Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology

COURSE OVERVIEW

GPs are confronted with common skin, nail and hair conditions on a regular basis as patients have limited access to dermatologists. In fact, the largest organ of the human body makes up 15 percent of general practice consultations on a day-to-day
basis. Undergraduate dermatology training is minimal in many medical schools and without additional education in general dermatology, GPs are often underequipped to handle common presentations.

Presented by noted dermatologists, the Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology will increase your clinical knowledge, teach you how to assess more complex and rare cases and make differential diagnoses for various dermatological conditions.  

This course is the second part of the three-part Professional Diploma of General Dermatology. The education pathway is Professional Certificate of General Dermatology, Advanced Certificate of General Dermatology and Professional Diploma of General Dermatology.

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COURSE OUTLINE

Module 1 – dermatological emergencies, vitiligo treatments and infestations

The first section of this module focuses on identifying the different categories of dermatological emergencies including erythroderma, DRESS syndrome, necrotizing fasciitis, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, meningococcal infection and SJS/TEN. Clinical features, differential diagnosis, pathology, investigations, complications and management of these conditions are outlined. The second section focuses on vitiligo and the management and emerging therapeutic modalities in treating this autoimmune condition. The third section focuses on identifying skin infestations including candidiasis, scabies, strongyloidiasis, cutaneous larva migrans, schistosomiasis and leishmaniasis. Management and recommended treatment for these conditions are also covered in this section. Clinical and dermoscopic images are used throughout the module.

Module 2 – treatment of dermatomyositis and treatment of sarcoidosis

This module focuses on describing and managing the different types of systemic treatment for dermatomyositis and sarcoidosis. These multisystem diseases are challenging and treatment options are discussed. The module outlines the long-term risk of using prednisone and includes ways to minimise osteoporosis. The use of steroid-sparing medications including methotrexate, azathioprine, hydroxychloroquine, mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporin along with associated side effects are discussed. The module concludes with the management and treatment options of sarcoidosis. Images are used throughout the module to assist with learning.

Module 3 – systemic treatment options for psoriasis and systemic treatment of lichen planus

This module focuses on describing the different types of systemic treatments for psoriasis and lichen planus including collecting clues from patients to determine the best treatment options. The first section focuses on oral therapies and biologic injectable treatments of psoriasis including methotrexate, oral retinoids, cyclosporine, apremilast, adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, ustekinumab, secukinumab and ixekizumab. The second section briefly introduces the six Ps of lichen planus including planar, purple, polygonal, pruritic, papule and plaque. It then outlines the type of systemic treatment including prednisone, acitretin, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporine and azathioprine based on the case presentations. The treatment options for psoriasis and lichen planus including their benefits and risk are also discussed in the module.

Module 4 – systematic treatment for atopic dermatitis and differential diagnosis of acne and treatments

The first section focuses on improving the ability to accurately diagnose and manage 90 per cent of atopic dermatitis cases including recognising the differences in presentation and distribution characteristics from infancy to adulthood. The associated features, findings, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of atopic dermatitis are outlined. Treatment options including reducing contact with irritants and exposure to allergens, emollients, topical steroids, antihistamines, antibiotics, steroid-sparing and systemic therapies are discussed in detail. The second section explores the differential diagnosis of acne including keratosis pilaris, perioral dermatitis, angiofibroma, pseudofolliculitis barbae, acne keloidalis nuchae, folliculitis and hidradentis suppurativa. The treatment options of acne such as topical keratolytic agents, topical antibiotics and systemic treatments are discussed. Clinical images and evidence-based guidelines for acne treatment are included.

Module 5 – patch testing and contact dermatitis and cutaneous lymphomas

This first section focuses on patch testing including when and how to conduct these tests. It outlines possible complications and how to interpret test results. The module then focuses on the differences between allergic and irritant contact dermatitis the causes and the clinical management of these conditions. Common allergens discussed include nickel, cobalt, chromate, fragrance, medicaments, preservatives, rubber and plants allergies. Predisposing factors of irritant contact dermatitis are outlined. The second section focuses on identifying and distinguishing features of cutaneous lymphoma including common primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, Sézary syndrome, lymphomatoid papulosis, primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma and leukaemia cutis. The appropriate investigations and management of these conditions are discussed in detail. Clinical and dermoscopic images are used through the module.

Module 6 – rare nail disorders and cicatricial alopecia

The first section focuses on identifying various nail diseases including Beau’s lines, onychomadesis, nail pitting, onychorrhexis, pterygium, trachyonychia, true leukonychia, koilonychia, onycholysis, onychauxis, splinter haemorrhages, nail discolouration, longitudinal melanonychia, clubbing, onychogryphosis, median canaliform dystrophy, ingrown toenail, paronychia, subungual hematoma, pincer nails and tumours of the nail bed. The causes associated with these nail changes are discussed. The next section focuses on cicatricial and non-cicatricial alopecia conditions. Primary cicatricial alopecia conditions that are either lymphocytic (chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, lichen planopillaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, brocq pseudopelade), and neutrophilic (folliculitis decalvans, dissecting cellulitis of the scalp) are discussed. Non-cicatricial conditions including androgenetic alopecia, telogen and anagen effluvium, alopecia areata, tinea capitis and traumatic alovecia are included. The symptoms, management and treatment for these conditions are covered in detail. Clinical and dermoscopic images are used throughout the module.

Module 7 – hidradenitis suppurativa and bullous pemphigoid

The first section focuses on identifying treatment plans for various severities of hidradenitis suppurativa and safely monitor the combination of antibiotic therapy and biologic therapy. Discussion includes clinical findings, risk factors, associated disorders and syndromes, treatment ladder, Hurley staging and Sartorius scale. Five case studies focusing on the management of this condition are discussed. The following section focuses on identifying the correct steps to differentiate blistering disorders and making the right treatment decisions for these conditions. Three cases studies focusing on investigations, diagnosis and treatments of bullous pemphigoid are outlined. Clinical images are used through the case studies to assist with learning.

Module 8 – more challenging general dermatology cases

This module reviews nine challenging dermatology case studies focusing on the learning in the course. The cases are supported by clinical images and outlines how to approach each case. Differential diagnoses, history taking, investigations, management strategies and treatment options are included. In several of these cases, biopsy/surgical options and adjuvant therapies are discussed.