Primary care for women. Comprehensive dermatologic assessment.

This article identifies the components necessary for comprehensive dermatologic assessment, including the pertinent anatomy and physiology, appropriate health history, and physical examination strategies. An overview of common dermatologic conditions in women is presented, and the identification of and action needed for life-threatening dermatologic conditions are reviewed. This article is the first of two articles on primary care for women with dermatological complaints; the subsequent article will address primary care management of common dermatologic conditions.