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MRCP Part 1 Dermatology Rapid-Review Facts

 TL;DR

This article compiles MRCP Part 1 dermatology: 50 rapid-review facts to help you recognise high-yield patterns quickly. Dermatology in MRCP Part 1 is small but disproportionately scoring, and mastering classic presentations pays off immediately. Below you’ll find core facts, a short MCQ, pitfalls, and a practical checklist to consolidate your revision. All key clinical claims link to trusted sources such as MRCP(UK), DermNet NZ, BAD, and NICE.


Why this matters

Dermatology questions favour pattern recognition, not deep dermatopathology. A few core conditions and drug reactions appear disproportionately often. Reliable UK-based guidance is available through:

This article converts those high-yield patterns into 50 fast-recall facts.


50 Rapid-Review Dermatology Facts for MRCP Part 1

1) Psoriasis (6 facts)

  1. Extensor plaques with silvery scale — classic presentation (DermNet NZ).

  2. Auspitz sign: pinpoint bleeding on scale removal.

  3. Koebner phenomenon: lesions appear at trauma sites.

  4. Guttate psoriasis often follows streptococcal infection.

  5. Psoriatic nail changes: pitting, onycholysis, “oil drop” sign.

  6. First-line topicals: vitamin D analogues ± potent steroids (NICE).

2) Eczema / Dermatitis (6 facts)

  1. Atopic dermatitis follows the “atopic triad”: eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis.

  2. Flexural involvement in adults; extensor in infants.

  3. Eczema with weeping/crusting suggests staphylococcal infection (NHS).10. Patch testing helps diagnose allergic contact dermatitis.11. Irritant hand dermatitis common in healthcare workers.12. Treatment cornerstone: emollients + topical steroids.

3) Drug Rashes & Emergencies (8 facts)

13. SJS/TEN: mucosal involvement + epidermal detachment (BAD).14. High-risk drugs: allopurinol, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, sulfonamides, NSAIDs.15. TEN: >30% body surface detachment.16. DRESS: rash + eosinophilia + systemic organ involvement.17. Morbilliform drug rash = most common drug reaction.18. Fixed drug eruption recurs at the same site.19. Red man syndrome from rapid vancomycin infusion.20. Amiodarone and tetracyclines → phototoxic reactions (DermNet NZ).

4) Bullous Disorders (7 facts)

21. Pemphigus vulgaris: flaccid bullae, mucosal erosions, positive Nikolsky sign.22. Autoantibodies against desmoglein (skin-desmosomes).23. Bullous pemphigoid: tense bullae in elderly; mucosa usually spared.24. Target antigens: hemidesmosomal proteins BP180/BP230.25. Pemphigoid = subepidermal; pemphigus = intraepidermal (DermNet NZ).26. Linear IgA dermatosis shows “string-of-pearls” sign.27. Dermatitis herpetiformis links strongly to coeliac disease.

5) Infections (6 facts)

28. Impetigo: honey-coloured crusts; Staph aureus (NHS).29. Erysipelas: sharply demarcated; usually Group A strep.30. Erythema migrans = pathognomonic for Lyme disease.31. Tinea corporis: annular rash with raised scaly edge (DermNet NZ).32. Herpes zoster: dermatomal distribution; post-herpetic neuralgia risk rises with age.33. Molluscum contagiosum: central umbilication, pearly papules.

6) Vascular & Systemic Signs (5 facts)

34. Livedo reticularis: mottled lace-like pattern; think vasculitis or emboli.35. Erythema nodosum: tender nodules on shins; causes include sarcoidosis, infection, IBD.36. Erythema multiforme: target lesions, usually HSV-related.37. Acanthosis nigricans suggests insulin resistance or (rarely) gastric malignancy.38. Necrobiosis lipoidica: diabetic-association rash on shins.

7) Pigmentary Disorders (4 facts)

39. Vitiligo: autoimmune; check thyroid function (NHS).40. Melasma worsened by UV and oestrogen exposure.41. Café-au-lait spots: >6 lesions → consider NF1.42. Albinism: inherited melanin synthesis impairment.

8) Hair & Nail Disorders (4 facts)

43. Alopecia areata: smooth patches; exclamation-mark hairs.44. Androgenetic alopecia: patterned hair loss; miniaturisation of follicles.45. Beau’s lines: transverse nail depressions post systemic illness.46. Onychomycosis: thickened, discoloured nail; confirm with microscopy/culture.

9) Genetic & Rare Conditions (4 facts)

47. Ichthyosis vulgaris: fish-scale skin; filaggrin mutation.48. Tuberous sclerosis: ash-leaf spots; Shagreen patches.49. Neurofibromatosis type 1: axillary freckling + neurofibromas.50. Porphyria cutanea tarda: fragile blistering on sun-exposed areas.


The 5 Most Frequently Tested Subtopics

  1. Psoriasis variants & associations

  2. Atopic dermatitis patterns across age groups

  3. Drug reactions, especially SJS/TEN & DRESS

  4. Bullous disorders: pemphigus vs pemphigoid

  5. Cutaneous infection patterns (tinea, impetigo, zoster)

These topics dominate image-based questions on MRCP question banks.

Infographic showing a structured approach to reviewing dermatology cases for MRCP Part 1.

Study Checklist: Dermatology (MRCP Part 1)

Use this during the final 2–3 weeks.

Dermatology Study Checklist

Task

Completed?

Revise psoriasis subtypes + Koebner/Auspitz

☐

Review SJS/TEN vs DRESS criteria

☐

Learn “pemphigus vs pemphigoid” differences

☐

Review tinea, impetigo and zoster appearances

☐

Practise 30–40 image-based MCQs

☐

Do 1 timed session on rashes (30 Qs)

☐

Revise emergency rashes: erythroderma, meningococcal rash

☐

For more structured practice, start a timed session via Start a mock test.

Practical Example / Mini-Case

Question A 72-year-old man has a 3-week history of intensely itchy, tense bullae on his trunk and limbs. Mucous membranes are spared. Skin biopsy shows a subepidermal split with linear IgG along the basement membrane.

What is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Pemphigus vulgarisB. Bullous pemphigoidC. Dermatitis herpetiformisD. Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita

Answer: B — Bullous pemphigoid

Explanation: Elderly patient + tense bullae + absence of mucosal involvement strongly favour bullous pemphigoid (DermNet NZ). Immunofluorescence with linear IgG at the basement membrane further confirms it. Pemphigus would show flaccid bullae + mucosal erosions; dermatitis herpetiformis shows grouped vesicles.


Common Pitfalls (5 bullets)

  • Confusing pemphigus (flaccid) with pemphigoid (tense) bullae.

  • Assuming all drug rashes are benign — missing SJS/TEN clues such as mucosal involvement.

  • Treating “eczema flare” without checking for secondary infection.

  • Misidentifying tinea as eczema (look for an active border).

  • Forgetting systemic checks (thyroid in vitiligo, coeliac in dermatitis herpetiformis).


FAQs

1) How much dermatology appears in MRCP Part 1?

Dermatology contributes a small proportion of the paper, but the questions tend to be straightforward if you recognise typical clinical patterns and common drug reactions.

2) What dermatology topics should I focus on for MRCP Part 1?

Psoriasis, eczema, SJS/TEN, bullous disorders, tinea infections, and key genetic conditions such as NF1 and tuberous sclerosis.

3) Are image-based questions included?

Yes. Most are single-best-answer items anchored by a short vignette. High-quality images are commonly used, similar in style to those on DermNet NZ and BAD.

4) What resources are reliable for dermatology revision?

DermNet NZ, BAD patient information leaflets, NICE guidance, and the MRCP(UK) blueprint provide trustworthy UK-aligned material.

5) How should I revise dermatology efficiently?

Do 30–40 image-based MCQs, memorise classic patterns, and review emergency rashes. Combine this with full timed blocks on Free MRCP MCQs.


Ready to start?

If you found this rapid-review helpful, explore our full MRCP Part 1 overview, practise with Free MRCP MCQs, or begin a timed mock test. Strengthen your daily learning with our detailed lectures and structured study plans at Crack Medicine.


Sources

 
 
 

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