Most PA programs teach in a systems-based style of learning with “block” style approaches to navigating through the mounds of medical factoids we must learn and know. It’s often talked about how PA students should start their own lists of “most commons” in medicine for each block or system in preparation for course examinations and the PANCE. It has come to my attention that this is most definitely the case. As such, I’ve decided to create a list of most commons for each block we cover, the first being Dermatology!
Most Commons in Dermatology:
- Most common treatment for keloids: triamcinolone acetonide (corticosteroid) in concentrations of 10-40 mg/mL at 4-6 week intervals
- Most common cutaneous cyst: epidermal inclusion cyst (EIC), also known as cutaneous cysts
- One of Top 3 Skin problems in children: verruca vulgaris
- Most common primary treatment: cryotherapy and salicylic acid (cure rate improved by combining both therapies)
- Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is one of the most common STIs causing Condylomata Acuminate, also known as External Genital Warts (EGW)
- Most common type of psoriasis: Plaque Psoriasis (affects 80-90% of patients).
- Most common clinical pattern seen in Psoriatic Arthritis:
- Oligoarthritis - swelling and tenosynovitis of one/few hand joints.
- The “Butterfly Rash”
- Many facial rashes are described as malar or “butterfly” rashes
- Most commonly, they are either: seborrheic dermatitis or rosacea, NOT systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Most common dermatologic condition in infants: Diaper Rash (diaper candidiasis)
