Learning module: The skin exam

Goals and objectives

The purpose of this module is to help medical students develop a systematic approach to the skin exam and highlight the importance of examining the entire cutaneous surface.

After completing this module, the learner should be able to:

• Discuss the key questions that make up a dermatologic history

• Explain the indications for a total body skin exam

• Recognize the need for patient comfort and modesty during this examination

• List the tools that can improve the quality of your skin examination

• Develop a systematic approach to the total-body skin exam