Pathophysiology
A term newborn presents with yellow, greasy scaling on the scalp and eyebrows without erythema or pruritus.
What is seborrheic dermatitis due to sebaceous gland hyperactivity influenced by maternal hormones?
A 3‑week‑old has diaper dermatitis without satellite lesions.
What is zinc oxide barrier cream, which protects against irritant contact dermatitis rather than treating fungal infection?
A newborn has diffuse erythema with superficial peeling within 48 hours of life.
What is erythema toxicum diagnosed clinically by benign transient rash characteristics?
A newborn has vesicular lesions on an erythematous base with fever.
What is suspected neonatal HSV requiring PCR testing and immediate evaluation?
Parents ask about cradle cap management.
What is reassurance plus gentle shampooing and emollient use?
A 6‑year‑old develops honey‑colored crusted lesions on the face after a URI.
What is impetigo caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes producing superficial epidermal infection?
A child with atopic dermatitis has moderate flares despite emollients.
What is a low‑potency topical corticosteroid (e.g., hydrocortisone 1–2.5%) appropriate for limited use?
A child presents with oval lesions in a “Christmas tree” pattern following a herald patch.
What is pityriasis rosea identified by distribution and lesion morphology?
A child with suspected tinea capitis has patchy alopecia and scale.
What is fungal culture or KOH prep to confirm dermatophyte infection?
A child diagnosed with scabies.
What is permethrin 5% cream applied neck‑down with treatment of all close contacts?
A 15‑year‑old with inflammatory nodules and scarring acne is distressed about his appearance.
What is acne vulgaris caused by follicular hyperkeratinization, increased sebum, Cutibacterium acnes proliferation, and inflammation?
An adolescent with moderate‑to‑severe acne has failed topical therapy.
What is oral doxycycline to reduce Cutibacterium acnes and inflammatory response?
A teenager reports intense pruritus worse at night with burrows between fingers.
What is scabies assessed by burrows, interdigital involvement, and nocturnal itching?
An adolescent with chronic eczema shows signs of secondary infection.
What is bacterial culture indicated when weeping, crusting, or systemic symptoms are present?
An adolescent has nodulocystic acne with scarring.
What is dermatology referral for isotretinoin consideration?
A 40‑year‑old reports recurrent pruritic wheals that migrate and resolve within 24 hours.
What is urticaria mediated by mast cell degranulation and histamine release?
A patient with tinea corporis failed OTC antifungals.
What is oral terbinafine due to poor response or extensive dermatophyte infection?
A patient has a pigmented lesion with asymmetry, border irregularity, and color variation.
What is melanoma risk assessed using the ABCDE criteria?
A patient has a rapidly enlarging, painful skin abscess.
What is no imaging is needed initially; diagnosis is clinical unless deep involvement suspected?
An adult presents with herpes zoster within 72 hours of rash onset.
What is initiation of antiviral therapy to reduce severity and postherpetic neuralgia risk?
An 80‑year‑old develops non‑healing ulcers over pressure points.
What is impaired skin integrity due to ischemia, reduced collagen synthesis, and decreased regenerative capacity with aging?
A frail elderly patient has psoriasis requiring systemic therapy.
What is methotrexate requiring close monitoring due to renal decline and medication interactions?
An older adult reports tearing skin with minimal trauma.
What is senile purpura identified by skin fragility, ecchymosis, and thin dermis?
A suspicious non‑healing lesion on sun‑exposed skin.
What is punch or shave biopsy to evaluate for basal or squamous cell carcinoma?
An older adult with chronic venous stasis dermatitis.
What is compression therapy, skin hydration, and treatment of underlying venous insufficiency?