title: The necessary elements of a dermatologic history and physical evaluation.
abstract: The skin reflects the internal well-being of the body and can develop manifestations of systemic illness. The nurse's ability to recognize and accurately describe lesions can lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment of conditions, helping the patient to avoid discomfort, systemic illness, or death. To accurately describe skin findings, the nurse should know the names and defining characteristics of certain primary lesions.
authors.affiliation: Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Janet M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Cole
authors.forename: Deanna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gray-Miceli
mesh_terms: D003880:Dermatology / Q000379:methods*; D006197:Hair / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000379:methods*; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D012535:Scalp / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology