Iran Specialty Board Dermatology study guide
Iran Specialty Board Dermatology · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Iran Specialty Board Examination in Dermatology is the national summative assessment that physicians must clear to practise as specialist dermatologists within Iran's residency and specialty certification system. It is intended for residents completing dermatology training and for physicians whose credentials are being assessed against national specialist standards. The Iran Specialty Board Dermatology study guide has 13 sections and about 3,045 words.
01Basic Sciences Relevant to Skin
This domain tests how structure and molecular machinery explain skin disease: epidermal differentiation, basement-membrane adhesion, dermal matrix, immune circuits, and the genetics of inherited disorders. Questions typically link a protein to a blister level, a cytokine to a biologic, or a mutation to a phenotype.
284 words, about 1 min02Clinical Dermatology: Inflammatory and Papulosquamous Disorders
The exam tests pattern recognition plus mechanism: psoriasis, lichen planus, atopic dermatitis, pityriasis rosea, pityriasis rubra pilaris, granulomatous and neutrophilic dermatoses. Expect morphology, dermoscopy, first-line therapy, and recognition of dangerous variants.
266 words, about 1 min03Infectious and Tropical Dermatology
This domain covers bacterial, viral, fungal, mycobacterial, and parasitic skin infections, with emphasis on endemic Iranian problems such as cutaneous leishmaniasis, anthroponotic leprosy foci, dermatophytosis, and tuberculosis. Bacterial: impetigo and ecthyma (S.
260 words, about 1 min04Dermatologic Oncology
Expect questions on keratinocyte carcinomas, melanoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, sebaceous carcinoma, and Kaposi sarcoma, with emphasis on risk factors, histologic diagnosis, margins, and systemic therapy. Basal cell carcinoma: PTCH1 pathway activation; nodular, superficial, morpheaform subtypes; morpheaform behaves aggressively; Hedgehog inhibitors for advanced disease.
246 words, about 1 min05Pigmented Lesions and Cutaneous Lymphoma
This domain separates benign from malignant pigmented lesions using morphology and dermoscopy, and covers cutaneous T-cell and B-cell lymphomas, especially mycosis fungoides. Melanoma subtypes: superficial spreading, nodular, lentigo maligna, acral lentiginous.
238 words, about 1 min06Autoimmune, Connective Tissue and Immunobullous Diseases
The exam tests autoantibody targets, histologic cleavage levels, direct immunofluorescence patterns, and systemic associations in lupus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma, vasculitis, and immunobullous disease. Lupus: interface dermatitis; DLE shows follicular plugging and scarring; SCLE is anti-Ro/SSA associated; systemic disease needs ANA, anti-dsDNA, complement.
241 words, about 1 min07Pediatric Dermatology and Genodermatoses
Questions cover neonatal skin lesions, vascular anomalies, inherited ichthyoses, epidermolysis bullosa, and neurocutaneous syndromes, with emphasis on distinguishing benign transient eruptions from serious disease. Neonatal pustules: erythema toxicum has eosinophils; transient neonatal pustular melanosis has neutrophils and leaves pigmented macules.
221 words, about 1 min08Dermatopathology and Laboratory Diagnosis
This domain tests pattern-based histologic diagnosis, immunofluorescence, and bedside laboratory tests, including correct specimen handling and interpretation. Major reaction patterns: spongiotic, psoriasiform, lichenoid, interface, vesiculobullous, granulomatous, vasculopathic, and panniculitic.
235 words, about 1 min09Dermatologic Surgery, Lasers and Aesthetic Procedures
The exam tests surgical principles, suture and closure selection, Mohs surgery, laser physics, and safe aesthetic practice. Excision: fusiform ellipse with 3:1 length-to-width ratio; margins perpendicular; undermining parallel to relaxed skin tension lines.
226 words, about 1 min10Hair, Nail and Mucosal Disorders
Questions address alopecia patterns, scarring versus non-scarring hair loss, nail signs of systemic and dermatologic disease, and oral/genital mucosal lesions. Alopecia areata: well-circumscribed patches, exclamation-mark hairs, yellow dots, peribulbar lymphocytic infiltrate; nonscarring.
212 words, about 1 min11Contact Dermatitis, Occupational and Environmental Dermatology
This domain tests allergic versus irritant contact dermatitis, patch testing, occupational exposures, and environmental skin disease. Allergic contact dermatitis is type IV delayed hypersensitivity; irritant contact dermatitis is direct toxicity without sensitization.
211 words, about 1 min12Therapeutics, Pharmacology and Photomedicine
Questions cover topical and systemic drugs, biologic mechanisms, monitoring, phototherapy, and photoprotection. Topical corticosteroids: class by potency; use lowest effective potency; risks include atrophy, striae, and tachyphylaxis.
192 words, under 1 min13Ethics, Professionalism, Patient Safety and Health Law
This domain tests informed consent, confidentiality, documentation, appropriate referral, infection control, and the legal framework of dermatologic practice, including cosmetic procedures. Informed consent: explain diagnosis, alternatives, risks, benefits, and the option to decline; document the discussion; minors and incapacitated patients require guardians.
213 words, about 1 min