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Basic Principles of Dermatology
• In the approach to the patient with a dermatologic disease, it is important to think initially of broad categories (Fig. 1.1); this allows for a more complete differential diagnosis and a logical approach.
Fig. 1.1 Classification scheme for dermatologic disorders. This scheme is analogous to the structure of a tree with multiple branch points terminating in leaves.
• Key elements of any clinical description include distribution pattern (Table 1.1; Figs. 1.2 and 1.3), type of primary lesion and its topography (Table 1.2; Fig. 1.4), secondary features (Table 1.3), and its consistency via palpation (Tables 1.4 and 1.5).
