Skin simulators for dermatological procedures
Wang, X.; Albahrani, Y.; Pan, M.; Levitt, J.
Dermatology Online Journal 21(11)
2015
ISSN/ISBN: 1087-2108 PMID: 26632926 Document Number: 683228
A variety of skin simulators are available on which to practice procedures; however, choice of a suboptimal substitute compromises realism and productive practice. Skin simulators for basic dermatological procedures are reviewed. The authors' anecdotal experience with various skin simulators for different procedures is shared. The following simulators are suggested: an unripe banana for elliptical excision, pork belly for undermining, pork belly for simple interrupted and buried suture, capped needle on a human shoulder for intramuscular injection, ripe tomato or hotdog with skin for intradermal injection, eggplant for shave biopsy, pork belly for punch biopsy, plastic tape over a dark surface for cryosurgery, and beef liver for electrosurgery. Flaps are best practiced with foam sandwiched between foam tape or artificial anatomical models created specifically for this purpose. The utility of one simulator over another was not compared in a controlled study. Efficient, realistic skin simulators are readily available for practice, which should enhance the safety of the practitioner and improve outcomes of novices.