This article presents an overview of the additional aspects of history-taking that need to be considered when assessing patients presenting with a rash. This relies on strong underpinning anatomy and physiology knowledge to correlate the skin presentation to what may be happening pathophysiologically within the patient's skin. Four case studies are presented, with leading questions which are then explained. The overall aim of this article is to provide an introduction to key dermatological presentations for the paramedic as a starting point for more thorough reading and exploration on the subject.

John Kirkby - Paramedic and Non-GP Partner, Lea Vale Medical Group; and Clinical Director, Sixty8 Medical Ltd, Luton

Georgette Eaton - Specialist Paramedic, Temple Cowley Medical Group, Oxford