D-Derm LUMHS Exam Prep: The Ultimate Syllabus Breakdown

Attention D-Derm Aspirants!

Are you preparing for the Diploma in Dermatology at Liaquat University of Medical & Health Sciences (LUMHS)? If so, you know that structured preparation is half the battle won. To help you streamline your study sessions, we have compiled the definitive syllabus and topic list for the upcoming exam.

📝 Exam Overview

• Target: D-Derm LUMHS
• Format: 50 BCQs (Best Choice Questions)
• Focus: Core Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy

Below is the comprehensive list of high-yield topics you need to master. Bookmark this page and check them off as you go!

1. Eczema & Dermatitis

This is a foundational topic. Ensure you can differentiate between endogenous and exogenous causes.

• Endogenous: Atopic Dermatitis (Pediatric & Adult), Seborrheic Dermatitis, Pompholyx, Lichen Simplex Chronicus, Prurigo, Hand Eczema, Stasis Eczema, Xerotic Eczema.
• Exogenous: Allergic Contact Dermatitis, Irritant Contact Dermatitis.

2. Idiopathic Inflammatory Disorders

Focus on clinical features and papulosquamous presentations.

• Psoriasis
• Lichen Planus
• Erythroderma
• Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris

3. Bullous Disorders

Understand the level of the split (intra-epidermal vs. sub-epidermal).

• Autoimmune: Pemphigus, Pemphigoid, Herpes Gestationis, Dermatitis Herpetiformis.
• Genetic: Epidermolysis Bullosa (all varieties), Hailey-Hailey Disease.

4. Infections & Infestations

A massive portion of the curriculum. Be sure to cover causative organisms and treatments.

• Bacterial: Superficial infections, Mycobacterial infections.
• Viral: Herpes Simplex, VZV, Molluscum Contagiosum, HPV, HIV, Viral Exanthems.
• Fungal & Yeast: Dermatophytes (Scalp, Trunk, Feet, Nails), Candida, Deep Fungal infections.
• Protozoal: Leishmaniasis.
• Mites/Parasitic: Scabies, Lice, Insect bites.
• Specific: Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease).

5. Autoimmune & Connective Tissue Diseases

• Lupus Erythematosus (Discoid & Systemic).
• Dermatomyositis, Scleroderma, Systemic Sclerosis.
• Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome.
• Mixed Connective Tissue Disorders (MCTD).
• Rheumatoid Arthritis manifestations.

6. Vasculitis & Vascular Disorders

• Leucocytoclastic Vasculitis.
• Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP).
• Erythema Nodosum, Pyoderma Gangrenosum, Panniculitis.

7. Metabolic & Nutritional Disorders

Don’t overlook systemic manifestations on the skin.

• Porphyrias, Xanthomas, Amyloidosis.
• Deficiencies: Vitamin deficiencies, Protein deficiency, Zinc deficiency.

8. Pigmentary Disorders & Genodermatoses

• Pigmentary: Vitiligo, Melasma, Albinism.
• Genodermatoses: Neurofibromatosis, Tuberous Sclerosis, Ectodermal Dysplasia, Incontinentia Pigmenti, Dyskeratosis Congenita.

9. Nevi (Moles & Birthmarks)

• Vascular: Hemangiomas, Vascular Malformations.
• Epidermal: Verrucous Epidermal Nevus, Sebaceous Nevus, Becker’s Nevus.
• Melanocytic: Congenital and Acquired.

10. Disorders of Appendages (Hair, Nails, Glands)

• Hair: Alopecia (Areata, Androgenetic, Secondary), Hirsutism, Greying.
• Nails: Nail dystrophies in chronic/inflammatory disorders.
• Glands: Apocrinitis, Acne Vulgaris, Sebaceous Hyperplasia.

11. Tumors & Oncology

Understand the ABCDEs of melanoma and the presentation of NMSC (Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers).

• Benign: Dermatofibroma, Leiomyoma, Syringoma, Trichoepithelioma, Pyogenic Granuloma.
• Premalignant: Solar Keratosis (Actinic Keratosis), Bowen’s Disease, Bowenoid Papulosis, Porokeratosis.
• Malignant: Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC), Malignant Melanoma, Kaposi Sarcoma.

12. Miscellaneous

• Leg Ulcers, Necrobiotic disorders.
• Mastocytosis, Histiocytoses.
• Urticaria, Pruritus.
• Darier’s disease, Perforating disorders.
• Rosacea, Perioral Dermatitis.

🚨 Dermatological Emergencies (High Yield)

These topics are critical for BCQs involving acute management.

• Angioedema & Anaphylaxis
• Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)
• Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
• Acute Erythroderma
• Disseminated Herpes Simplex Infection (Eczema Herpeticum)
• Severe Pemphigus
• Pustular Psoriasis (Von Zumbusch)

Good luck to all the doctors appearing for the D-Derm exam! Stay consistent, study the clinical features, and master the management protocols.