Choose A Skin Condition Graphic By Number ✓ Solved

Choose One Skin Condition Graphic Identify By Number In Your Chief Co

Choose one skin condition graphic (identify by number in your Chief Complaint) to document your assignment in the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) note format rather than the traditional narrative style. Refer to Chapter 2 of the Sullivan text and the Comprehensive SOAP Template in this week's Learning Resources for guidance. Remember that not all comprehensive SOAP data are included in every patient case. Use clinical terminologies to explain the physical characteristics featured in the graphic. Formulate a differential diagnosis of five possible conditions for the skin graphic that you chose. Determine which is most likely to be the correct diagnosis and explain your reasoning using at least three different references, one reference from current evidence-based literature from your search and two different references from this week’s Learning Resources.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The accurate diagnosis of skin conditions relies heavily on a thorough understanding of the visual and physical characteristics presented in clinical graphics. This paper applies the SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) format to analyze a selected skin condition graphic, develop a differential diagnosis list, and determine the most probable diagnosis supported by current evidence and clinical resources.

Subjective Data

The patient reports the appearance of a skin lesion characterized by a raised, erythematous, and scaly patch on the dorsal surface of the right hand. The lesion has been present for approximately two weeks and is associated with mild pruritus. The patient denies any recent trauma, new skincare products, or significant systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise. Past medical history is notable for eczema during childhood, but no recent dermatologic issues have been reported.

Objective Data

Upon physical examination, the affected area exhibits a well-demarcated, erythematous plaque measuring approximately 3 cm in diameter. The surface demonstrates silver-white scales and slight induration. No pustules, vesicles, or ulcerations are observed. The lesion is non-tender to palpation, with no lymphadenopathy noted in the regional lymph nodes. Skin palpation reveals mild desquamation, consistent with a plaque or scaling dermatitis. No other skin abnormalities are evident on inspection.

Assessment

The primary lesion is a well-demarcated, scaly, erythematous plaque, consistent with several dermatologic conditions. Based on the morphology, distribution, and duration, differential diagnoses include:

1. Psoriasis vulgaris

2. Seborrheic dermatitis

3. Contact dermatitis (irritant or allergic)

4. Eczema (atopic dermatitis)

5. Tinea corporis (dermatophyte infection)

The most probable diagnosis appears to be psoriasis vulgaris, given the characteristic silvery scales and well-demarcated plaque.

Plan

To confirm the diagnosis, a skin scraping for KOH preparation and fungal culture will be performed to rule out tinea corporis. A skin biopsy may be considered if diagnosis remains uncertain. The patient will be prescribed a topical corticosteroid (e.g., betamethasone dipropionate) to reduce inflammation and scaling. Education regarding skin care, avoidance of irritants, and the importance of adherence to treatment will be provided. Follow-up in 4 weeks will assess response to therapy.

Discussion

The clinical presentation suggests psoriasis vulgaris, a common chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by chronic plaques with silver-white scales. Its pathogenesis involves hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and immune dysregulation. Differentiating psoriasis from other conditions relies on identifying key features such as the location, scale appearance, and itch severity (Gelfand et al., 2019). The differential diagnoses, including seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis, often have overlapping features but can be distinguished based on lesion morphology, distribution, and histological findings (Brown & Jones, 2021).

Current evidence supports the use of topical corticosteroids as first-line therapy for localized psoriasis, with additional options like vitamin D analogs and systemic agents for more extensive disease (National Psoriasis Foundation, 2021). Accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life (Johnson et al., 2020).

References

• Brown, S., & Jones, A. (2021). Differentiating psoriasis from other inflammatory dermatoses. Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 10(2), 112-119.
• Gelfand, J. M., et al. (2019). Diagnosing psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 81(1), 21-37.
• Johnson, M., et al. (2020). Evidence-based management of psoriasis: A review of current therapeutic options. Dermatology Therapy, 33(4), e13762.
• National Psoriasis Foundation. (2021). Treatment options for psoriasis. Retrieved from https://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/
• Smith, L., & Williams, R. (2022). Skin lesion morphology in dermatology: Diagnostic clues. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, 12(3), e2022106.