- Email: [email protected]
Clinical dermatology. 3rd edition
BOOK
Shelley’s 77 skins: A refresher course for doctors, nurses and students Walter B. Shelley, MD, and Dorinda Shelley, MD, New York, 2002, CRC Press-Parthenon Publishing. $49.95. 79 pages. ISBN: 1842141066. Dermatology is a visual discipline, as is diagnostic radiology; the skill is in the eye of the beholder. With only a quick glance (augenblick), the diagnosis is made. Neophytes learn at different rates; some have a discerning eye (they are the good “noticers”), others require repetitive encounters. These 4- by 6-inch flash cards with color photographs of 77 diseases of the skin should help in the recognition of skin lesions. On one side of these sturdy cards is a large excellent color photograph and on the flip side a short outline of the disease. This permits the learner to first test her or his skill in diagnosis, then to see the answer on the back with a description of the clinical findings and the management of the disease. The flash cards would appear to be a “must” for both the primary care physician and the dermatologic nurse-practitioner for whom diagnosis is the most difficult. I gave these flashcards to a medical student, a beginning dermatology resident, and a primary care physician. All 3 agreed that this teaching device was unique, being very handy to use in various “time slots”—short breaks, waiting areas, and travel in a car, plane, or train. One remarked: “Overall it was/is fun to go over the cards with a colleague and try to come up with the right diagnosis and therapy.” A skin game! They noted, however, the absence of a short differential diagnosis. The Shelleys have been prolific and innovative in producing large dermatology books (therapy and diagnosis), and this new format has the flavor of the legendary Walter Shelley, with his bon mots and words of wisdom, based on a long distinguished career as clinical scholar and teacher of dermatology. Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, MD
REVIEWS
Dermatologic Differential Diagnosis and Pearls is a concise general dermatology reference containing exhaustive lists of differential diagnoses based on lesion morphology, arrangement, and pattern of distribution. The differentials are arranged in an orderly manner on the basis of pathogenesis. Because of the carefully constructed arrangement, it is easy to find the pertinent list quickly. This book is helpful in preparation for formal case presentations and in the general clinic setting when a diagnosis is in question. The “Pearls” section contains 8 sections with a broad range of information from types of surgical flaps to cleavage levels in bullous disease. The author includes both common and exceptional dermatoses and their associations with other systemic diseases, infections, malignant lesions, and congenital anomalies. This section contains information that attending physicians should already be aware of. For residents in training, however, the lists are wonderfully concise and full of pearls. There is abundant board examination fodder, ideal for perusal before either mock boards or the board exam itself. Material from the first edition has been retained, but the book has been expanded by 33 pages. The table of contents is larger, several lists have been added, and many have been enhanced and updated. I recommend this book to any first-year dermatology resident because it lengthens one’s differential list first by reference and then by imprinting a systematic method of generating a differential diagnosis. For upper-level residents and attending physicians, this book may simply reinforce that which is already known; however, I would venture to say that the exhaustive lists may be useful on days when the mind is listless. Jon Ward, MD Worcester, Massachusetts doi:10.1016/S0190-9622(03)02146-7
Clinical dermatology. 3rd edition John Hunter, John Savin, and Mark Dahl, Vermont, 2003, Blackwell Publisher Co. 365 pages. $54.95. ISBN: 0-632-03714-8.
requiescat in pace doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2003.05.007
Dermatology differential diagnosis and pearls. 2nd edition H. Eliot and Y. Ghatan, New York, 2002, Parthenon Publishing. 348 pages. $39.95. J AM ACAD DERMATOL
The third edition of this book has been extensively updated. A new chapter on regional dermatology has been added, and the diagrams and figures have been made even more beautiful, instructive, and up-to-date. It encapsulates the combined wisdom of its three deep and clear-thinking authors, APRIL 2004 655
656 Book reviews
J AM ACAD DERMATOL APRIL 2004
and for that reason it is useful not only to beginners but to seasoned practitioners as well. I will continue to recommend it as a superb introduction to the field, and expect that I will consult it frequently for insight and refreshment and for use in patient education. Jeffrey D. Bernhard, MD Editor doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2003.05.004
Diseases of the nails and their management. 3rd edition R. Baran, R. P. R. Dawber, D. Deberker, E. Haneke, A. Tosti, 2001, Blackwell Publisher Co. $288.95. 644 pp. ISBN: 0-63205-358-5. This extremely beautiful book is the bible on the subject of nail diseases. One cannot practice dermatology without owning a copy. Jeffrey D. Bernhard, MD Editor
Goodheart’s photoguide of common skin disorders: Diagnosis and management Herbert P. Goodheart, MD, New York, 2003, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 509 pages. $99.00. ISBN: 0-78173-741-9. Goodheart provides a user-friendly clinical guide to assist the primary care provider and dermatology novice in the identification of common skin disorders. The photographic clarity and detail, the bulleted keys to objective findings, and the cross-referencing to differential diagnoses comprise a structured approach to clinical assessment. The management of each disorder is clearly outlined, including therapeutic goals, points to remember, and helpful hints. User confidence is also enhanced by the step-bystep pictorial directions for performing basic dermatologic procedures. Additionally, patient handouts have been included to promote patient comprehension and participation in treatment. I strongly recommend Goodheart’s photoguide as a valuable clinical support to the nondermatologist. Victoria Lazareth, MSN, NP-C Worcester, Massachusetts
doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2003.06.004
doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2003.06.001
AMERICAN BOARD OF DERMATOLOGY EXAMINATION DATES In 2004, the Certifying Examination of the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) will be held at the Holiday Inn O’Hare International in Rosemont, Illinois on Aug 15 and 16. The Recertification Examination of the ABD will be administered from May 1 through June 15, 2004. A certification process has been developed for the subspecialty of Pediatric Dermatology. The first examination will be administered Oct 4, 2004. At the time of submission of this news release, the date of the next examination for subspecialty certification in Dermatopathology had not been determined. The examination will be held in the fall at the testing center of the American Board of Pathology in Tampa, Florida. The deadline for receipt of applications is May 1, 2004. The In-Training Examination for Dermatology residents (administered at dermatology residency training centers in the United States and Canada) will be held on April 15, 2004. For further information about these examinations, please contact the Board office (address and phone/fax numbers below) or check the Board Web site at www.abderm.org. Antoinette F. Hood, MD Executive Director, American Board of Dermatology Henry Ford Health System 1 Ford Place Detroit, MI 48202-3450 Telephone: (313)874-1088 Fax: (313)872-3221 E-mail: [email protected]
Shelley’s 77 skins: A refresher course for doctors, nurses and students Walter B. Shelley, MD, and Dorinda Shelley, MD, New York, 2002, CRC Press-Parthenon Publishing. $49.95. 79 pages. ISBN: 1842141066. Dermatology is a visual discipline, as is diagnostic radiology; the skill is in the eye of the beholder. With only a quick glance (augenblick), the diagnosis is made. Neophytes learn at different rates; some have a discerning eye (they are the good “noticers”), others require repetitive encounters. These 4- by 6-inch flash cards with color photographs of 77 diseases of the skin should help in the recognition of skin lesions. On one side of these sturdy cards is a large excellent color photograph and on the flip side a short outline of the disease. This permits the learner to first test her or his skill in diagnosis, then to see the answer on the back with a description of the clinical findings and the management of the disease. The flash cards would appear to be a “must” for both the primary care physician and the dermatologic nurse-practitioner for whom diagnosis is the most difficult. I gave these flashcards to a medical student, a beginning dermatology resident, and a primary care physician. All 3 agreed that this teaching device was unique, being very handy to use in various “time slots”—short breaks, waiting areas, and travel in a car, plane, or train. One remarked: “Overall it was/is fun to go over the cards with a colleague and try to come up with the right diagnosis and therapy.” A skin game! They noted, however, the absence of a short differential diagnosis. The Shelleys have been prolific and innovative in producing large dermatology books (therapy and diagnosis), and this new format has the flavor of the legendary Walter Shelley, with his bon mots and words of wisdom, based on a long distinguished career as clinical scholar and teacher of dermatology. Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, MD
REVIEWS
Dermatologic Differential Diagnosis and Pearls is a concise general dermatology reference containing exhaustive lists of differential diagnoses based on lesion morphology, arrangement, and pattern of distribution. The differentials are arranged in an orderly manner on the basis of pathogenesis. Because of the carefully constructed arrangement, it is easy to find the pertinent list quickly. This book is helpful in preparation for formal case presentations and in the general clinic setting when a diagnosis is in question. The “Pearls” section contains 8 sections with a broad range of information from types of surgical flaps to cleavage levels in bullous disease. The author includes both common and exceptional dermatoses and their associations with other systemic diseases, infections, malignant lesions, and congenital anomalies. This section contains information that attending physicians should already be aware of. For residents in training, however, the lists are wonderfully concise and full of pearls. There is abundant board examination fodder, ideal for perusal before either mock boards or the board exam itself. Material from the first edition has been retained, but the book has been expanded by 33 pages. The table of contents is larger, several lists have been added, and many have been enhanced and updated. I recommend this book to any first-year dermatology resident because it lengthens one’s differential list first by reference and then by imprinting a systematic method of generating a differential diagnosis. For upper-level residents and attending physicians, this book may simply reinforce that which is already known; however, I would venture to say that the exhaustive lists may be useful on days when the mind is listless. Jon Ward, MD Worcester, Massachusetts doi:10.1016/S0190-9622(03)02146-7
Clinical dermatology. 3rd edition John Hunter, John Savin, and Mark Dahl, Vermont, 2003, Blackwell Publisher Co. 365 pages. $54.95. ISBN: 0-632-03714-8.
requiescat in pace doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2003.05.007
Dermatology differential diagnosis and pearls. 2nd edition H. Eliot and Y. Ghatan, New York, 2002, Parthenon Publishing. 348 pages. $39.95. J AM ACAD DERMATOL
The third edition of this book has been extensively updated. A new chapter on regional dermatology has been added, and the diagrams and figures have been made even more beautiful, instructive, and up-to-date. It encapsulates the combined wisdom of its three deep and clear-thinking authors, APRIL 2004 655
656 Book reviews
J AM ACAD DERMATOL APRIL 2004
and for that reason it is useful not only to beginners but to seasoned practitioners as well. I will continue to recommend it as a superb introduction to the field, and expect that I will consult it frequently for insight and refreshment and for use in patient education. Jeffrey D. Bernhard, MD Editor doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2003.05.004
Diseases of the nails and their management. 3rd edition R. Baran, R. P. R. Dawber, D. Deberker, E. Haneke, A. Tosti, 2001, Blackwell Publisher Co. $288.95. 644 pp. ISBN: 0-63205-358-5. This extremely beautiful book is the bible on the subject of nail diseases. One cannot practice dermatology without owning a copy. Jeffrey D. Bernhard, MD Editor
Goodheart’s photoguide of common skin disorders: Diagnosis and management Herbert P. Goodheart, MD, New York, 2003, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 509 pages. $99.00. ISBN: 0-78173-741-9. Goodheart provides a user-friendly clinical guide to assist the primary care provider and dermatology novice in the identification of common skin disorders. The photographic clarity and detail, the bulleted keys to objective findings, and the cross-referencing to differential diagnoses comprise a structured approach to clinical assessment. The management of each disorder is clearly outlined, including therapeutic goals, points to remember, and helpful hints. User confidence is also enhanced by the step-bystep pictorial directions for performing basic dermatologic procedures. Additionally, patient handouts have been included to promote patient comprehension and participation in treatment. I strongly recommend Goodheart’s photoguide as a valuable clinical support to the nondermatologist. Victoria Lazareth, MSN, NP-C Worcester, Massachusetts
doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2003.06.004
doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2003.06.001
AMERICAN BOARD OF DERMATOLOGY EXAMINATION DATES In 2004, the Certifying Examination of the American Board of Dermatology (ABD) will be held at the Holiday Inn O’Hare International in Rosemont, Illinois on Aug 15 and 16. The Recertification Examination of the ABD will be administered from May 1 through June 15, 2004. A certification process has been developed for the subspecialty of Pediatric Dermatology. The first examination will be administered Oct 4, 2004. At the time of submission of this news release, the date of the next examination for subspecialty certification in Dermatopathology had not been determined. The examination will be held in the fall at the testing center of the American Board of Pathology in Tampa, Florida. The deadline for receipt of applications is May 1, 2004. The In-Training Examination for Dermatology residents (administered at dermatology residency training centers in the United States and Canada) will be held on April 15, 2004. For further information about these examinations, please contact the Board office (address and phone/fax numbers below) or check the Board Web site at www.abderm.org. Antoinette F. Hood, MD Executive Director, American Board of Dermatology Henry Ford Health System 1 Ford Place Detroit, MI 48202-3450 Telephone: (313)874-1088 Fax: (313)872-3221 E-mail: [email protected]