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CHAPTER 88 ■ DERMATOLOGIC URGENCIES AND EMERGENCIES ALISA McQUEEN, PETER A LIO GOALS OF EMERGENCY CARE The goals in treating dermatologic conditions are to recognize signs of systemic illness and complications such as secondary infection KEY POINTS The ability to describe a rash precisely and accurately will dramatically improve the likelihood of a correct diagnosis Key features of the history include duration of the rash (acute or chronic), initial distribution, extent of spread (generalized or localized), ill contacts (including sexual partners), and any associated systemic symptoms, including fever Key features of the physical examination include a careful systematic inspection of all mucocutaneous surfaces, with special attention paid to involvement of the oropharynx, palms and soles, extensor or flexor surfaces, scalp, and trunk RELATED CHAPTERS Medical, Surgical, and Trauma Emergencies Infectious Disease Emergencies: Chapter 94 Rheumatologic Emergencies: Chapter 101 Rashes and skin lesions are common presenting complaints An accurate diagnosis depends on a systematic approach that requires assessing the skin carefully and knowing dermatologic terminology, morphology, and differential diagnoses Although not always diagnostic, morphology and distribution of cutaneous lesions are important parts of categorizing and making a differential diagnosis, and at the very least can help exclude worrisome conditions when applied correctly Terminology is an important part of this process Descriptors can be divided into primary and secondary Primary descriptors include macules