Dermatology (SSC)

At the end of the Dermatology SSC, students will be able to describe the basic anatomical structure of the skin and relationships between the layers of the skin (epidermis, dermis and subcutis) and its appendages (hair follicles and glands). They will also be able to demonstrate understanding of the following:

• the structure and function of the skin and its associated organs, and their development

• the complex relationships with other organ systems of the body and the consequences of skin organ failure (for example in toxic epidermal necrolysis and erythrodema).

• the mechanisms by which the integrity of the dermoepidermal junction is maintained and the results of the failure of this mechanism (e.g. epidermolysis bullosaand acquired autoimmune disorders)

• skin pigmentation, the development of melanocytes and the development and maturation of melanocytic naevi and the features of carcinogenic change in these lesions (e.g. melanoma)

• the importance of skin as an immunological organ and the role of individual cell types in the cutaneous immune system (e.g. contact dermatitis, psoriasis, Langerhans cell histiocytosis)

• the process of wound healing and the clinical implications for failure of wound healing (e.g. scars and fibrosis)

• the social and psychological role of the skin (particularly in disfigurement and mental health issues)