Dermatology and the acute patient

Few acutely presenting dermatological conditions have a high fatality rate, but some do and are therefore of great significance; of greater numerical importance are the many others that can cause severe acute symptoms and considerable morbidity if not treated promptly and effectively. These include a broad range of conditions, dermatological emergencies or acute referrals, including some infections, urticaria/anaphylaxis, adverse drug reactions, inflammatory dermatoses, vasculitides, blistering disorders and tumours. Selected examples, primarily those not covered in other sections, will be discussed here, with highlighted points to note. The volume of ‘acute’ dermatology patients, in whom investigation and treatment may be required immediately or within the following few days, and the workload they present, is considerable. Referrals may be from primary care, casualty or other departments, so it is appropriate for all doctors to have some knowledge of acute dermatology.