Accompanying CD-ROM includes "all clinical photographs and important diagrams"--p. [vii].

The Clinical Handbook of Contact Dermatitis: Diagnosis and Management by Body Region uses a succinct approach to help clinicians manage this multifaceted subject area. Organized by body region, the handbook presents the most common allergens and irritants for a given location. It discusses products containing common allergens and irritants such as topical skin products, fragrances, shampoos, cosmetics, and textiles. The handbook also discusses several unusual presentations and less common allergen-containing products. In addition, it outlines diagnostic procedures and testing methods—including patch testing—as well as treatment considerations. Dermatologists, family physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, medical students, residents, and podiatrists will find this an essential reference.

Ideally every patient with eczema should be patch tested and the importance of this investigation is now universally accepted. The simplicity of the technique belies its many pitfalls, the greatest being to lack the knowledge required to select the correct allergens and to interpret the results. The introduction, nearly 20 years ago, of the journal Contact Dermatitis greatly stimulated the reporting of the clinical side of contact dermatitis but a vast amount of laboratory work has also been published in other journals on the mechanisms and theory of these reactions. The literature on the subject is now quite vast and a comprehensive book on the clinical and research aspects of contact dermatitis has been sorely needed. This textbook was carefully planned to gather together what is known of the subject into a cohesive whole and it has succeeded admirably. It consists of 22 chapters written by 41 contributors, each selected for their special study of particular subjects. Every feature of contact dermatitis has been covered, beginning with its history and even concluding with the names and addresses of those worldwide who have a specific interest in the subject. The text is illustrated and well laid out; it has been broken up into clearly demarcated sections making it easy to read and its information readily accessible. One's own writing concentrates the mind but editing the texts of authors from so many different countries was a task of considerable proportions.

Contact urticaria syndrome was first defined in 1975 and since then scientific interest has steadily increased. New cases are continuously being reported furnishing information on novel clinical features. A large number of compounds could be responsible for triggering the syndrome including fragrances, cosmetics, latex, preservatives, flavorings, a

Dermatologists are being asked to understand the pathophysiology of a number of immune-mediated skin diseases. In addition, a number of new products have appeared on the market during the past decade which requires an understanding of the mechanisms of action of these drugs. Dermatologists, however, have no easily understood book to which they can refer to regarding the disease or the drug.

Management of Generalized Dermatitis in Clinical Practice translates the mechanisms of dermatitis from basic science evidence to practice based recommendations for clinical care. The role of allergic contact dermatitis in atopic dermatitis is explored in depth. Primary care physicians, allergists, and dermatologists will enjoy the fresh perspective that moves beyond treatment with corticosteroids and provides diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms for this complex condition.

This book is a quick guide for clinicians, specialists, and residents. It provides a concise overview of the practical aspects of contact dermatitis, supplying the tools to allow a fast and reliable diagnosis. The book describes the clinical features of contact dermatitis, explains how to make an exposure assessment and covers other essentials in the diagnostic work. Information is presented on testing with patients’ own products and overviews are provided on the allergens contained in various products. In addition, a helpful list of the most frequent allergens is included. The authors are leading practitioners in the field, and their expertise has enabled the compilation of an approachable text supplemented by a large number of full color illustrations, tables and check lists. This book will help the reader to gain a better understanding of the subject and to achieve greater competence in everyday practice.