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Dermatology secrets. 2nd edition
BOOK
Dermatology secrets. 2nd edition James E. Fitzpatrick and John L. Aeling, Philadelphia, 2001, Hanley & Belfus, Inc. 498 pages. $49.95. Dermatology Secrets is a concise and easy to read text. It is written in a question and answer format, which keeps the reader interested and serves a test of the reader’s knowledge. The book can best be used as a source of test study material. The highlights of Dermatology Secrets are summaries and tables containing differential diagnoses. These are extremely helpful, especially as an update on the latest developments in genetics and dermatology. Unfortunately, the tables and summaries are present for selected conditions only. Sections on dermatologic emergencies, pediatric dermatology, and lasers are particularly good. They are easy to read, concise, and provide much useful information. Clinical photographs are present for selected conditions as well (for example, photograph of Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule). Dermatology Secrets would be difficult to use as a reference textbook. Because of its question-andanswer format, certain topics are covered better than others, and the text appears somewhat spotty overall. The amount of information covered, however, is significant for the size of the book. Dermatology Secrets would be an excellent study companion for primary care physicians, medical students, and dermatology residents. Practicing dermatologists may find it somewhat basic, however.
REVIEWS
Pocket guide to medications used in dermatology. 7th edition Andrew J. Scheman, MD, and David L. Severson, Philadelphia, 2001, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 235 pages. Although I have only had my copy of the seventh edition for about 3 months, it is stained and the pages are wrinkled. I could not practice dermatology without this guide in my pocket. This comprehensive reference tool includes virtually all topical preparations, oral medications, and over-thecounter products that dermatologists would be interested in. It is most useful for recalling the specific names of products, finding potential sensitizing ingredients, and checking the tube sizes available. I also refer to it when prescribing oral medications— to confirm dosages, laboratory monitoring, and side effects. Telephone numbers for the direct ordering of over-the-counter products manufactured by smaller companies are still included. A new section in this edition contains widely used women’s cosmetics with base types and possible sensitizers. It is fortunate that a new edition comes out about every 2 years, before my copy is completely worn to shreds. Karen Wiss, MD Worcester, Massachusetts 16/8/120918
Rashel Goodkin, MD Worcester, Massachusetts 16/8/121344
CORRECTION Mercurio MG. Review of Women’s Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;46:968 [June]) The bibliographic data for Women’s Dermatology: From Infancy to Maturity were not included with the review by Dr Mercurio. The following information should have appeared in the review of this title: Lawrence C. Parish, Sarah Brenner, and Marcia Ramos-e-Silva, editors, New York, 2001, Parthenon Publishing Group. 636 pages. $98.00. ISBN 1-85070-086-9.
J AM ACAD DERMATOL
SEPTEMBER 2002 459
Dermatology secrets. 2nd edition James E. Fitzpatrick and John L. Aeling, Philadelphia, 2001, Hanley & Belfus, Inc. 498 pages. $49.95. Dermatology Secrets is a concise and easy to read text. It is written in a question and answer format, which keeps the reader interested and serves a test of the reader’s knowledge. The book can best be used as a source of test study material. The highlights of Dermatology Secrets are summaries and tables containing differential diagnoses. These are extremely helpful, especially as an update on the latest developments in genetics and dermatology. Unfortunately, the tables and summaries are present for selected conditions only. Sections on dermatologic emergencies, pediatric dermatology, and lasers are particularly good. They are easy to read, concise, and provide much useful information. Clinical photographs are present for selected conditions as well (for example, photograph of Sister Mary Joseph’s nodule). Dermatology Secrets would be difficult to use as a reference textbook. Because of its question-andanswer format, certain topics are covered better than others, and the text appears somewhat spotty overall. The amount of information covered, however, is significant for the size of the book. Dermatology Secrets would be an excellent study companion for primary care physicians, medical students, and dermatology residents. Practicing dermatologists may find it somewhat basic, however.
REVIEWS
Pocket guide to medications used in dermatology. 7th edition Andrew J. Scheman, MD, and David L. Severson, Philadelphia, 2001, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 235 pages. Although I have only had my copy of the seventh edition for about 3 months, it is stained and the pages are wrinkled. I could not practice dermatology without this guide in my pocket. This comprehensive reference tool includes virtually all topical preparations, oral medications, and over-thecounter products that dermatologists would be interested in. It is most useful for recalling the specific names of products, finding potential sensitizing ingredients, and checking the tube sizes available. I also refer to it when prescribing oral medications— to confirm dosages, laboratory monitoring, and side effects. Telephone numbers for the direct ordering of over-the-counter products manufactured by smaller companies are still included. A new section in this edition contains widely used women’s cosmetics with base types and possible sensitizers. It is fortunate that a new edition comes out about every 2 years, before my copy is completely worn to shreds. Karen Wiss, MD Worcester, Massachusetts 16/8/120918
Rashel Goodkin, MD Worcester, Massachusetts 16/8/121344
CORRECTION Mercurio MG. Review of Women’s Dermatology (J Am Acad Dermatol 2002;46:968 [June]) The bibliographic data for Women’s Dermatology: From Infancy to Maturity were not included with the review by Dr Mercurio. The following information should have appeared in the review of this title: Lawrence C. Parish, Sarah Brenner, and Marcia Ramos-e-Silva, editors, New York, 2001, Parthenon Publishing Group. 636 pages. $98.00. ISBN 1-85070-086-9.
J AM ACAD DERMATOL
SEPTEMBER 2002 459