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Skin clues to medical emergencies
D W Inserra1, L K Bickley, R H Brodkin
1University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, Newark.
American Family Physician
|March 1, 1990
Summary
A quick skin examination can reveal critical clues for diagnosing medical emergencies like coma or shock. Integrating dermatologic assessments aids rapid patient evaluation and treatment planning.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Dermatology
- Clinical Diagnosis
Background:
- Rapid diagnosis is crucial in medical emergencies.
- Skin examination is a rapid and accessible diagnostic tool.
- Dermatologic findings can indicate serious underlying conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of skin examination in medical emergencies.
- To demonstrate how skin lesions can suggest specific etiologies.
- To advocate for the inclusion of skin assessment in emergency evaluations.
Main Methods:
- Review of common medical emergencies and associated dermatologic findings.
- Emphasis on the clinical utility of visual skin inspection.
- Correlation of skin manifestations with critical illness states.
Main Results:
- Dermatologic lesions can be indicative of conditions such as coma, seizure, shock, chest pain, hemorrhage, respiratory distress, acute abdomen, and acute psychosis.
- Skin examination provides rapid diagnostic insights.
- The ease and speed of skin assessment make it invaluable.
Conclusions:
- Skin examination is an essential component of emergency medical evaluation.
- Dermatologic clues can significantly aid in diagnosing life-threatening conditions.
- Routine inclusion of skin assessment can improve emergency care outcomes.