Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Dermoscopy Aids in the Diagnosis of Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
Published on: May 16, 2025
Consent and capacity for dermatologists: an ethical review and update
1University of Wales, Bangor, North Wales Section of Psychological Medicine and North Wales Trust, Wrexham Academic Unit, Wrexham, UK. peter.lepping@new-tr.wales.nhs.uk
Abstract:
Changes in legislation and case law have brought about several changes in the way that doctors in England and Wales have to deal with consent and capacity issues. These changes affect dermatology in many ways regarding the way we gain consent and the information we have to share with the patient. This article will provide an update and overview on these changes and how they affect dermatology in particular. Legislation changes have opened up avenues to discuss difficult advance decisions with patients. It is hoped that these will reduce the number of ethical dilemmas arising from questions about the treatment of incapacitated patients. It is also necessary, following recent case law, to document and discuss any significant, unavoidable or frequently occurring side-effects of any proposed medication with patients. This means that the recent changes in legislation and case law bring opportunities to dermatologists, but also require improved documentation.
Related Concept Videos
Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
Nurses' Legal Responsibilities I
The legal responsibilities of a nurse regarding informed consent include the following:
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Ethical Dilemmas II
Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
Psychosurgery
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...

