Dermatology Curriculum
This version of the curriculum has been modified by the London Specialty School of
Paediatrics for use by local trainers. It identifies which competencies will be
provided on regional training days, on simulation courses and compulsory training
courses as part of the training package. All competencies in black font have been
identified as competencies trainees are expected to obtain in their local trusts, by
clinical experience or by local teaching programmes.
Black – local learning
Red – regional training
Blue – simulation
Green – external courses
Level of Training
Generic
Dermatology
Level 1
Knowledge
Skills
have the knowledge and
skills to be able to
recognise, investigate and
manage common skin
complaints
be able to describe
accurately any rash
know about chronic skin
rashes
know about the cutaneous
and mucosal manifestation
of systemic disease
be aware of the common
causes of hair loss and
hypertrichosis
recognise the serious
nature of some skin
disorders or their
associated conditions and
know when to ask for help
recognise when to consult
Dermatology,
Ophthalmology and ENT
specialists
be able to advise parents
about these conditions
understand the principles
of therapy for skin
complaints
be aware of the different
potencies of topical
steroids and of their sideeffects
know the indications for
and the procedure involved
in skin biopsy **
understand the impact of
severe dermatological
problems on children
Level 2
understand the different
potencies of topical
steroids and of their sideeffects
continuing development of
level 1 competencies
know the common causes
of hair loss and
hypertrichosis
Eczema
Level 1
know the common
treatments for eczema and
be able to manage mild
eczema and seborrheic
the reasons for treatment
failure
know the features and
management of infected
eczema and eczema
herpeticum
Skin Failure
Cutaneous Drug
Reactions
continuing development of
level 1 competencies
recognise the features and
manage infected eczema
and eczema herpeticum
Level 1
know the features and
management of
staphylococcal scalded skin
syndrome
be able to assess and start
initial treatment promptly
Level 2
continuing development of
level 1 competencies
Level 1
know the causal bacteria,
features, complications and
management of cellulitis
including perioribital
cellulitis
Level 2
continuing development of
level 1 competencies
Level 1
be aware of the different
patterns of drug reaction
and of the common
precipitants
be aware of the different
patterns of drug reaction,
including the common
precipitants and serious
drug reactions such as
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Erythema
Nodosum
Erythematous
rash and fever
be able to advise parents
about these conditions
Level 2
be aware of the rarer
causes of skin failure
Skin Infections
dermatitis
recognise when to consult
dermatology and
ophthalmology specialities
recognise when to consult
, Ophthalmology and ENT
specialists
recognise and be able to
treat scabies, pediculoses,
and common viral and
fungal skin infections
be able to assess mucosal
involvement in cutaneous
drug reactions
recognise when to consult
Dermatology, and
Ophthalmology specialists
Level 2
continuing development of
level 1 competencies
recognise serious drug
reactions e.g. StevensJohnson syndrome
Level 1
know the causes of
erythema nodosum
recognise the features
which suggest significant
pathology
Level 2
continuing development of
level 1 competencies
recognise the features
which indicate a particular
diagnosis
Level 1
know the causes of fever
and an erythematous rash
with or without
desquamation
be able to recognise
Kawasaki syndrome and to
institute appropriate
treatment
be aware of rare but
serious causes of
erythematous rash and
fever, for example, toxic
shock syndrome
Level 2
continuing development of
level 1 competencies
be aware of complications
of Kawasaki syndrome and
know when to refer, for
example, to a cardiologist
recognise and initiate
management of rare but
serious causes e.g. toxic
shock syndrome