Recent Concepts in Dermatology- Ashok Ganguly, Editor in Chief

Gurcharan Singh

 Department of Dermatology and STD, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Tamaka, Kolar - 563101, India

Correspondence Address:
Gurcharan Singh
Department of Dermatology and STD, Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Tamaka, Kolar - 563101
India

Publisher: Publisher - Anamya Publishers, New Delhi, 2009

Pages 205, Price INR: 400

This 205-page book on "Recent concepts in dermatology," edited by Dr. Asok Ganguly, is a welcome addition to the dermatological literature. This book has been divided into six chapters, viz investigative dermatology, dermatopathology, clinical dermatology, therapy, dermatosurgery, leprosy, sexually transmitted diseases and human immunodeficiency virus, with 22 topics on diverse aspects of the discipline.

The author′s simplified and practical approach to seemingly difficult and complicated conditions like "panniculitis" and "cutaneous vasculitis" is commendable. However, the contents of the topic "vitiligo" are too complex and beyond the comprehension of an average practicing dermatologist and would be better suited for a research worker. Inclusion of topical nadifloxacin, azaleic acid, metronidazole and the recently FDA-approved retapamulin would have made the discussion on "topical antibacterials" more comprehensive. A topic on apoptosis, a key pathological event in many dermatological disorders, is a novel idea, but the same is better elucidated under "toxic epidermal necrolysis."

The topics discussed do not corroborate with the title of the chapter in many instances, e. g. inclusion of quality of life in common skin diseases under the chapter "therapy" seems inappropriate. I do understand the limitations of editors to cover each and every aspect of the subject; however, it would have been interesting to have a discussion on common dermatological problems like acne, psoriasis and emerging therapeutic and pathogenetic issues such as photodynamic therapy and targeted phototherapy and the role of dendritic cells and metabolic syndrome in dermatology.

The ideal caption for the book should have been "concepts in dermatology" because all the topics included are not update in nature. Overall, this book is concise and refreshes concepts on varied aspects of dermatology. The print quality and the layout of the book are creditable. The conscientious efforts of authors to discuss various issues are appreciated. This book would indeed be useful for residents, practicing dermatologists and faculty. Incorporation/ amendments as outlined above in subsequent editions of the book would certainly make this book a valuable addition to the dermatological literature.