The World Congress of Dermatology (Congressus Mundi Dermatologiae, CMD) is held every 5 years. The purpose of this meeting is to review and summarize the present status of scientific knowledge in clinical dermatology and to in related basic research, to discuss recent results and ideas among colleagues and to contribute to the develop ment of new clinical and scientific research programmes for the future. It is evident that the Proceedings of such a meeting, where major dermatological work from five continents is presented, should be reviewed carefully and published as soon as possi ble. This volume includes the reports of several hundreds of speakers from all over the world as presented during the congress or delivered 6 weeks later. The moving forces behind all this were the International League of Dermatology (ILDS) with its presi dent, Jean Civatte, its general secretary, Nils Thyresson, the members of the Executive Committee (ICD) and the German Organizing Committee with its subcommittee for the scientific programme. In addition, the chairmen of sessions, coordinators, speakers and discussants all contributed to make the 17th CMD in Berlin a full suc cess.

10. 1. 1. 1 The Purpose of Patch Testing Patch testing is a well-established method of diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis, a delayed type of hypersensitivity (type IV reaction). Patients with a history and clinical picture of contact dermatitis are reexposed to the suspected allergens under controlled conditions to verify the diagnosis. Besides testing patients with hand, arm, face or leg eczema (stasis dermatitis), testing of other types of eczema (atopic, seborrhoeic dermatitis, nummular eczema) is sometimes indicated, especially when the dermatologist suspects contact allergy to prescribed topical medicaments and their vehicles. Apart from its use to confirm a suspected allergic contact dermatitis, the patch test procedure can also be used before recommending alternative corti costeroids, skin care products, cosmetics, gloves, etc. in a particular patient. If the patient does not react to the alternatives tested, it is very unlikely that she or he will react to the products in ordinary use. 10. 1. 1.2 Standardization The first patch tests according to present principles were carried out in 1895 [1], but were preceded by some preliminary experiments [2] (see Chap. 1).

This new edition brings together five leading authorities in nail surgery in this well established and definitive textbook. The entire text is extended in this edition, and particular emphasis is placed on the advances in treatments that have taken place in recent years. Considerable strides have been made in the treatment of fungal diseases (onychomycoses) with the appearance of new therapeutic agents. There is also much greater coverage of nail surgery to reflect the increasing involvement of the dermatologist in this field. The section on nail tumours has also been expanded. Drs Baran and Dawber have been joined by David de Berker, Eckhart Haneke and Antonella Tosti on the editorial team. This move is representative of the major European contribution to the field of nail surgery in recent years. Significant contribution has come from Dr Elvin Zook, the eminent American hand surgeon, who has helped to ensure that the book is as relevant in North America as it is in Europe.

Written by leading teledermatologists and telemedicine experts, this hands-on guide addresses the practical needs of the many emerging teledermatology services worldwide. It covers the medical and technical prerequisites for such services as well as the photographic imaging essentials. It also illustrates the performance of teledermatology by means of clinical examples, discusses teledermatology in underdeveloped countries, and presents specialized methods of teledermatology. The impact of telemedicine on the doctor-patient relationship is explored, and the advantages that accrue from improving access to expert knowledge are explained. In addition, quality assurance, legal assumptions, economic aspects, and the future horizons of such health care services are all considered. A comprehensive appendix provides information on training opportunities, sample protocols, consent forms, information sheets, references, and relevant web links.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.