The 7th edition of the ABC of Dermatology incorporates all the latest scientific advances in genetics, pathophysiology, and management strategies whilst at the same time remaining a practical clinical approach to dermatology. There are also additional new chapters to reflect current learning needs around cosmetic dermatology procedures and genital dermatology. The emphasis as always is to produce a valuable resource for any medical and nurse practitioner who is diagnosing and managing skin disease.
As well as a wholly practical approach to clinical dermatology, the 7th edition gives insights into the latest thinking around the pathophysiological processes that explain the characteristic features of skin disease and the current approach to the management of skin disease, including the newer biological agents for treating inflammatory disease and tumours.
The fascination of dermatology lies partly in the visual nature of discipline but also in one's ability to diagnose systemic disease through examination of the skin surface. Manifestations of underlying disease can form specific patterns in the skin which in some instances are pathognomonic. However, where there is any diagnostic doubt a simple skin biopsy for histopathology/immunohistochemistry and/or culture is fantastically helpful in most cases.
For those working in resource‐poor settings there may be little access to modern investigations for skin disease patients and therefore the clinical diagnosis will be the benchmark on which skin disease is managed. To this end the 7th edition is full of clinical photographs eliciting the appearances of skin disease in a multitude of different pigmented skin tones and ethnic groups. Descriptions of skin management include simple and relatively cheap interventions as well as sophisticated cutting‐edge immunotherapies.
On a global scale the number of people with access to the internet via computers or mobile devices is increasing at a rapid pace. This enables them access to a multitude of resources including those related to the diagnosis and management of human disease. Many patients are increasingly using the internet to attempt to self‐diagnose (‘Doctor Google’) their own skin conditions, identify any known underlying causes and gain some insights into the possible treatment strategies. An informed patient can be hugely beneficial to everyone involved in the provision of healthcare. However, at times this can lead to patients becoming overly anxious or misinformed. There is an increasing use of teledermatology in many parts of the world where populations are a long distance from a skin specialist, where images of the patient's skin complaint are taken and sent to an expert for a ‘virtual opinion’. Mobile phone consultations with a remote doctor are also being seen as a way to meet the increasing demand for GP consultations. However, remote dermatology can be tricky as it may be difficult to examine the patient thoroughly and there is no way of feeling the skin texture and induration of rashes/lesions. Remote dermatology can be immensely helpful, but ultimately the gold standard for accurate diagnosis and management of skin disease remains seeing patients in person, preferably by a practitioner with knowledge of skin disease.
We trust the 7th edition of the ABC of Dermatology will not only introduce the reader to a fascinating clinical discipline but will also help them to diagnose and manage skin disease in whichever part of the world they are working.