Skin Science Notes
Schematic of a stained skin sectionA stylised drawing of skin in cross-section: a thin outer layer, a band of closely packed violet cell nuclei forming the epidermis, and pink fibrous dermis below. A dashed circle marks where a punch biopsy would sample. A drawing for explanation, not a real slide. punch biopsy, schematic

How dermatology works, in notes

Plain-language notes on skin conditions, how they are diagnosed and studied, and where skin health meets nerves, movement and recovery. Every note names its public sources.An independent educational guide. Not medical advice, and not a clinic.

  1. 01How Dermatologists Diagnose Skin ConditionsFrom the history and exam to dermoscopy, patch tests and biopsy, and why so many rashes look alike.Basics
  2. 02Skin Biopsy: What to Expect Before, During and AfterTypes of skin biopsy, what it feels like, aftercare in general terms and what the report is.Basics
  3. 03How Dermatology Clinical Trials WorkPhases, placebos, consent and safety, and how to look up a trial.Basics
  4. 04Preparing for a Dermatology Visit: What to Bring and ExpectWhat to bring, what a skin exam involves and what to ask.Basics
  5. 05Skin Cancer Screening Basics: Checks, Risk and GuidanceThe main types, what a professional check involves and why guidance differs.Basics
  6. 06Eczema and atopic dermatitis: what it is and how it is managedThe skin barrier, the itch cycle, triggers and how care is usually layered.Conditions
  7. 07Psoriasis explained: types, causes, diagnosis and treatment categoriesAn immune-driven skin condition, its types, related joint disease and treatment categories.Conditions
  8. 08Acne basics: how it forms, common myths and when to seek helpHow acne forms, what the evidence says about myths and when to see a clinician.Conditions
  9. 09Shingles and its rash: cause, appearance, diagnosis and vaccinationReactivated chickenpox virus, the typical rash and what vaccines are for.Conditions
  10. 10Hair and nail disorders: common types and what they can signalCommon hair loss patterns and nail changes, and how they are assessed.Conditions
  11. 11Skin biopsy in the evaluation of small fiber neuropathyHow a small skin sample helps assess nerve fibres in neuropathy.Across specialties
  12. 12Shingles and postherpetic nerve painWhy pain can outlast the rash, and who helps with it.Across specialties
  13. 13Neurocutaneous conditions, when skin points to the nervous systemRare conditions where skin findings point to the nervous system.Across specialties
  14. 14Wound and scar care alongside physical therapyHow skin heals, scar types and where physical therapy fits.Across specialties
  15. 15Physiotherapy for chronic neck pain in NYCWhat physical therapy for chronic neck pain involves, with licensing basics for New York.Across specialties
  16. 16About Skin Science NotesWho is behind this guide and what it is for.About
  17. 17Editorial standardsHow pages are sourced, updated and corrected.About
  18. 18Contact the editorsSend a correction, a question or a source suggestion.About
  19. 19PrivacyWhat this site does and does not collect.About