October 7th 2025
Psoriasis, lichen planus, and pityriasis rosea share overlapping presentations and comorbidities, but distinct pathophysiologies require accurate diagnosis and tailored therapeutic approaches.
Is this bite cause for hospital admission?
August 16th 2011A 27 year-old woman was petting her cat, when the animal suddenly bit her on the arm. She rinsed copiously with isopropyl alcohol and applied an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment. But, 12 hours later, a large, red, swollen and exquisitely tender plaque had developed around the bite site.
Man With a Red, Scaly Lesion on One Digit
July 8th 2011Following his routine rosacea follow-up visit, this 58-year-old man incidentally asked about a lesion on his left third digit. He pointed out a dime-sized, red, scaly patch on the dorsal aspect of the distal portion of the knuckle that extended toward the end of the finger.
Pathogenic Organisms: Microscopic and Macroscopic
June 2nd 2011Match each picture with the phrase below that best describes it. The pathogenic organisms in these picturesmight be microscopic or macroscopic, and they can be recovered from skin lesions or clothing by the patientand/or clinician. Answers and discussion appear on the following page.
What is this pigmented papule on a toddler's shoulder?
April 11th 2011The mother of this 18-month-old boy brings him to your office for evaluation of a pigmented lesion of 2 months’ duration on the right anterior shoulder. When the lesion is rubbed, it becomes red and inflamed and occasionally a blister forms.
Skin Disorders in Older Adults: Papulosquamous and Bullous Diseases, Part 1
March 11th 2011Certain papulosquamous and bullous diseases are more common in older adults than in younger persons. For example, bullous pemphigoid typically affects those in the fifth through seventh decades of life. Grover disease, or transient acantholytic dyskeratosis, is most common in white men older than 65.
What are these papules on a boy’s knuckles?
January 12th 2011The mother of a 10-year-old boy brings him in for evaluation of his moles (which are all benign). During the visit, the mother asks about the lesions on the first 2 knuckles of his right hand; she initially noticed them several months earlier.
Are These Hyperpigmented Lesions Cause for Concern?
December 15th 2010A 26-year-old white male aviator presents to his primary care physician for his annual military physical examination. The patient is healthy, takes no medications, and has no history of serious medical disorders. Genital examination reveals multifocal, confluent, slightly variegated, hyperpigmented macules with irregular borders located in a circumferential distribution on the penile shaft and glans.