Encyclopedia of Dermatology
Clinical dermatology monographs covering diagnosis, dermoscopy, histopathology, and evidence-based management.
Plaque Psoriasis: Pathogenesis, PASI Scoring & Biologic Escalation
Rule of Tens (PASI ≥ 10 or BSA ≥ 10% or DLQI > 10) defines moderate-to-severe psoriasis eligible for systemic or targeted biologic therapy. Avoid IL-17 inhibitors in patients with personal history of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
Atopic Dermatitis: Barrier Dysfunction, EASI & Targeted Therapy
Dupilumab requires NO routine baseline laboratory blood tests (no TB or Hepatitis screening required). Watch for Dupilumab-Associated Ocular Surface Disease (conjunctivitis) and head-and-neck erythema.
Pemphigus Vulgaris: Suprabasal Acantholysis, DIF & Rituximab Protocol
Always take the Direct Immunofluorescence (DIF) punch biopsy from PERILESIONAL normal-appearing skin (within 1 cm of an active blister) placed in Michel's transport medium—never from the ulcerated blister base.
Cutaneous Melanoma & The Argenziano 7-Point Dermoscopy Checklist
An Argenziano 7-Point Dermoscopy Checklist score ≥ 3 warrants full-thickness excisional biopsy with 2 mm clinical margins down to subcutaneous fat.
Alopecia Areata, Hidradenitis Suppurativa & Isotretinoin Cumulative Dosing
SALT ≥ 50 qualifies severe Alopecia Areata for Baricitinib (2–4 mg OD) or Ritlecitinib (50 mg OD, age ≥ 12). IHS4 = (Nodules × 1) + (Abscesses × 2) + (Draining Tunnels × 4); IHS4 ≥ 11 defines severe HS.
SJS/TEN (SCORTEN) & High-Alert Dermatology Drug Interactions
Never co-prescribe Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim) with Methotrexate (fatal pancytopenia) or Allopurinol with Azathioprine (severe myelosuppression).