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Dermatology
Draft proposed by Dr Stephen Chan
Reviewed by Dr YK Shiu
Essential Skills
Domain 1 - Professional Values & Behaviour
Domain 4 - Patient management
Domain 9 - Safeguarding
Additional desirable skills are listed in each proposal. These recommended skills are to be acquired as opportunity arises.
Download Syllabus (28 November 2023)
VIEW another syllabus
Basic Training
Basic Science of Skin
The structure and function of normal skin.
Examination of skin
- Definitions of primary lesions: macule, papule, plaque, nodule, wheal, vesicle, bulla, cyst, pustule
- Definitions of Secondary Changes: erosion, oozing, crusting, scaling, atrophy, excoriation, fissure
- Systemic description of skin lesions: primary lesion, size, secondary changes, colour, arrangement, distribution
- Knowledge of skin lesions which suggest child maltreatment
Basic pharmacology
- Knowledge of different formulations of topical therapy: gel, lotion, cream, ointment
- Classification of topical steroids of different potency and their uses
- Knowledge of common systemic therapies and their side effects (oral retinoid, cyclosporin, methotrexate, MMF)
Infantile Haemangioma
- Understand the clinical features and natural history of infantile haemangioma
- Understand the indications for the use of topical and oral beta-blockers, and their side effects
Infection
Recognize and manage common bacterial, viral, fungal infections and common infestations such as scabies and head lice.
Dermatological Emergency
Recognize erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Staphylococcal Scald Skin Syndrome, angio-oedema and anaphylaxis.
Neonatal conditions
- Able to recognize milia, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, erythema toxicum, salmon patch, nevus sebaceous and their management.
- Recognises common birth marks and Mongolian blue spots, and knows when to refer.
- Advises parents about common problems, such as nappy rash and cradle cap.
Atopic Dermatitis
- Understand the potential physical, developmental and psychological impact of atopic eczema on patients and their families, and the effects on employment, schooling and quality of life.
- Knowledge of general skin care and the prevailing guidelines in management, including the range of topical therapies used to manage acute and chronic atopic eczema, safe prescribing regimens for topical corticosteroids and topical immunomodulators in different age groups and body sites.
- Management of secondary bacterial/viral infections.
Common skin conditions
Birthmarks, nevus, warts, café-au-lait spots, ashleaf macules.
Desirable skill (optional for general paediatric training)
Skin scraping for fungal culture.
Higher Training
Atopic Eczema
- Understand the multidisciplinary approach to management of severely atopic patients with eczema, asthma, rhinitis and food allergies, and when to refer.
- Knowledge of systemic treatments available for use in children with eczema and their indications, side effects and safe monitoring.
Acne
- Knowledge of infantile and childhood acne and features to suspect underlying endocrine problems.
- Knowledge of common topical therapy for acne.
Scalp/hair
Able to recognize seborrheic dermatitis, tinea capitis, alopecia areata, traction alopecia, and their management.
Nail
Able to recognize twenty nail dystrophy and onychomycosis, and their management.
Urticaria
Management of acute and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
Dermatological emergency
Initiate urgent management of erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Staphylococcal Scald Skin Syndrome, angio-oedema and anaphylaxis.
Desirable skills
Knowledge and application of tele-dermatology, and awareness of its potential benefits and risks.
