Dermatology

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Eye on Washington

Once Thanksgiving 2003 passed, Congress grew anxious to adjourn; members prefer to spend the Christmas season at home, with family and constituents.

A 22-month-old boy is brought to you with an asymptomatic, linear scaly rash that developed on his right elbow four months ago. Two weeks after onset, the eruption had extended down his right arm to the top of the hand and onto the fourth finger.

The physical examination for a patient seeking clearance to participate in a sport should focus on areas likely to yield significant findings--notably, the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems.

Proper measurement of blood pressure is essential both to detect children with hypertension and to avoid over-diagnosis. Once the condition is identified, the pediatrician must decide whether the patient requires lifestyle changes alone or antihypertensive drug treatment as well.

It isn't just about skin: Atopic dermatitis affects a child's psyche. To keep the disease under control, prescribe sufficient topical corticosteroids and administer a generous dosage of reassurance.

After several days of suffering fever, headache, and malaise, a 17-year-old boy noticed a rash developing over much of his body. He sought medical attention and was admitted to the hospital.

A 14-year-old girl is brought to you complaining of an itchy red rash on her back. The rash appeared four months ago as a scaly red bump and enlarged over several weeks in an annular pattern to cover a large area.

You are asked to evaluate an 8-year-old boy who recently developed white rings around moles on his neck and back. Although he complains of slight itching, you don't see signs of scratching.