Iraqi Board Dermatology study plan

Build a one-page schematic of epidermal turnover, barrier lipids, and dermal matrix composition, then label each layer's role in blister formation and wound healing from memory.

Map the inflammatory cascade of the skin (keratinocyte cytokines, Th1/Th17/Treg balance, mast cell and neutrophil recruitment) onto a diagram you can redraw in under five minutes.

Classify the primary and secondary lesions with precise definitions, and practise converting ten written morphological descriptions into a ranked differential diagnosis.

List the cardinal dermatoscopic structures (pigment network, globules, vessels, dots, regression) and match each to its histological correlate.

Explain the routine H&E report sequence (low power architecture, then cytology) and identify the four patterns of interface, spongiotic, psoriasiform, and lichenoid dermatitis by their key features.

Differentiate the clinical and histological features that separate psoriasis from nummular eczema, lichen simplex, and tinea corporis, and state the first-line treatment for each.

Construct a treatment ladder for atopic dermatitis by age and severity, including topical steroid potency selection, emollient strategy, and when to escalate to systemic or biologic therapy.

Distinguish lichen planus from lichenoid drug eruption and lupus interface dermatitis using distribution, mucosal involvement, and histology.

Organise cutaneous bacterial infections by organism and depth (impetigo, ecthyma, erysipelas, cellulitis, folliculitis, abscess) and match each to an appropriate antibiotic regimen.

Compare the viral exanthems and localized viral infections (herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, molluscum, HPV) by morphology, confirmatory test, and management.

Classify fungal infections (dermatophytes, Malassezia, Candida, deep mycoses) and select sampling method, KOH/culture interpretation, and therapy for each.

Outline the approach to cutaneous tuberculosis and leprosy, including the spectrum concepts, diagnostic tests available in Iraq, and multidrug regimens.

Describe scabies, pediculosis, and leishmaniasis: life cycle, diagnostic confirmation, and treatment including safety counselling.

Summarise sexually transmitted infections presenting with genital ulcers or discharge (syphilis, chancroid, herpes, gonorrhoea, chlamydia) with stage-appropriate serology and treatment.

Complete a self-quiz of 30 mixed inflammatory and infective vignettes and log every wrong answer with the corrected reasoning.

Build a melanoma recognition framework (ABCDE plus ugly-duckling and dermatoscopic algorithms) and apply it to 15 written lesion descriptions to produce a management decision for each.

Distinguish basal cell carcinoma subtypes, squamous cell carcinoma, and keratoacanthoma by clinical and histological features, and state margins and follow-up for each.

List the premalignant lesions (actinic keratosis, Bowen disease, leukoplakia, dysplastic naevus) with their transformation risk and treatment options.

Separate benign tumours and cysts (dermatofibroma, lipoma, epidermoid cyst, seborrhoeic keratosis, pyogenic granuloma) from mimics that require biopsy.

Contrast pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis, and linear IgA disease by level of split, immunofluorescence pattern, and first-line therapy.

Outline the classification and work-up of cutaneous lymphoma, including mycosis fungoides staging and when to request clonal TCR gene rearrangement.

Explain connective tissue disease skin signs (lupus subtypes, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, Sjogren) and the investigations that confirm each.

Interpret a written autoantibody and immunofluorescence panel and state the most likely diagnosis for each pattern.

Describe the urgent presentations of autoimmune blistering disease and the initial stabilization and referral steps.

Complete 25 mixed tumour and autoimmune vignettes, scoring above 70 percent before moving on.

Differentiate vitiligo, post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, pityriasis alba, and indeterminate leprosy, and outline vitiligo treatment including phototherapy and surgical options.

Classify hair loss (androgenetic, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, scarring alopecias) and select the appropriate test for each.

Recognise nail unit pathology: psoriasis, onychomycosis, melanoma, lichen planus, and paronychia, with sampling techniques.

Identify oral and genital mucosal disorders (oral lichen planus, leukoplakia, aphthosis, lichen sclerosus) and their malignant potential.

Describe the principles, indications, and complications of excisional and punch biopsy, cryotherapy, electrosurgery, and the main laser types.

Summarise the neonatal and infantile dermatoses (seborrhoeic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, haemangioma, milia, erythema toxicum) with expected course and when to intervene.

Recognise the major genodermatoses (neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis, epidermolysis bullosa, ichthyoses, xeroderma pigmentosum) by their cutaneous markers and inheritance.

Identify cutaneous signs of systemic disease (acanthosis nigricans, erythema nodosum, pyoderma gangrenosum, dermatomyositis, paraneoplastic syndromes) and the internal work-up each triggers.

Classify drug eruptions by mechanism and morphology, and describe the emergency management of Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Apply a structured causality assessment to five written drug-eruption scenarios.

Compare topical vehicles and steroid potencies, and state the monitoring and adverse effects of systemic agents including methotrexate, ciclosporin, azathioprine, and isotretinoin.

Explain biologic selection and safety screening (tuberculosis, hepatitis, malignancy risk) and the monitoring schedule for each class.

Describe phototherapy modalities, dosing principles, and cumulative risk, and list the contraindications.

Appraise a study design (cohort versus case-control versus randomized trial), interpret sensitivity, specificity, and number needed to treat, and identify sources of bias.

Apply consent, confidentiality, and error-disclosure principles to written patient-safety scenarios.