1. Skin lesions
2. Past medical, surgical history
3. Family, social, drug history

Skin lesions

• SOCRATES
• Site: covered vs. sun exposed.
• Site: symmetrical vs. asymmetrical.
• Site: where originated, if spread, when it moved.
• Site: arrangement pattern.
• Character: colour, shape, depression/elevation, edges.
• Character: changes in properties.
• Character: itchiness, pain.
• Character: scaling, crusting.
• Character: discharge, bleeding.
• See Skin Lesion Terminology Reference.

Past medical, surgical history

• Similar condition in the past.
• DM (lower limb ulcerations).
• Asthma, hayfever (eczema).
• Strep (erythema nodosum).
• Rash dz's: psoriasis, RA, herpes, etc.

Family history

• Similar condition in a relative, what age.
• Skin problems in the family.
• Allergies in the family.

Social history

• Smoking: ever smoked, how many per day, for how long, type [cigarette, pipe, chew].
• Passive smoking in the home, workplace.
• Alcohol (aspiration).
• Occupation type.
• Occupation details:
  • Tasks done at work.
  • Chemicals, plants contacted.
  • How long of exposure.
  • Protection used.
  • Illness in fellow workers. 
• Pets at home (allergy).
• Stress levels (allopecia, etc).
• Who is with you there at home.

Drug history

• Drugs currently, formerly on:
  • Steroids (thinning, bruising, ulceration).
  • Chemotherapy (allopecia).
  • Dyes (hives).
• OTCs:
  • Salves.
  • Shampoos.
• Ventilators.
• Recreational drugs:
  • IV drugs.
• Allergies:
  • Chemicals.
  • Latex.
• Allergies to drugs, esp. rashes:
  • Drugs.
  • Dyes.

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