Dermatological diseases: A practical approach

HR Jerajani

 India,

Correspondence Address:
H R Jerajani
India

Venkatram Mysore, S. Sacchidanand, K. H. Satyanarayana Rao

Publisher: BI Publications PVT Ltd, New Delhi. 1st edition 2007; Pages 287

This 287-page book reflects the changing face of dermatology. It is divided into ten major units (basic dermatology, rashes, allergic and autoimmune diseases, diseases of pigmentation, diseases of adnexal structures, infections of skin, skin tumors, inherited diseases of the skin, miscellaneous diseases, and dermatological therapy) and has 45 crisply written chapters.

The introduction is refreshing due to a discussion on the changing face of dermatology and clearly states the innovative ideas implemented in the book. The authors have adopted a problem-oriented approach, such as "rashes", which is quite relevant as rashes are one of the most common presentations of skin diseases. The chapter on principles of clinical diagnosis has many easy figures for the novice. I am extremely glad that the authors have included "Skin, body and the psyche" as a chapter with due attention to the attitude of the patient towards skin diseases. A chapter on "Basic investigations in dermatology" has adequately dealt with day-to-day investigations done in the side laboratory as well important investigations now increasingly asked for, such as immunofluorescence and PCR. I am impressed with the chapter that discusses "Itching and approach to patient with itching" and has a one-page table on the causes and treatment of pruritus ani and pruritus vulvae. Sexually transmitted diseases have been adequately covered, with the inclusion of boxes showing the effect of HIV infection on each major STD infection and with flow charts. The syndromic management is also discussed. Cosmetic dermatology and dermatological surgery have been discussed well, with photographs of instruments. The last chapter, the sum total of morphological, clinical, and etiological diagnosis, is indeed a novel and a very effective medium of instruction.

Some of the diagrams and photographs require clarity which the authors will certainly make efforts to improve in the next edition. This concise book will fill the gap between pocketbooks and textbooks of dermatology. It is useful for undergraduates, postgraduates, and practicing dermatologists as a ready reckoner and for non-dermatologists as a reference book.[Figure - 1]