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. 2025 Apr;69(1):19-32.

A descriptive review of common dermatological diseases encountered by manual therapy providers

Colin Burnette  1 , Randi N Birr  2 , Kathryn J Kavanagh  3 , Peter L Mattei  3
Affiliations

A descriptive review of common dermatological diseases encountered by manual therapy providers

Colin Burnette et al. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2025 Apr.

Abstract
in English, French

Manual therapy providers such as chiropractors and physical therapists may encounter various dermatologic diseases during visits with their patients, and it is important for these providers to have astute knowledge of both benign and malignant lesions. This collaborative guide reviews many of these lesions and includes descriptions, identifying features, and clinical significance such as when to refer to a specialist. Through early detection, identification, and proper referral, manual therapy providers can play a valuable role in minimizing the effects of sinister lesions. Preventative measures and risk factors for these skin lesions are also discussed. Providing primary prevention recommendations to patients can allow manual therapy providers to play a vital role in public health awareness of skin disease.

Un examen descriptif des maladies dermatologiques courantes rencontrées par les fournisseurs de thérapie manuelle.Les fournisseurs de thérapie manuelle comme les chiropraticiens et les physiothérapeutes peuvent rencontrer diverses maladies dermatologiques au cours des rencontres avec leurs patients et il est important que ces fournisseurs aient une meilleure connaissance des lésions bénignes et malignes. Ce guide collaboratif passe en revue bon nombre de ces lésions et comprend des descriptions, des caractéristiques identifiables et l’importance clinique, comme le moment de recommander le patient à un spécialiste. Au moyen de la détection précoce, à l’identification et à un aiguillage approprié, les fournisseurs de thérapie manuelle peuvent jouer un rôle précieux dans la réduction au minimum des effets des lésions inquiétantes. On discute également des mesures préventives et des facteurs de risque pour ces lésions cutanées. Le fait de fournir des recommandations de prévention primaire aux patients peut permettre aux fournisseurs de thérapie manuelle de jouer un rôle essentiel dans la sensibilisation du public aux maladies de la peau.

Keywords: chiropractic; dermatological disease; dermatology; manual therapy provider; skin lesion.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: The authors have no disclaimers, competing interests, or sources of support or funding to report in the preparation of this manuscript.

Figures

Figure 1A
Figure 1A
Cherry angioma macule on a patient’s scalp. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_0013046” is licensed under CC-0; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 1B
Figure 1B
Papular cherry angioma with surrounding erythema. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_0022607” is licensed under CC-0; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 2A
Figure 2A
Hyperpigmented seborrheic keratosis. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_7546980” by Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires is licensed under CC-BY; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 2B
Figure 2B
Tan solitary seborrheic keratosis. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_0067608” by Hospital Clinic de Barcelona is licensed under CC-BY-NC; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 3A
Figure 3A
Actinic keratosis with central crusting and underlying erythema. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_9314666” by Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires is licensed under CC-BY; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 3B
Figure 3B
Actinic keratosis with central pigmentation. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_0067799” by Hospital Clinic de Barcelona is licensed under CC-BY-NC; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 4A
Figure 4A
Well-circumscribed dermatofibroma of the lower extremity. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_4825485” by Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires is licensed under CC-BY; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 4B
Figure 4B
Dermatofibroma on the torso. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_0028735” by ViDIR Group, Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna is licensed under CC-BY-NC; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 4C
Figure 4C
Dermatofibroma before “squeeze test.” Anonymous. Dermatofibroma before “squeeze test.” January 9, 2025. Author’s personal collection.
Figure 4D
Figure 4D
Dermatofibroma during “squeeze test” showing dimpling. Anonymous. Dermatofibroma during “squeeze test.” January 9, 2025. Author’s personal collection.
Figure 5A
Figure 5A
Multiple light and dark brown pigmented nevi on the torso. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_5257439” by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is licensed under CC-BY; accessed January 28, 2025.
Figure 5B
Figure 5B
Melanocytic nevi b: flesh colored nevi on upper extremity. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_0022016” is licensed under CC-0; accessed January 30, 2025.
Figure 6A
Figure 6A
Superficial spreading melanoma with red pigmentation. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_0022180” is licensed under CC-0; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 6B
Figure 6B
An alternating white and blue hue on a superficial spreading melanoma. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_0023270” is licensed under CC-0; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 6C
Figure 6C
Superficial spreading melanoma demonstrating hypo and hyperpigmentation. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_0023376” is licensed under CC-0; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 7A
Figure 7A
Violaceous nodular melanoma. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_0046450” is licensed under CC-BY; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 7B
Figure 7B
Nodular melanoma. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_0046671” is licensed under CC-BY; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 8A
Figure 8A
Solar lentigo/age spot benign lesion on face. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_9152603” by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is licensed under CC-BY; accessed January 28, 2025.
Figure 8B
Figure 8B
Lentigo malinga melanoma. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_5367118” by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is licensed under CC-BY; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 9A
Figure 9A
Acral lentigo melanoma. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_3951022” by Dermatology Department of Hospital Clinic de Barcelona is licensed under CC-BY-NC; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 9B
Figure 9B
Acral lentigo melanoma under dermatoscope. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_8436194” by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is licensed under CC-BY; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 10A
Figure 10A
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_0024231” is licensed under CC-0; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 10B
Figure 10B
Crusting of a squamous cell carcinoma. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_3804099” by Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires is licensed under CC-By; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 10C
Figure 10C
Squamous cell carcinoma with ulceration. Internation Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_0580759” by Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires is licensed under CC-BY; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 11A
Figure 11A
Superficial basal cell carcinoma. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_5401158” by Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires is licensed under CC-BY; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 11B
Figure 11B
Nodular basal cell carcinoma. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_8044078” by Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires is licensed under CC-BY; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 11C
Figure 11C
Basal cell carcinoma appearing as a papule. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_9107240” by Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires is licensed under CC-BY; accessed September 23, 2024.
Figure 11D
Figure 11D
Basal cell carcinoma showing telangiectasia on dermatoscope. International Skin Imaging Collaboration: “ISIC_2113665” by Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires is licensed under CC-BY; accessed September 23, 2024.
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