Viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections

The Viral, Bacterial, Fungal, and Parasitic Infections course offers a comprehensive guide to diagnosing and managing infectious skin conditions using dermoscopy. This single-unit program emphasises practical skills and evidence-based approaches for clinical application.

This course introduces the use of dermoscopy to evaluate and manage a variety of infectious skin diseases. It covers the unique dermoscopic patterns associated with viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, as well as practical strategies for accurate diagnosis and treatment monitoring.
Key Topics Covered:
- Parasitic Infections
- Scabies: Identifying the "jet with contrail" sign, featuring the mite and its burrow.
- Pediculosis: Visualising lice and nits on hair shafts and distinguishing live from dead nits.
- Tick Bites: Recognising embedded ticks through dermoscopy and differentiating them from other lesions.
- Tungiasis: Diagnosing flea infestations with central black pores and surrounding eggs.
- Viral Infections
- Molluscum Contagiosum: Recognising the hallmark umbilicated centres with yellow-white amorphous globules and crown vessels.
- Warts (HPV): Differentiating common, flat, and plantar warts using red dots, thrombosed vessels, and characteristic vascular patterns.
- Fungal Infections
- Tinea Capitis: Identifying corkscrew, comma, and Morse code-like hairs to differentiate fungal infections from alopecia areata or trichotillomania.
- Tinea Corporis: Recognising peripheral scaling with a moth-eaten appearance, a hallmark of dermatophyte infections.
- Bacterial Infections
- Cutaneous Leishmaniasis: Observing follicular plugs and translucent yellow-orange areas on an erythematous background.
- Monitoring and Treatment
- Using dermoscopy to assess treatment efficacy and differentiate active infections from post-treatment changes.
- Identifying common misdiagnoses and avoiding unnecessary treatments.

By completing this course, participants will develop a deeper understanding of how to use dermoscopy to diagnose and manage infectious skin diseases, enhance clinical decision-making, and improve patient outcomes. This program is ideal for healthcare professionals seeking to expand their expertise in dermatological diagnostics.