Book Review: January 2003

This is a welcome and updated edition of this textbook. It consists of 24 chapters with two formularies at the end on topical treatments and systemic medication respectively. The chapters cover the spectrum of dermatology, grouping diseases appropriately. It is gratifying to see chapters dedicated solely to eczema and psoriasis as well as a chapter on The skin and the psyche, an often neglected area.

The clinical pictures are not large but they are numerous and the quality is excellent. The diagrams and sketches are lucid and effective.

The text is easily readable and lightened by touches of humour. There are many highlighted bulletin style Learning Points.

The book is current and briefly introduces newer areas of dermatology such as topical immunomodulators, and photodynamic therapy. It has an expanded surgical section.

The book is an excellent undergraduate text and would be invaluable to family doctors. The second edition was an introduction for me to dermatology and I hope the third will stimulate the interest of others considering a specialist career in this field.

Paul Jarrett, 8 January 2003