Dermatology is a medical discipline concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, nail, and membrane conditions and disorders.

In MBBS, the curriculum of Dermatology, Venerology, and Leprosy subject includes the causative and risk factors of dermatological conditions along with detailed treatment and preventive measures. Identification, categorization, etiology, microbiology, pathogenesis, natural history, clinical features, presentations, complications, indications, and contraindications of skin, nail, and hair conditions are all included in the dermatology subject. Also, pharmacological administration and adverse reactions of pharmacotherapies are discussed.

Dermatology is a highly booming medical speciality, hence having a comprehensive knowledge of the subject paves the way to a successful career if you are aspiring to be a dermatologist.

Knowing high-yield topics, subject weightage in competitive exams, and reliable preparation tips help in gaining conceptual clarity over a subject and maximise your chances of getting good grades.
In NEET-PG, 6-8 questions are asked from the dermatology subject, and in INI-CET, the subject weightage of the dermatology subject is around 5-6 questions.

Important Topics of Dermatology in MBBS

These topics are important for MBBS prof exams as well as are high-yielding topics for NEET-PG and INI-CET.

Structure of Hair

Basics of Dermatology

Cells of Epidermis

Level of Epidermis

Drug Eruptions

Lepra Reactions

Photosensitivity

DDs of Bullous Lesions

Sexually Transmitted Viral Infections

Angioedema

Sebaceous Gland

Blistering Disorders

Chemical Peeling

Pigmentary Disorders

Structure of Sweat Glands and Related Disorders

Skin Lesions

Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Deep Folliculitis and Cellulitis

Mucocutaneous Manifestations of SLE

Histopathological Findings

Basement Membrane Zone

Dermis and Subcutaneous Layer

Bacterial Infections

Fungal Infections

Mycobacterial Infections

Viral Infections

Structure of Epidermis and Dermis

Patch Test

Histopathology of PV

Oral Retinoids in Acne

List of Important Dermatological Conditions

Erythema Multiforme

Kaposi Sarcoma

Lichen Planus

Tinea Infections

STDs

Papulosquamous Disorders

Skin Tumors

Secondary Syphilis

Hepatic Fibrosis

Skin Lesions in Systemic Diseases

Allergic Dermatitis

Chikungunya Pigmentation

Ulcers

Vesicollous Disorders

Scleroderma

Urticaria

Alopecia

Clear Fluid Lesions

Secondary Skin Lesions

Nikolsky Sign

Pemphigus Vulgaris

Tzanck Smear

Bullous Pemphigoid

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Syphilis

Anogenital Warts

Chancroid

Donovanosis

Lymphogranuloma Venereum

Telogen Effluvium

Nail Psoriasis

Stratum Corneum

Genital Herpes Simplex

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Psoriasis and its Treatment

Scabies

Atopic Eczema

Pityriasis Rosea

Kerion

Sporotrichosis aka Rose Gardener’s Disease

Chromoblastomycosis

Lupus Vulgaris

Scrofuloderma

Papulonecrotic Tuberculid

Hansen’s Disease

Mid-Borderline Leprosy

Verruca Vulgaris

HPV Infections

Molluscum Contagiosum

Melasma

Mongolian Spot

Nevus of Ota

Piebaldism

Segmental Vitiligo

Phrynoderma

Pellagra

Malignant Melanoma

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Acanthosis Nigricans

GI Adenocarcinoma

Glucagonoma

CA Lung

Discoid LE

Carpet Tack Sign

Dermatomyositis

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Tips to Study Dermatology in MBBS

Dermatology is challenging but also a rewarding experience, opening doors to the fascinating field of medicine.

For a comprehensive study of dermatology, follow the described study pattern and reliable tips.

According to the new curriculum, the Dermatology subject is now included in the Medicine subject but is a diverse field of study in itself. It is highly fascinating if you learn in a structured way with images.

To start with the study, firstly get the syllabus and list of dermatological conditions included in the curriculum. Start with the fundamentals of dermatology and understand every basic terminology. Then go on to learn the concepts and dermatology topics. Categorise the types of dermatology diseases, disorders, and conditions. Further, learn the basic history taking, and understand common dermatology procedures, and techniques. After understanding all the concepts and procedures, refer to the syllabus and list of conditions and disorders included. Understand and learn them one by one.

Remember to study from the standard textbooks and dermatology atlases and that too, the latest edition.

Dermatology concepts are very well understood with high-quality images that aid in visualizing various skin conditions, hence, learn using images, spotters, and flashcards.

Practice IBQs and image-based clinical cases as much as possible after reading a concept. This will enhance your understanding of the topic and you will be able to memorise it for a long time.

Make sure to take proper notes with tables, flowcharts, mnemonics, flashcards, and more. Notes prove highly beneficial for revision and at the time of exams, may it be prof exams or any competitive exams, they serve as a ready reckoner.

Another thing to keep in mind while studying is to read the following for all the dermatological conditions and make a note of it: etiology, causative agents, risk factors, types, pathogenesis, clinical features, indications, contraindications, treatment, pharmacology, and preventive measures.

Try to categorise and learn accordingly to ease the learning process and improve retention. This also avoids confusion at times.

As the dermatology branch is being highly explored, don’t miss to read about the latest treatment modalities and cosmetic dermatology procedures being introduced.

You can’t ignore the importance of hands-on experience for recognizing and diagnosing skin conditions hence, actively participate in clinical sessions and rotations. Observe and practice. Try to correlate theoretical knowledge with real-life cases, and discuss with your fellows and professors.

To ease your learning process, you can complement your textbooks with online resources. Subscribing to a good online course would be of great help. You will learn from top faculty along with getting access to illustrative lectures, notes, and a lot more.

Quick Tips:

• Attend lectures and take proper notes.
• Actively participate in clinical sessions.
• Invest in best-selling titles.
• Refer to dermatology atlases.
• Complement your textbook learning with online resources.
• Actively engage in clinical rotations and postings.
• Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops.
• Practice questions and clinical cases.
• Use flashcards, mnemonics, and other memory aids.
• Stay organized.
• Stay updated on clinical guidelines for the management of dermatological conditions.
• Solve previous year’s questions.

Remember, consistency and dedication are key when studying dermatology or any medical specialty.

Best Books for Dermatology

Review of Dermatology by Saurabh Jindal is one of the best-selling dermatology books for MBBS students. The book is full of coloured images, mnemonics, memory aids, and conceptual diagrams. This exam-oriented book also includes a short review section at the end of each chapter.

IADVL’s Concise Textbook of Dermatology by Lalit Kumar Gupta is among the preferred books by MBBS students. The book is written in a lucid manner and the latest edition of it is comprehensively updated. The content is complemented with tables, flowcharts, figures, illustrations, and clinical photographs. The best part is that each chapter begins with a learning objective and the text follows a structured pattern, including MCQs and IBQs.

Fitzpatrick’s Color Atlas and Synopsis of Clinical Dermatology is a bestselling, concise, and quick reference book for medical students, residents, and physicians. The authors of the book are Arturo P. Saavedra, Ellen K. Roh, and Anar Mikailov. The latest edition is revised and expanded. The book includes over 1000 full-colour images and a color-coded 4-part organisation. It covers the most essential content along with detailed information on diagnosis and treatment.

Neena Khanna’s Dermatology book, Illustrated Synopsis of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Diseases, is a highly recommended book for studying the medical, surgical, and cosmetic aspects of STDs in depth. Each topic is easy to understand and organised with concise examples facilitated by real-life scenarios and cases.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q1. What is the subject weightage of dermatology in NEET-PG?

Ans. Dermatology is a medical discipline concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, nail, and membrane conditions and disorders. In NEET-PG, 6-8 questions are asked from the dermatology subject.

Q2. What is the subject weightage of dermatology in INI-CET?

Ans. Dermatology is a medical discipline concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, nail, and membrane conditions and disorders. In INI-CET, the subject-weightage of dermatology subject is around 5-6 questions.

Q3. What are the important topics in dermatology in MBBS?

Ans. The important topics in dermatology in MBBS include structure of hair, basics of dermatology, level of epidermis, drug eruptions, blistering disorders, skin lesions, acne vulgaris, bacterial infections, fungal infections, mycobacterial infections, erythema multiforme, lichen planus, STDs, papulosquamous disorders, skin tumors, syphilis, dermatitis, ulcers, urticaria, alopecia, nail psoriasis, genital herpes simplex, and scabies.

Q4. How to prepare dermatology for NEET-PG?

Ans. Here are some tips to prepare for dermatology subject for NEET-PG:

• Attend lectures and take proper notes.
• Actively participate in clinical sessions.
• Invest in best-selling textbook titles.
• Refer to dermatology atlases.
• Complement your textbook learning with online resources.
• Actively engage in clinical rotations and dermatology clinics.
• Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops.
• Practice questions and clinical cases as many as you can.
• Use flashcards, mnemonics, and other memory aids.
• Stay organized.
• Stay updated on clinical guidelines for the management of dermatological conditions.
• Solve previous year’s questions.