Skin conditions are one of the most common reasons for GP consultations, yet dermatology training during medical school and vocational training can be variable, leaving many clinicians lacking confidence in diagnosing and managing skin disease. As GPs, we manage the majority of dermatological conditions in the community without recourse to secondary care, and when we do refer, patients often face long waiting times. This means that primary care clinicians need the confidence and skills to assess, diagnose, treat and safety-net a wide range of skin presentations.
This One Day Essentials conference will focus on common and challenging dermatology presentations in general practice, including skin cancer, inflammatory skin disease, infections, hair loss, facial dermatoses and dermatology in skin of colour. The emphasis throughout the day will be on practical diagnosis, evidence-based management, and knowing when to refer.
Learning Objectives:
- Improve diagnostic accuracy by identifying subtle signs such as pigmentary change rather than erythema
- Identify appropriate initial investigations in primary care for hair loss
- Apply a systematic approach to assessing pruritus with and without rash
- Identify key clinical features of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
- Recognise different clinical subtypes and atypical presentations of psoriasis
- Differentiate fungal infections from inflammatory mimics
- Differentiate rosacea from other common facial dermatoses (e.g. acne, seborrhoeic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis)
Topics include
- Skin of colour
- Hairloss in women
- The itchy patient
- Fungal skin infections
- Psoriasis beyond the plaques
- Managing rosacea and facial dermatoses
- Skin cancer
Conference Chair:
Dr Pyal Patel, MRCGP, GPwER in Dermatology and cosmetic dermatology
