A number of vital therapeutic modalities are not covered adequately in current dermatology textbooks. This book is intended to fill that gap. It originated in a series of special lectures on modem applications of physical modalities given at recent annual meetings of the American Academy of Dermatology; the main topics were radiotherapy, electrosurgery, phototherapy, cryosurgery, and related therapeutic modalities. The authors, recognized authorities in their field, have included much addi tional information which could not be covered in the original lectures because of time limitations. The indications for modem dermatological x-ray therapy reflect the basic views of the recently published guide lines of the National Academy of Sciences-National Research Council. Both text and illustrations are oriented toward the practical aspects of therapy with physical modalities. A special effort was made to bring the contributions up to date; pertinent references have been added for those who wish to pursue particular topics still further. Where there is an apparent overlap between chapters, it was felt to be advantageous because different authors approached their subject from different perspectives. I am most grateful to the various authors who generously contributed despite their many other commitments. I wish, also, to thank the staff of Springer-Verlag for their advice and assistance in the preparation of the manuscript.

This book is a practical guide to safe and effective physical therapy methods that can be applied in patients with diverse skin ailments, including scars, decubitus ulcers, burns, frostbite, photosensitivity disorders, inflammatory skin disease, skin cancers, obesity-related conditions, psoriasis, herpes zoster, tineapedis, and vitiligo. For each condition, physical therapy interventions– therapeutic exercises, manual physical therapies, and therapeutic modalities employed in rehabilitation– are described in detail. In addition, information is provided on symptoms and complications, examination and evaluation, medical interventions, and prevention and management methods. In the case of obesity-related skin problems, management is discussed from the point of view of Eastern as well as Western medicine. The text is complemented by more than 300 color photographs and illustrations. Integumentary Physical Therapy will help the reader to obtain optimal therapeutic results when treating patients with skin ailments. It will be of value for both practicing physical therapists and students in physical therapy.

TO THE ENGLISH EDITION Ionizing radiation has played an important role in the treatment of skin diseases for many decades. With strict adherence to modern standards of radiation protection, radiotherapy is a safe and effective method that benefits many patients who cannot be treated adequately by other means. Although indications for dermatologic radiotherapy have decreased significantly due to advances in other therapeutic modalities, many dermatologists feel strongly that ionizing radiation is an integral part of dermatologic therapy that should not be relinquished to other specialties because of the highly specialized anatomic, pathologic, and technologic knowledge required. A recent survey of the National Program for Dermatology showed that 44% of 2,444 responding dermatologists use radiotherapy regularly for various skin conditions, particularly in the treatment of cutaneous carcinomas. Significantly, the American Board of Dermatology has decided to continue its requirement of special knowledge in dermatologic radiation therapy for board certification. Because I have taught this dermatologic subspecialty at various levels, both in Europe and in the United States, I readily agreed to accept Pro fessor Braun-Falco's invitation to cooperate with him and Dr. Lukacs in the preparation of the English edition of this new guide. The text deals mostly with modern concepts of dermatologic radiotherapy and empha sizes practical aspects of treatment. Although it is written as an introduc tion for young dermatologists, it may also be useful to experienced clinicians who want to keep up with recent developments in this field.

This book is a concise guide to the diagnosis and management of common skin conditions for dermatologists and trainees. The text begins with an introduction to sensitive skin and general skin care methods, followed by chapters dedicated to different dermatologic conditions including rosacea, acne, psoriasis, dermatitis and cosmetic intolerance syndrome. The next chapters discuss the management of skin disorders in different sectors of the population such as the elderly and newborn babies, concluding with guidance on skin care products, moisturisers, cosmetics and dermatological procedures for sensitive skin. The text is further enhanced by photographs, diagrams and tables. Key points Concise guide to the diagnosis and management of common skin conditions Provides detail on specific problems including rosacea, psoriasis and acne Covers management of skin disorders in different sectors of the population Includes photographs, diagrams and tables to enhance learning

Radiation therapy of cutaneous cancers and other dermatologic disorders is not covered adequately in many current textbooks of dermatology and radiation oncology. This book is intended to fill that gap. Both text and illustrations are oriented toward the practical aspects of radiation therapy. The beginner will find a concise introduction to physical and biological principles, selec tion of radiation factors, dose definitions, indications for treatment, and radiation seque lae. The experienced dermatologist and radiation oncologist will find a detailed discussion of specific indications for various radiation techniques in different body regions. A special effort was made to add pertinent references to the world literature for those who wish to pursue particular topics still further. We have tried to include all major American and European publications of the last 20 years in our bibliography of more than 500 refer ences, and we also have attempted to review the most important scientific papers on prin ciples and practice of ionizing radiation therapy in a constructive way. We are grateful to Professor Gorson, Dr. Breneman, and Professor Lindel6f, who generously contributed chapters in their areas of expertise despite their many other com mitments.

TO THE ENGLISH EDITION Ionizing radiation has played an important role in the treatment of skin diseases for many decades. With strict adherence to modern standards of radiation protection, radiotherapy is a safe and effective method that benefits many patients who cannot be treated adequately by other means. Although indications for dermatologic radiotherapy have decreased significantly due to advances in other therapeutic modalities, many dermatologists feel strongly that ionizing radiation is an integral part of dermatologic therapy that should not be relinquished to other specialties because of the highly specialized anatomic, pathologic, and technologic knowledge required. A recent survey of the National Program for Dermatology showed that 44% of 2,444 responding dermatologists use radiotherapy regularly for various skin conditions, particularly in the treatment of cutaneous carcinomas. Significantly, the American Board of Dermatology has decided to continue its requirement of special knowledge in dermatologic radiation therapy for board certification. Because I have taught this dermatologic subspecialty at various levels, both in Europe and in the United States, I readily agreed to accept Pro fessor Braun-Falco's invitation to cooperate with him and Dr. Lukacs in the preparation of the English edition of this new guide. The text deals mostly with modern concepts of dermatologic radiotherapy and empha sizes practical aspects of treatment. Although it is written as an introduc tion for young dermatologists, it may also be useful to experienced clinicians who want to keep up with recent developments in this field.