Iran Specialty Board Dermatology study plan

Draw and label a full-thickness skin cross-section from memory, naming each layer's cells, structural proteins and basement-membrane zones

Explain the keratinocyte differentiation pathway and map each inherited epidermolysis bullosa subtype to its defective protein

Describe antigen presentation, T-cell activation and cytokine axes (Th1/Th2/Th17/Treg) and link each axis to one dermatosis

Perform and interpret a basic histopathology description using the standard sequence: site, pattern, cell type, dermis, special stains

List the routine and special stains (PAS, Fite, Giemsa, Congo red, direct immunofluorescence) and state one diagnosis each confirms

Differentiate psoriasis from lichen planus, pityriasis rosea and nummular eczema using morphology, distribution and nail findings

Construct a stepwise topical and systemic treatment ladder for plaque psoriasis including biologics and their monitoring

Classify eczematous and papulosquamous eruptions by chronicity and describe the histologic correlate of each stage

Recognize severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SJS/TEN, DRESS, AGEP) and outline immediate withdrawal and supportive management

Explain the pathophysiology and management of lichen planus variants including oral and follicular disease

Differentiate bacterial skin infections (impetigo, ecthyma, erysipelas, cellulitis, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome) and select appropriate antibiotics

Distinguish herpes simplex, varicella-zoster, molluscum and HPV presentations and describe antiviral and destructive options

Identify dermatophyte, candida and deep fungal patterns and interpret KOH, culture and histology findings

Describe cutaneous tuberculosis, leprosy spectrum and atypical mycobacterial infections with diagnostic approach

Recognize scabies, leishmaniasis, cutaneous larva migrans and other parasitic dermatoses endemic to tropical settings

Apply the ABCDE and ugly-duckling rules and describe dermoscopic patterns of melanocytic lesions including atypical network and regression

Stage melanoma and basal/squamous cell carcinoma using Breslow thickness, ulceration, mitoses and margins

Outline the histologic and immunophenotypic workup of cutaneous T-cell and B-cell lymphomas including mycosis fungoides variants

Explain margin guidelines and sentinel lymph node biopsy indications for melanoma and high-risk SCC

Distinguish benign mimics of malignancy such as Spitz nevus, atypical fibroxanthoma and pseudolymphoma

Interpret direct immunofluorescence patterns (linear IgG/C3, granular IgA, lupus band) and match them to bullous and connective tissue diseases

Differentiate pemphigus vulgaris, bullous pemphigoid, dermatitis herpetiformis and linear IgA disease by clinical, histologic and serologic findings

Describe diagnostic criteria and organ involvement in lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis and morphea

Outline monitoring and treatment of immunobullous disease including corticosteroid tapering, steroid-sparing agents and rituximab

Recognize dermatologic emergencies in connective tissue disease such as scleroderma renal crisis and severe cutaneous lupus

Recognize neonatal and infantile eruptions (seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, hemangiomas, miliaria) and distinguish them from serious inherited disease

Classify genodermatoses including ichthyoses, neurofibromatosis, tuberous sclerosis and epidermolysis bullosa with their genetic basis and surveillance needs

Evaluate hair loss by pattern and pull test, distinguishing androgenetic, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata and scarring alopecias

Describe nail unit anatomy and diagnose longitudinal melanonychia, onychomycosis, psoriasis and paronychia

Identify oral and genital mucosal disorders including lichen planus, leukoplakia, aphthous disease and mucosal melanoma

Select appropriate local anesthetic, suture material and closure technique for excisions on face, trunk and extremities

Explain laser physics, tissue interaction and indications for vascular, pigment and resurfacing lasers with safety precautions

Interpret patch test results and identify common allergens and occupational exposures in contact dermatitis

Prescribe phototherapy and systemic agents (methotrexate, azathioprine, isotretinoin, cyclosporine) with monitoring parameters and contraindications

Counsel on sunscreen, photoprotection and photodermatoses including polymorphous light eruption and drug-induced photosensitivity

Apply informed consent, confidentiality and documentation standards to dermatologic practice scenarios

Resolve ethical dilemmas involving off-label prescribing, cosmetic advertising and conflicts of interest

Complete two timed mixed mock examinations spanning all domains and review every error

Rehearse a rapid-fire differential for the 20 highest-yield papulosquamous and neoplastic presentations

Consolidate a personal error log and rank remaining weak domains by score gap