Vitiligo-Leukoderma-Textbook and Atlas

Davinder Parsad

 Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, PGIMER, Chandigarh-160012, India

Correspondence Address:
Davinder Parsad
Associate Professor, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, PGIMER, Chandigarh-160012
India

Published and Distributed by: Dr. A. Salafia, 203 B, Denzel Apt., Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (West), Mumbai-400 053

E-mail: salafia90@hotmail.com; salafia@vsnl.com, 1 ^st edition, 2010

Pages: 334, Price: INR 950 (including postage charges)

This book and atlas on vitiligo written by Dr Antonio Salafia is based on his rich experience of treating this depigmentation disorder. This book is comprehensive, encompassing a broad range of topics from history, melanogenesis, pathogenesis, and treatment, and including excellent sections on the surgical treatment of vitiligo. The text begins with a chapter on history which explored the basis for psycho-social stigma associated with this disease. Then there is nice overview of melanocytes morphology, melanogenesis, and evolution of melanin. This is followed by the main story of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and precipitating factors. The greatest strength of this book comes from its chapters on clinical forms and management of vitiligo. An atlas of about 100 photos gives a glimpse of various types of vitiligo and response to treatment. Overall, this is a well-illustrated textbook with a balanced picture of understanding and management of vitiligo. The information is given in a concise format with just the right number of facts.

If I were to find any criticism of this work, it would be minimal indeed. In terms of constructive criticism, I would have preferred to see a chapter on the evidence-based guidelines for the treatment of vitiligo. There are minor inaccuracies in the book that probably are a reflection of the limitations of a single-authored textbook. References are not in uniform style and trade names have been mentioned as subheading in the treatment section. Another minor deficiency is that ingredients of the lotion used by author are not disclosed as it is under patent.

Overall, these limitations did not interfere with the usefulness of this book and Dr. Antonio Salafia is to be congratulated for having published a book focusing on vitiligo.