Iraqi Board Dermatology study guide
Iraqi Board Dermatology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Iraqi Board in Dermatology is a postgraduate specialty qualification awarded through the Iraqi Board of Medical Specializations (the national body that certifies medical specialties in Iraq). It is intended for physicians who have completed foundational medical training and are pursuing dermatology as a career - typically residents within a recognized training programme who need a credential for hospital posts, teaching, or private practice. The Iraqi Board Dermatology study guide has 12 sections and about 3,220 words.
01Basic Sciences Relevant to Skin
Domain 1 tests how structure and molecular machinery explain clinical signs: why the epidermis splits at a given level, why a keratin mutation produces a specific pattern, and how cutaneous immunity shapes infection and drug reactions. Keratins pair by layer: K5/K14 in basal cells, K1/K10 suprabasal, K6/K16 in hyperproliferative epidermis, K9 palmoplantar.
288 words, about 1 min02Diagnostic Dermatology: History, Morphology, Dermatoscopy and Dermatopathology
Domain 2 tests the translation chain: lesion description, then differential, then bedside test or biopsy. Examiners reward precise morphology words and a defensible next step.
286 words, about 1 min03Inflammatory and Papulosquamous Dermatoses
Domain 3 covers the commonest clinic encounters and tests pattern recognition plus treatment sequencing: eczema versus psoriasis versus lichenoid dermatitis, and when a drug is the culprit. Well-demarcated erythematous plaques with silvery scale on extensor surfaces, scalp, umbilicus and gluteal cleft; Auspitz sign and Koebner phenomenon.
282 words, about 1 min04Cutaneous Infections and Infestations
Domain 4 tests organism-level reasoning: what the lesion is, which test confirms it, and which treatment plus public-health action follows. Iraq-specific epidemiology such as cutaneous leishmaniasis, tinea capitis and scabies outbreaks matters.
288 words, about 1 min05Cutaneous Tumors and Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Domain 5 tests whether you can separate benign, premalignant and malignant lesions and choose the right biopsy and margin. Basal cell carcinoma: pearly, telangiectatic, rolled edge; histology shows peripheral palisading and clefting.
276 words, about 1 min06Autoimmune, Connective Tissue and Blistering Diseases
Domain 6 tests autoantibody patterns and the cleavage level that explains blister mechanics. Pemphigus vulgaris: flaccid bullae, oral erosions, positive Nikolsky sign; IgG against desmoglein 3 (mucosa) and desmoglein 1 (skin); direct immunofluorescence shows intercellular chicken-wire IgG.
267 words, about 1 min07Pigmentary, Hair, Nail and Mucosal Disorders
Domain 7 tests pattern recognition in pigment, hair, nail and mucosa, where cosmetic concern often hides serious disease. Vitiligo: depigmented macules, Wood lamp accentuation, Koebner phenomenon; associated thyroid disease; NBUVB and topical calcineurin inhibitors.
252 words, about 1 min08Dermatologic Surgery, Lasers and Procedural Dermatology
Domain 8 tests procedural decision-making: margin, technique, device selection and safety. Fusiform ellipse with a 3:1 length-to-width ratio, incision oriented along relaxed skin tension lines, undermining for closure.
276 words, about 1 min09Pediatric Dermatology and Genodermatoses
Domain 9 tests benign neonatal findings versus serious genodermatoses, and cutaneous clues to multisystem disease. Transient benign findings: erythema toxicum (eosinophils), transient neonatal pustular melanosis, milia, sebaceous hyperplasia, salmon patch.
241 words, about 1 min10Systemic Disease and Skin
Domain 10 tests whether you connect skin signs to internal disease and drug timelines. Acanthosis nigricans reflects insulin resistance, but sudden widespread disease suggests gastrointestinal malignancy.
244 words, about 1 min11Dermatologic Therapy: Topical, Systemic, Biologic and Phototherapy
Domain 11 tests drug choice, monitoring and adverse effects, which dominate safe dermatology practice. Corticosteroid potency is class-based; risks are atrophy, striae, telangiectasia and tachyphylaxis.
256 words, about 1 min12Research Methodology, Evidence Appraisal, Ethics and Patient Safety
Domain 12 tests critical appraisal, study design and professional conduct rather than dermatology facts alone. Randomized controlled trial for therapy, cohort for prognosis, case-control for rare exposures, cross-sectional for prevalence, diagnostic accuracy studies for tests.
264 words, about 1 min