Patterns of dermatology referrals in a general hospital

A survey of 500 patients hospitalized in non-dermatology wards and referred for dermatological opinion is reported. In approximately 50%, the skin lesions were related to the presenting illness; in 36.6% of these patients the skin condition contributed substantially to the diagnosis of the systemic disease. This study emphasizes the considerable interface between cutaneous and systemic disease and the need for close co-operation between medical and dermatology departments. The implications for postgraduate education are highlighted, since such patients are infrequently seen in a dermatology out-patient setting.