diagnosis

1
Initial
clinical
examinati
on
5
General
physical
examinat
ion

2
Physical
Examinati
on
4
Characteris
tic location
( 3 major
characteris
tics)

3
Cardinal
features:
type,
shape,
arrangem
ent and
distributi
on

Approach to Dermatologic Diagnosis

6
General
History of
present
illness:
Acute/Chroni
c illness
syndrome
11
Laborato
ry
studies

7
Review
of
Systems
10
Socia
l
Histo
ry

8
Medicati
on
history
9
Past
medical
and Family
History

Approach to Dermatologic Diagnosis

12
Final
Diagnosis