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Stage 01 · New to the specialty
Foundations of Dermatology
The core dermatology knowledge every ARNP and PA needs — skin structure and function, lesion morphology, and the diagnostic techniques that anchor clinical practice.
4 modules · about 1 hour
Included with Member membership$55 a month
Contents
4 modules
The first module is a free preview — the rest open with Member membership.
- Structure and Function of the SkinFree previewYou’ll be able to
- Accurately describe the anatomical layers and components of the skin.
- Explain the cellular composition and function of the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis.
- Understand the role of adnexal structures such as hair follicles, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands.
- Interpret the protective, sensory, thermoregulatory, and immunologic functions of the skin.
- Identify pathologies related to disruptions in structure and function.
12 min read - You’ll be able to
- Define and distinguish primary and secondary lesions.
- Describe the morphological features of each lesion type with clinical examples.
- Apply diagnostic techniques to evaluate skin lesions.
- Formulate differential diagnoses based on lesion morphology.
- Correlate morphological patterns with specific dermatological conditions.
10 min read - Neurocutaneous disorders, also called phakomatoses, are multisystem genetic or mosaic syndromes involving abnormal development, growth regulation, or tumor suppression in tissues derived largely from ectodermal and neural crest pathways. They often present first with skin findings, making dermatologic recognition essential for early diagnosis, surveillance, referral, and prevention of neurologic, ophthalmologic, renal, endocrine, and oncologic complications. Many of these disorders involve loss of tumor-suppressor function or abnormal intracellular signaling pathways. Examples include NF1/neurofibromin/RAS-MAPK, NF2/merlin, TSC1/TSC2/mTOR, VHL/HIF-mediated tumor biology, and GNAQ mosaic vascular malformation signaling in Sturge-Weber syndrome. GeneReviews and NIH resources emphasize that these disorders require diagnosis, management, and genetic counseling because disease burden often extends beyond the skin.15 min read
- You’ll be able to
- Identify the hallmark clinical features of major papulosquamous disorders.
- Differentiate psoriasis, lichen planus, pityriasis rosea, seborrheic dermatitis, and PRP.
- Recognize important mimickers such as tinea corporis, secondary syphilis, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
- Select appropriate diagnostic tools including KOH preparation, biopsy, dermoscopy, serology, and targeted laboratory testing.
- Understand immune, infectious, genetic, and inflammatory mechanisms underlying papulosquamous disease.
- Formulate evidence-based treatment plans based on severity, location, comorbidities, and disease subtype.
- Identify red flags requiring referral, biopsy, systemic workup, or urgent treatment.
25 min read