Key Topics Explored in RCPI Professional Diploma in Dermatology

14 Jan 2025

The iheed online Professional Diploma in Dermatology associated with the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland provides an excellent introduction to, and foundation in all aspects of dermatology. This course would benefit clinicians and non-clinicians who hope to expand their knowledge of dermatology to help their patients and clients. The topics covered include inflammatory skin disorders, skin cancer, paediatric conditions and hair and nail disease. You will be expertly guided through the modules by an experienced team of doctors who are dermatology specialists. 

Some examples of topics that are covered in this course include eczema, psoriasis and skin cancer. Below you will find a short discussion about the 

Eczema (atopic dermatitis):

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic, inflammatory dermatology condition characterised by an itchy red rash with skin dryness which can be diffuse. It is the most common inflammatory skin condition worldwide. Atopic dermatitis affects approximately 20% of children and 10% of adults. Through the iheed course, the effects of eczema on the skin and the causes of flares will be explained. You will also learn the different distributions of the rash for different age groups and how to treat it effectively using both topical and systemic (tablet or injection) treatments. The new novel treatments such as dupilumab and JAK inhibitors will be discussed. You will explore the negative side effects of uncontrolled atopic dermatitis which include infections, psychological effects, allergic contact dermatitis and poor sleep and mood. The associated conditions and how to recognise them are an important part of this module. You will have almost weekly tutorials with a dermatology tutor who can answer questions, discuss differential diagnosis and guide potential treatments for atopic dermatitis in various clinical settings. 

Psoriasis: 

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory dermatology condition characterised by somewhat itchy well-demarcated red plaques with scale. It is a common dermatology condition and affects 2-4% of individuals worldwide. It can present with several variants like chronic plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis and pustular psoriasis. It can affect a wide variety of places on skin including the flexures (groin and armpit), scalp, extensors (elbows and knees), genitals and nails. It can cause significant physical and psychosocial burdens if not managed effectively. Patients with severe psoriasis endure symptoms which significantly impact their daily life. Through the iheed dermatology diploma, you will learn what causes flares of psoriasis and how to treat mild, moderate and severe cases appropriately. You will also cover the conditions associated with this systemic inflammatory disease. Topical treatments and systemic treatments are thankfully, constantly evolving and advancing in this field and your tutor will discuss them in detail during tutorials. Immunomodulating treatments such as TNF-alpha inhibitors, Anti-interleukin (IL) 17 inhibitors, Anti-IL 23 inhibitors and JAK inhibitors will be discussed. You will have opportunities to ask questions to the clinical dermatology tutors prescribing the established older treatments and newer therapies on a daily basis. 

Skin cancer:

Skin cancers are malignant tumours which begin as different types of skin cells. They include melanoma and nonmelanoma subtypes (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma). They are one of the most common cancers in Europe and cause significant morbidity. Skin cancer typically affects older individuals with paler skin or those who are immunosuppressed. This course will discuss the risk factors associated with skin cancer, how to prevent it and the role of the dermatologist in its management. You will learn how to recognise both malignant and benign skin lesions including the features of dermoscopy. Dermoscopy is performed using a dermatoscope which is essentially a magnifying glass with a light source used by clinicians to look more closely at the skin and skin lesions. The dermatology tutors will guide you through this essential part of your dermatology learning and will clarify any questions you have. 

The RCPI online dermatology diploma is a flexible training opportunity which is a unique opportunity to learn about a wide range of dermatology conditions in an interactive way, while having almost weekly tutorials with specialists in this field. The continuous assessment model of learning ensures you explore a range of topics while still allowing you to master each topic. This course offers an excellent opportunity to those who hope to broaden their dermatology knowledge while developing their diagnostic skills and is highly recommended.

Ready to advance your dermatology expertise? Enrol in the online RCPI Professional Diploma in Dermatology today or explore more online courses through our find a programme page.

Dr. Stephanie Bowe Profile Image

Dr. Stephanie Bowe,

14 Jan 2025