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How to examine a patch lesion- OSCE guide


1 Elicit history of Itching, numbness, course of the lession.
2. Inspect and note: site. size, shape, number, margins (ill or well-defined).surface (flat or raised), pigmentation,scaling, central clearing.
3. Examine for sensory loss and regional nerve thickening (if relevant).
4. Comment on the possible diagnosis.
5. Do one specific test to confirm the diagnosis, e.g. sensory loss in Hansen's patch.
Note
1. Patch refers to a flat lesion with a colour different from the surrounding skin. It is large and > 2 cm in diameter. It is called a macule,  it is < 2 cm.
2.. Common causes of patch lesions are dermatophytosis. leprosy and psoriasis.