The newly revised and extended step-by-step, clearly laid out Diploma course will offer an in-depth and practical approach to understanding and treating the 20 most prevalent skin diseases seen in clinic. Emphasis throughout is put on pragmatic and clinically relevant information required to achieve success in practice.

Over two thousand slides will be utilized to illustrate in great detail all the steps required not only to accurately diagnose individual skin diseases & differentiate them form look-a-likes, but also to clearly understand and apply the principles of differentiation of pattern types according to Chinese medicine.

Numerous case examples with before and after slides will also be presented and will act as the basis of detailed discussion on the specifics of treatment with clear and practical instructions on adapting effective formulae to the vagaries of clinical reality.

[module-break]

DAY ONE:

(i) Introduction to Dermatology

• An overview of the fundamentals of dermatology.
• Lesions - An in-depth description with numerous images of all the primary & secondary lesions that manifest on the skin (such as papules, pustules, lichenification, atrophy, scaling etc), their meaning & significance according to Chinese medicine.
• How to examination the skin including significance of morphology & distribution.
• Pruritis - How it is understood, differentiated & treated in Chinese medicine.
• The Eight Methods of Clearing Heat in Dermatology - Detailed description of the layers that pathological heat occupies in the body, the treatment protocols & important ingredients used to dissipate it.

DAY TWO:

(ii) Psoriasis* (Part I & II)

Psoriasis is one of the commonest and most stubborn diseases of the skin, affecting as many as 3% of the population. With a correct approach to treatment up to 65% of cases can be substantially helped with Chinese medicine.
As well as the commonest variant of psoriasis known as plaque psoriasis, other forms of such as guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis & erythrodermic psoriasis will also be included.

DAY THREE:

(i) Psoriasis* (Part III)

Continuation of previous days lecture.

(ii) Perioral Dermatitis*

A distinctive inflammatory eruption primarily affecting young women. It is characterised by pale red macular-papular eruption around the mouth, nose and eyes. As with acne this condition is very amenable to treatment, with the vast majority of cases resolving rapidly once a correct formula is prescribed.

* The following will be covered for each disease

• Overview, its common and uncommon clinical features, differential diagnosis from other skin disease, patho-mechanism & aetiology.
• Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern differentiation with treatment principles, representative formulae (internal & external) and modifications.
• Numerous case examples with many detailed before, during & after pictures to illustrate in great detail common approaches to treatment with both internal and external formulae, how the prescription is modified to take account the changed circumstances as the patient improves, and finally how consolidation is achieved.

[module-break]

DAY ONE:

(i) Revision & Test on Previous Module's Material

A quick & fun test to highlight important elements of the previous modules, and an opportunity to ask question to clarify any areas of confusion.

(ii) Viral Warts*

A very common papilloma virus of the skin and mucus membrane. In addition to common warts, plane warts as well as molescum contagiosum will be discussed.

(ii) Stasis Eczema*

Also known as varicose eczema or gravitational eczema. This common and persistent disease of the elderly affects the lower limbs and arises as a consequence of varicose veins and subsequent venous hypertension.

DAY TWO:

(i) Lichen Planus*

Viewed by many as an autoimmune disease, it is known as 'Purple Patch Wind'（紫癜風）in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a common pruritic disease of the skin & mucus membranes that typically occurs in adults, affecting both males & females equally. The lecture will include detailed discussion of the common & hypertrophic forms as well as Lichen Planus of the mouth, tongue & genitals

(ii) Rosacea*

Also known as acne-rosacea. It is a frequently seen disorder of those in their 30's & 40's characterized by eruptions of acne like pustules, telangiectasia & erythema across concavities of the face & nose with frequent bouts of flushing.