Clinical Pediatric Dermatology- Devinder Mohan Thappa

S Criton

 Department of Dermatology, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala, India

Correspondence Address:
S Criton
Department of Dermatology, Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thrissur, Kerala
India

Publisher: Elsevier-A division of Reed Elsevier India Private Ltd., New Delhi, 1 ^st edition, 2009

Pages: 236, Price: INR 1595

Pediatric dermatology is an established specialty all over the world. Special training programs and specific courses are offered by many universities abroad as well as certain institutions in India. Dermatologists are becoming aware of the importance of pediatric dermatology. Hence, a serious study in the field of pediatric dermatology is essential for any dermatologist in training as well as for an established dermatologist. This is more so because of the fact that in any dermatological practice, 20%-25% of case load forms the patients of pediatric age group; second, the understanding that pediatric dermatology is not a miniature of adult dermatology. Considering these facts a textbook in this field is highly relevant.

Dr. Devinder Mohan Thappa, a well known academician, has authored a textbook on "Clinical Pediatric Dermatology." This book aims at general dermatologist, postgraduate students in dermatology and pediatrics as well as practicing pediatricians. When the book was reviewed by me, the questions that came into mind were the following: (1) How useful is the book to the target group? (2) Is it worth buying? The book is useful because it gives an overall picture of pediatric dermatology, and follows a good platform for understanding the subject. Moreover, it describes the concepts in a very lucid language. The photographs are the essential ingredient of any dermatology textbook. The fact that the author uses photographs of Indian patients is an added attraction to the book. Hence, the book is really useful. As a companion to practice, the book is worth buying to make a quick diagnosis and plan treatment.

However, there are a few problems. The most striking one is seen at some of the basic definitions. The author has changed or used his own definitions, but here color illustrations are distinctive. Another problem I felt was the relative immaturity of the residents to author and writing a chapter in a book. Probably, they have only helped Dr. Thappa in the preparation of the script. The experience of the author in clinical practice is an essential prerequisite, which makes a book different from the existing ones.

In final analysis, in spite of the few shortcomings of the book "Clinical Pediatric Dermatology" is worth readable for a novice in Pediatric dermatology and a general pediatrician who has a serious consideration for dermatological problems in his clinical practice.