Skin: Questions and Rationales
Questions to Ask
1. "Have you noticed any rashes on your skin? Where are they located, and how long have they
been there?"
oRationale: Rashes can indicate allergic reactions, infections (e.g., fungal, bacterial, or
viral), autoimmune conditions (e.g., lupus), or systemic diseases like liver or kidney
issues.
2. "Do you have any lumps or bumps on your skin? Have they changed in size or texture?"
oRationale: Lumps could signify cysts, lipomas (benign fatty growths), or potentially
cancerous growths like melanomas or basal cell carcinomas.
3. "Have you had any sores that won’t heal or that seem to keep coming back?"
oRationale: Non-healing sores could indicate skin cancers, infections, or systemic diseases
like diabetes.
4. "Do you experience itching? Is it in one specific area or all over your body?"
oRationale: Itching can be a sign of allergies, eczema, infections, or systemic conditions
like liver disease (cholestasis) or kidney failure (uremia).
5. "Is your skin unusually dry? Has it cracked or become flaky?"
oRationale: Dry skin might result from environmental factors, aging, or conditions like
hypothyroidism or eczema.
6. "Have you noticed any changes in your skin color, like yellowing, darkening, or lightening?"
oRationale: Changes in skin color can indicate jaundice (yellowing from liver issues),
cyanosis (bluish from lack of oxygen), or hypopigmentation/hyperpigmentation due to
conditions like vitiligo or Addison's disease.
7. "Have you seen any changes in your hair, like thinning, loss, or unusual growth?"
oRationale: Hair changes may point to hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid disorders,
PCOS) or nutritional deficiencies.
8. "Have you noticed any changes in your nails, like brittleness, discoloration, or ridges?"
oRationale: Nail changes could indicate fungal infections, psoriasis, or systemic conditions
like anemia or chronic respiratory issues.
9. "Have any of your moles changed in size, shape, or color, or have you noticed any new moles?"
oRationale: Changes in moles are a warning sign for melanoma. It’s essential to assess for
the ABCDEs of melanoma (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving).
