Search Results

A life + dermatology application update If you’ve been following along here, you probably noticed things got a little quieter over the last few months. Not gone, just deeply, overwhelmingly full. So before we jump into what’s next, I wanted to take a moment to say: let me catch you up. The last 4–5 months have been some of the most intense, transformative, and growth-heavy months of my medical training so far. Audition Rotations: The Reality Behind the Highlight Reel This fall was dominated by audition rotations, which, if you know, you really know. Auditions are a strange mix of excitement and pressure. You’re rotating in places you admire, working with people who could become your future colleagues, while quietly carrying the weight of wanting to prove that you belong. Every day matters. Every interaction matters. You’re learning new systems, new expectations, new personalities, while still trying to be yourself. There were days I felt confident and energized, and days I went home replaying everything I said. I learned how important kindness, curiosity, humility, and consistency are sometimes even more than being the smartest person in the room. I learned how much culture matters. And I learned that the programs that felt the most “right” weren’t always the ones I expected on paper. Auditions taught me how I want to practice medicine, and just as importantly, who I want to become as a colleague and resident. The Application Season: Quietly Carrying Big Dreams Submitting dermatology applications is surreal. You spend years building toward something, condense it into PDFs and personal statements, and then… you wait. Waiting is harder than people admit. You keep showing up to rotations, studying, creating content, being a human, all while refreshing your email and trying not to read too deeply into silence. Interview invitations trickle in. You celebrate privately. You question yourself privately too. I learned that comparison steals joy fast during this season. Someone else’s timeline is not a verdict on your worth. Someone else’s success does not take away from your own path. Interviews: Seeing the Future Up Close Interview season has been both grounding and affirming. Each interview gave me a glimpse into different versions of my future: different cities, different patient populations, different ways of training. I met attendings who are deeply invested in education, residents who are kind and real, and programs that truly value mentorship. What surprised me most was how often interviews felt less like being evaluated and more like mutual discovery. Do our values align? Will I grow here? Can I be supported here? Some interviews felt immediately like home. Others taught me what I don’t want, which is just as important. Behind the Scenes: Still Creating, Still Growing Even when I wasn’t posting blogs as much, I was still creating. DalyDerm has continued to grow, from educational content, to skin-of-color advocacy, to the ongoing work behind Bridging the Gap: Daly’s Diverse Dermatology Dictionary. This project, in particular, has been a constant reminder of why I chose dermatology in the first place. Advocacy doesn’t pause for application cycles, and neither does purpose. What This Season Has Taught Me More than anything, the last few months have taught me this: You can work incredibly hard and still feel uncertain Confidence and humility can coexist Rest is not weakness, it’s a strategy You don’t have to share everything in real time to be doing meaningful work What’s Next As we move closer to Match season, I’ll be sharing more reflections, advice, lessons I wish I had known sooner, and honest conversations about the process. Not just the wins, but the growth in between. If you’re in this season too, auditioning, applying, interviewing, or simply wondering if you’re doing “enough”, I hope this reminds you that you’re not alone. Sometimes the quiet seasons are the ones building the strongest foundation. Thanks for being here. Truly. <3 Paige

Exam day has finally arrived! After months of preparation, it’s time to put everything into practice. I’ve learned that having a solid routine for the day of the exam—everything from what I wear to how I manage breaks—makes a huge difference in my performance and stress levels. Here’s my comprehensive guide to how I approach Step 2 CK exam day. Morning Routine: Starting Calm and Focused I wake up at 5:30 AM, giving myself plenty of time to get ready without rushing. Comfort is my top priority when choosing my outfit. I wear leggings, a simple t-shirt, and a zip-up jacket with minimal pockets. This outfit is cozy, non-restrictive, and easy to manage through security checks. Once dressed, I spend 30 minutes reviewing Anki cards and another 30 minutes going over my highlighted high-yield notes. This isn’t about learning new material but reinforcing key concepts to keep my mind sharp. For breakfast, I eat high-protein yogurt and drink my matcha + espresso beverage. I need something nutritious and filling but light enough to avoid any stomach discomfort during the exam. I plan to arrive at the testing center 30 minutes before the 8:00 AM start time. Arriving early helps me avoid last-minute stress and gives me a chance to settle in. What’s In My Bag: The Essentials That Keep Me Going Packing the right items is crucial. Here’s what I bring with me: Food Bag/Lunchbox: These snacks provide a mix of protein, carbs, and quick energy to keep me fueled during breaks. 2 protein bars 2 granola bars 2 fruit snacks 1 peanut butter sandwich Lululemon Bag: Thermos #1: Matcha + espresso (my morning and early exam caffeine fix) Thermos #2: Mt. Dew Zero Sugar (my second caffeine boost later in the day) Wallet & ID Passport (backup ID) Chapstick (dry lips are the worst!) Medicine pack: acetaminophen for headaches or any minor aches Kleenex Ear plugs (for noise control during breaks) Exam permit Tampons (just in case) Glasses (essential for clear vision) Hydration: I bring a large clear plastic water bottle with the label removed to stay hydrated throughout the day (I bring this into the test and leave at my desk). My Personal Exam Strategy: Staying Sharp and Sane Breaks: I take 5-7 minute breaks between each section. These moments help me reset mentally and physically. Desk Routine: When I leave my desk for breaks, I leave my zip-up jacket and glasses behind. This prevents me from wasting time checking these items in and out, saving precious minutes. Bathroom & Snacks: Every break, I head to the bathroom (small bladder, anyone?), drink some caffeine, and have a snack. This routine keeps me comfortable and energized. Posture: I consciously maintain good posture during the exam and stretch a bit during breaks. Sitting tall helps with focus and reduces fatigue. Positive Self-Talk: I remind myself, “You’ve got this!” and keep negativity at bay. Confidence is key. Prayer: I take quiet moments to pray and center myself. This spiritual practice calms my mind and strengthens my resolve. Final Thoughts Exam day is more than just answering questions—it’s about managing your energy, mindset, and comfort. Having a clear plan for what to wear, what to pack, and how to navigate breaks helps me stay calm and focused. If you’re preparing for Step 2 CK, I hope these tips give you some practical ideas and reassurance. You’ve worked hard—now it’s time to trust your preparation and show what you know!

Carrying the right items can turn a hectic audition day in dermatology into a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Here’s what I always pack in my beloved Poppy & Peonies tote —a bag that truly fits my life as a busy medical student in the clinic. https://us.poppyandpeonies.com/collections/totes/products/go-getter-tote-cognac Every morning starts with packing my non-negotiable supplies, ensuring I'm prepared for anything the day throws at me. Here are the key items I never leave home without: Lululemon Water Bottle (with a Lid): A must for staying hydrated, plus a lid or straw prevents any accidental spills. https://shop.lululemon.com/p/water-bottles/Back-To-Life-Sport-Bottle-MD/_/prod10390301?color=31382&sz=ONESIZE Vaseline (Pink!) and L’Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Lip Gloss: Hydrated, plump lips keep me comfortable and confident all day—thanks, sis, for the new favorite gloss! https://www.vaseline.com/us/en/p/vaseline-lip-therapy-rosy-mini.html/00305210231597 https://www.vaseline.com/us/en/p/vaseline-lip-therapy-rosy-lips-stick.html/00859581006853 https://www.lorealparisusa.com/makeup/lip-color/lip-gloss/plump-ambition-hyaluron-lip-oil-milky-nu-201 Medication Kit: I keep ibuprofen, Tums, and cough drops on hand for any sudden headaches or sore throats. Compact Umbrella: For surprise weather—nothing ruins a clinic day like being drenched. Fanny Pack with Wallet: When the day ends, I just grab my fanny pack (“belt bag” just doesn’t sound right) and leave the big tote behind. Study Materials: MedStudy Dermatology Core Book: My go-to in between patients for quick learning. No scrolling on my phone—looks much more professional. https://medstudy.com/collections/shop-all/products/medical-school-books Dermatology Pocket Guide, 5th Edition: Sometimes I seriously feel like a coach prepping my playbook! https://www.amazon.com/Dermatology-Dosing-Workup-Management-Card/dp/B074HG5FRC/ref=sr_1_19_sspa?crid=Z123YL7FCNI6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.VI-DRhJHASRf1XGdhxSF5cSNcAaekNTYw-ifZl5o8nVUKhHZBzZECIESdX5D7Ee6P9Q6CrNwVp-4JtniaOWcR00QAuoLCZDsoxuCn-Nfck8LR2KYgeK3BMwku7woPFyLte_3DOf3Cioz4HL0zfkEDgiOMWSHzZLgSd0b72YLJct9sCXGFKFbNPb_6CQIbTFaV_LMdvW98YqG6ptAwxmJCOgu_LkqcVd4jXRuVkWGd2I.uMZmsB70UMIWU71OQlDtXSXE8o3xH8ftqBpG2sMm3ww&dib_tag=se&keywords=dermatology+pocket+guide&qid=1753487683&sprefix=dermatology+po%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-19-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9idGY&psc=1 English to Spanish Pocket Dermatology Guide by Dermlink Scholars: Perfect for bridging language gaps in patient care. https://www.medlinkscholars.com/store/p/english-to-spanish-dermatology-guide Derm Must-Haves: MadHippie Mineral-Based Sunscreen: Because being “sun smart” is foundational in dermatology! https://madhippie.com/collections/suncare/products/ultra-sheer-body-spf Coola Scalp Sunscreen Spray: Protects my scalp without leaving any greasy residue. https://coola.com/products/scalp-and-hair-spf-30-organic-sunscreen-spray Derm Samples (Cerave, Cetaphil, La Roche-Posay, Eucerin, Aquaphor): Not only for sharing with patients, but essential for myself too. Stationery: A collection of the best pens, a highlighter for my textbooks, and of course, my glasses—because reading tiny print and screens is a daily must. Technology: My laptop, charger, iPad, and AirPods are stowed and ready for studying and notes anytime a break pops up. Little Luxuries & Survival Tools: Stress Away Roll-On Essential Oil: My trick for stressful moments or particularly busy days. Gum: Great for freshening up between patient encounters. Extra Hair Ties and Tide To Go Pen: For high ponytail emergencies or inevitable coffee drips on my white coat. Food & Snacks: Packed Lunch: I always bring a PB&J sandwich, because it’s better to be prepared than to assume food will be available. High-Protein Snacks: Pistachios and sometimes an apple, and for breakfast, a high-protein yogurt and banana keep me fueled. Having these essentials in my tote makes every audition rotation less stressful and more enjoyable. My bag isn’t just for organization—it reflects how I bring a little fun, efficiency, and self-care to every clinic day. If you see me—and my overstuffed (but well-loved) Poppy & Peonies tote—no you didn't, hahah!

L Lamellar Ichthyosis Define : rare, inherited skin disorder characterized by the abnormal formation and shedding of skin cells, leading to thick, scale-like patches on the skin's surface Appearance : born with a tight, shiny, and waxy collodion membrane, which peels off within the first few weeks, revealing large, dark, plate-like scales on the skin (fish-like scales) Locations : legs + skin folds (neck + armpits) Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Histo : lots of edema, eos (Reniform, kidney bean shaped grooved nuclei) Stains : S100+, CD1a+, Langerin+ (forms birbeck granules) Linear IgA Bullous Dermatitis (LABD) Tx : Dapsone Lentigo Etiology : sun exposure and aging Description : Irregular-shaped tan or brown patches on the skin, usually with well-defined edges; surface can be either smooth or rough Lentigo Maligna Define : type of melanoma in situ characterized by slow-growing, flat, discolored patches of skin Location : face, neck, and arms Appearance : irregular patches that can be brown, dark brown, pink, red, white, or blue At risk : 70+ yo Tx : MOHs Lentigo Simplex Appearance : flat, brown or black spots Tx : cryotherapy, lasers, chemical peels, and topical retinoids and hydroquinone Leprosy / Hansen Disease Etiology : Mycobacterium leprae complex Types/Appearance: Paucibacillary/Tuberculoid Hansen disease = < 5 lesions = hypo or hyperpigmented macules with loss of sensation Multibacillary/Lepromatous Hansen disease = 6+ lesions = diffuse, symmetrical, infiltrative skin papules + plaques with dermal thickening; not always loss of sensation At risk : immigrants, exposure to armadillos Tx : PB = dapsone + rifampin for 12 mo; MB = dapsone + rifampin + clofazimine for 24 mo Leser-Trélat sign Description : explosive onset of multiple seborrheic keratoses (pigmented skin lesions), often with an inflammatory base Associated with : gastric adenocarcinoma Letterer-Siwe Disease Etiology : unknown cause, but the number of Langerhans cells in the skin and other organs are triggered to increase (type of Langerhans cell histiocytosis); BRAF V600E mutation associated Description : small pinkish papules or blisters that may be crusted or infected (appears like seborrheic dermatitis) At risk : <2 yo Location : scalp, neck, armpits, groin, and trunk Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis / hypersensitivity vasculitis / hypersensitivity angiitis Etiology : allergic reaction to drugs, Streptococcal URTI, infection from HBV, HCV, S. aureus, mycobacterium , and autoimmune disorders (RA, SS, SLE, HSP) Description : grouped rash on legs that include pustules, nodules, and mottling Leukonychia Etiology : trauma, chemotherapy, arsenic poisoning, hypoalbuminemia (Muehrcke lines), systemic disease (Terry nails) Description : partial or full opacification of the nail plate Lichen Planus Description : pruritic, purple, polygonal planar papules and plaques Locations : typically, wrists and ankles Associated with : HCV Lichen Sclerosus Etiology : progressive inflammatory disease Description : parchment-like atrophic area that is thinner and more white Associated with : SCC Lichen Simplex Chronicus / Neurodermatitis Etiology : hyperplasia of vulvar squamous epithelium Description : leathery, thick vulvar skin that is itchy Lichen Spinulosus Etiology: Lichenoid keratosis (BLK) Appearance : single, small, pink or reddish papule or plaque; can appear as a wart-like growth or a scaly, dry patch; shiny at first, take an alcohol wipe, will be dull appearance afterwards Vs . BCC will still be shiny afterwards Locations: trunk and upper extremities Tx : cryo, EDC Cause : unknown cause, but triggers include minor trauma such as friction, drugs, dermatitis, and sun exposure Description : single small gray-brown or inflamed plaque or papule Location : chest + upper extremities Lichtenberg Figures Etiology : Lightning strike injury Description : transient pink-red fractal pattern marks on the skin Lipodermatosclerosis bottle necking Lipomas painless Vs . angiolipomas are painful Livedo Reticularis Etiology : many causes, including cold exposure and chronic medical conditions (SLE, Cold AIHA, etc.) Description : bluish-red, lace-like pattern Localized Scleroderma (morphea) Etiology : unknown Description : 1. active stage = inflammatory erythematous plaque 2. sclerosis stage = yellow-ivory lesion 3. atrophy = cigarette-like paper Associated with : other autoimmune conditions Lupus Miliaris Disseminated Faciei Histo : small pea like palisading granuloma with central casseous necrosis Lupus pernio Etiology : Sarcoidosis Description : blue red to violet smooth shiny nodules + plaques Location : head + neck, especially nose, ears, lips, cheeks At risk : African American females Lyme Disease / Erythema Migrans Etiology : Borrelia burgdorferi (via Ixodes deer tick) Description : bull’s eye configuration that typicaly appears 7–14 days (range 3–33 days) after the infected tick bite At risk : living in the northeast Lymphangioma circumscriptum Description : small, firm, translucent vesicles Location : axillary folds, shoulders, neck, proximal limbs + buccal mucosa Lymphangitis Etiology : acute streptococcal infection of the skin Description : Tender red streaks often radiate from the wound toward the nearest lymph glands Lymphogranuloma venereum Etiology : C. trachomatis (L1-L3) Description : infection of lymphatics presenting with painless genital ulcers and painful inguinal lymphadenopathy Associated with : penile SCC A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

K Kaposi Sarcoma Etiology : HHV-8 Types : Classic : often affects middle aged men of Mediterranean or Eastern European descent Endemic : occurs in sub-Saharan Africans Iatrogenic : due to immunosuppressive drugs (esp. kidney transplants) AIDS-associated : most common Appearance : red, purple, or brown patches or nodules Location : lower extremities (esp. classic type), when disseminates it spreads to mouth, lungs, liver, other organs Kawasaki Disease Etiology : Medium-vessel vasculitis Description : polymorphous / morbilliform (measles like) / targetoid skin lesions -> desquamating rash (peeling of extremities) Location : trunk and extremities Keloid Etiology : dysregulation of the normal healing process resulting in excessive production of collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and extracellular matrix proteins Description : Purplish-red, firm, smooth, and raised; can occur years after injury and grows beyond the initiating wound area Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link 1/2 Keratoacanthoma (KA) Etiology : form of SCC (UV exposure) Appearance : flesh-colored or pink dome-shaped nodule with central keratin plug Location : face, neck, dorsal of upper extremities Tx : excision Keratoderma Blennorrhagica Associated with : reactive arthritis (Chlamydia) Description : painless desquamative psoriatic-like papulosquamous eruption Location : commonly found on the palms + soles but may spread to the scrotum, scalp, + trunk To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Keratoelastoidosis Marginalis Etiology: 1/4 Keratosis Pilaris (KP) Etiology : abnormal keratinization of the upper portion lining of the hair follicle Description : ‘goosebump’ or ‘chicken skin’ appearance Location : most common on posterior arms Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link 1/2 Keratosis spinulosa Etiology: 1/6 Kindler Syndrome Etiology: AR mutation of KIND-I Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link 1/1 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

O Onchocerciasis Etiology : Onchocerca volvulus (worm transmitted through bite of female blackfly) Description : initially painless skin nodules that progressively become very itchy due to dead larvae; chronic itching leads to permanent skin color changes (leopard skin) At risk : sub-Saharan Africa Ass. sx : irreversible blindness (photophobia, eye itching, pain), epilepsy Tx : oral ivermectin (1 does q3 mo to kill adult and larvae) +/- doxy Onycholysis Etiology : idiopathic or secondary to trauma, skin disease, nail infections, tumors, or systemic event Description : well-defined area of white opaque nail Associated with : Psoriasis, Lichen Planus, Onychomycosis, Eczema At risk : adult women Tx : clip affected portion, keep nail short, minimize trauma, avoid irritants, antimicrobial soaks to prevent secondary infection Onychomycosis Etiology : dermatophytes (75+% of cases), non-dermatophytes (aspergillum, candida, etc.) At risk : 65+ yo, diabetic, immunocompromised, athletes Location : MC at 1st toe Tx : Mild = 50/50 soak in vinegar/water 3x/wk; topical nail polish thing Severe = oral terbinafine/griseofulvin Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link Go to link 1/2 Osler nodes Etiology : S. aureus (mostly), S. viridans (anything that can increase IC deposition) Description : raised, violaceous lesions Sx : "Osler nodes are Ouchy" = painful Location : finger + toe pads Tx : abx if underlying bacterial endocarditis, cutaneous lesions will resolve on own 1/4 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z