More than potions for skin disease

The treatment of skin disease has often been viewed as simply deciding whether a rash is “dry” or “wet” and then choosing between a range of creams, ointments and lotions. This book should help to change this misperception by demonstrating that progress has been made; current therapeutic options have been analysed in relation to levels of evidence, thus elevating the status of dermatological therapy. The editors have invited over 200 dermatologists from around the world to summarise and assign current skin therapy for 213 separate conditions. Levels of evidence have had to be modified, as, at present, there are insufficient double-blind controlled trials for most treatments to follow the Cochrane Collaboration’s levels of evidence. By using this modification, the review of available treatments can be stratified.

The format adopted for each topic is outstanding. It consists of a representative colour photograph of the condition, a brief clinical description, management strategy, specific investigations and three separate levels of treatments — first, second and third choices. Pertinent references are included within the text and there is a succinct one- to two-line summary. The inclusion of some references to what may appear to be anecdotal reports of successful treatments may serve to stimulate larger controlled studies. Most of the authors have been chosen for their recognised expert knowledge in their fields and each section is a distillation of their individual experience and assessment of current treatments.

This book is a useful reference for both general practitioners and specialists, as it deals with most common skin conditions, such as dermatitis, skin infections, skin cancers, as well as rarer conditions such as Fox–Fordyce disease. The book is ideal for the busy practitioner, as each section is short, structured and packed with useful information. Almost all the treatments included are currently available in Australia. The book is a handy guide for all who treat skin diseases.

Steven KossardAssociate Professor of Dermatology Skin and Cancer Foundation Australiaand St Vincent’s Hospital, NSW