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The examination

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

It is in this area that dermatology differs from many other areas of medicine, in that the disease is seen by the observer with no aids, and the lesion may be palpated.

It is an important skill to know what is being looked for, to understand what is being seen and felt, and to be able to communicate this clearly and accurately.

In the ideal situation the patient should be undressed and in a good light. Other sites such as the hair, nails and mucous membranes should be examined. The distribution of lesions in dermatology is important since it may be of help in making the diagnosis.

Thus salient questions are:

  • is the disease localised or generalised
  • is it symmetrical
  • what sites are involved

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