PCDS vs iatroX (2025): The Diagnostic Atlas vs The Management Engine
At a Glance
Who is it for?
iatroX:GPs managing and prescribing for skin conditions.
Primary Care Derm Society (PCDS):GPs diagnosing and viewing skin conditions.
Why choose iatroX?
- **Prescribing Ladders**: Clearly lists Step 1 vs Step 2 treatments (e.g., steroid potency).
- **Referral Criteria**: Instantly checks if a 2-Week-Wait is needed per NICE.
- **Holistic**: Checks interactions with the patient's other medications.
- **Interactive**: 'What is the next step if topical retinoids fail?'
Why choose Primary Care Derm Society (PCDS)?
- **Visual Diagnosis**: High-quality atlas of common UK presentations.
- **Diagnostic Tables**: Specific pathways for 'The Red Face' or 'Itchy Skin'.
- **Specialist Detail**: Written by GPs with a special interest (GPSIs) in Dermatology.
- **Primary Care Focus**: Excludes rare hospital-only conditions.
Feature Comparison
| Capability | iatroX | Primary Care Derm Society (PCDS) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Strength | Management & Prescribing | Visual Identification |
| Format | Text & Algorithms | Images & Guidelines |
| Access | Mobile / Web App | Website |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
The PCDS is likely the most visited website in UK General Practice for dermatology. Its value lies in verification: "I think this is Pityriasis Rosea, let me check the picture on PCDS." It gives GPs the confidence to make a visual diagnosis.
iatroX complements this workflow. Once you have the diagnosis, the challenge becomes management. Dermatology often involves complex "ladders" of treatment (e.g., emollients -> mild steroid -> potent steroid -> calcineurin inhibitor). iatroX excels at retrieving these ladders and guiding the prescribing decision.
The Perfect Workflow
- PCDS: Use the images to confirm the diagnosis is Psoriasis.
- iatroX: Ask, "What is the initial management for plaque psoriasis and when should I refer?" to get the step-by-step plan.
Use-Cases
What is this rash?
When to choose iatroX
- Limited utility without visual input.
When to choose Primary Care Derm Society (PCDS)
- **Winner.** Browse the A-Z image library to confirm the look.
How do I treat Acne?
When to choose iatroX
- **Winner.** 'What is the first-line oral antibiotic and duration?' -> Instant plan.
When to choose Primary Care Derm Society (PCDS)
- Good, but requires reading through dense text to find the dose.
Is this a 2WW referral?
When to choose iatroX
- **Winner.** Checks the exact NICE NG12 criteria.
When to choose Primary Care Derm Society (PCDS)
- Good guidance, but iatroX is faster for the checklist.
FAQs
- Is PCDS free?
- Yes, it is a free resource for healthcare professionals.
- Does iatroX have dermatology images?
- iatroX is text-based. For images, we recommend PCDS or DermNet NZ.