Dermoscopy for screening children (Nurse)

This course offers an in-depth exploration of dermoscopy in children, focusing on the challenges and nuances of screening paediatric patients for skin lesions. Presented by experienced dermatology professionals, this comprehensive program provides an essential guide to the use of dermoscopy for paediatric skin screening, with a focus on both diagnostic and management strategies. Topics include:

- Understanding Paediatric Dermatology:
- Explore the differences in nevus presentation and count between pre-pubertal and post-pubertal children.
- Review the epidemiology of melanoma in children, emphasising its rarity and distinct characteristics compared to adult cases.
- Dermoscopy of Melanocytic Lesions:
- Learn dermoscopic patterns typical in paediatric nevi, including the globular, homogeneous, and starburst patterns.
- Identify special categories of lesions, such as spitzoid nevi, congenital melanocytic nevi, and blue nevi, and understand their clinical implications.
- Congenital Melanocytic Nevi:
- Discuss the classification of congenital nevi by size and their associated risks, including melanoma development.
- Review management strategies, including when to monitor, excise, or investigate further for central nervous system abnormalities.
- Spitzoid Lesions:
- Examine the evolution of spitzoid lesions and their dermoscopic features, from starburst patterns to globular and atypical components.
- Differentiate benign spitzoid nevi from atypical Spitz tumors and spitzoid melanomas using clinical and dermoscopic criteria.
- Pediatric Melanoma:
- Understand the types of melanoma in children, including those associated with congenital nevi and de novo melanomas.
- Learn about their clinical presentation, biologic behaviour, and prognostic factors.
- Practical Management Strategies:
- Develop screening protocols tailored to paediatric patients, including criteria for lesion monitoring and excision.
- Integrate multidisciplinary approaches for managing high-risk lesions, ensuring optimal outcomes.

With an emphasis on dermoscopic imagery, evidence-based practices, and case studies, this course empowers healthcare professionals to confidently screen and manage skin lesions in children, enhancing early detection and patient care.

Relevance to Nurses:

Nurses play an important role in skin cancer prevention, early detection and ongoing patient care. Developing knowledge and skills in skin assessment and melanography can support the recognition and monitoring of suspicious lesions, patient education and documentation, while contributing to collaborative care and timely management of patients with skin cancer concerns.

1. Determine the correct steps for the screening of young children.
   
   

All nurses.