ABSTRACT
This chapter presents ten pearls of wisdom for general practitioners (GPs) for better understanding of rheumatology and for more efficient use of resources. These pearls have been acquired from years of experience and evidence-based study by specialists in the field. Inflammatory arthritis, lupus and other connective tissue diseases can occur in children and adolescents. However, these patients may not be forthcoming about their symptoms, so it is important to ask specifically about key symptoms such as joint pain and swelling, rashes, Raynaud's sicca symptoms, and other constitutional symptoms such as weight loss, malaise and anorexia. The chapter also presents advice on diagnoses often overlooked by GPs while handling patients with rheumatic diseases. Diagnoses of the following diseases/disorders are recommended: hypermobility syndrome, remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting oedema (RS3PE), synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis and osteitis (SAPHO). The chapter then provides guidance on how to distinguish tricky differentials and finally a few tips on prescribing medications for these patients.
