Skin disease is marked by its variety and visibility. Dermatology is a field where pattern recognition and analysis are critical so experience is key - having seen something previously makes it much easier to recognise it in the future. Accurate history taking and examination are as important as in any other field of medicine. A systematic approach is required, although this may become truncated with experience; however, even the most experienced doctor will have the occasional difficult case where it is necessary to go back to basics.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original article at https://patient.info/doctor/dermatological-history-and-examination