BOOK REVIEWS

Text atlas of obstetric dermatologyGeorge Kroumpouzos, editor, 2014, Philadelphia,Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. 277 pages. $149.99.ISBN: 987-1-4511-7674-2.

This text atlas should be on the library shelf ofevery dermatologic residency training program. It isan excellent, comprehensive discussion coveringalmost any dermatologic issue one will experiencein a pregnant patient, from atopic dermatitis toleprosy. In a logical manner, the book covers thedermatologic findings attributed to the physiologicchanges of pregnancy, pregnancy-associated effectson dermatologic conditions, the classic dermatologicdisorders of pregnancy, and finally, drug safety,surgical issues, cosmeceuticals, and real lifedermatoethics in pregnancy.

Each chapter provides a scientifically based dia-logue, providing an exhaustive review of the currentliterature on various topics. There is substantialinformation providing insight into conditions werecognize as problematic in a pregnant patient,such as acne, melanocytic nevi, and melanoma,while giving the same amount of time and energyto what our patients feel are problematic but we asclinicians typically ignore, such as hair, nails, andskin tags. Even more rare conditions, such as auto-immune progesterone dermatitis, are covered in thesame detail, making this the most comprehensivetext of pregnancy-associated dermatoses currentlyavailable. The authors cover, with thoughtful detail,each condition, providing not only information onpathogenesis and incidence, but also on practicalmanagement.

Each chapter closes with an excellent tableoutlining the key points of the chapter; appropri-ate chapters have an additional table highlightingboth maternal and fetal risks. These tables con-cisely and accurately summarize the informationprovided in the text. Other information is tabu-lated as deemed appropriate by the authors/editor.However, this book is not a pocket guide, and agreat deal of information will be missed if one onlyperuses the tables. It is appropriately named a‘‘text atlas’’ because in addition to each chapter’soutstanding prose, it contains approximately 400photos.

The rarity of some of these conditions and thelack of randomized clinical trials limits the strengthof some treatment recommendations providedthroughout the text, and the authors rarely refer to

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the strength of the evidence on which therapeuticrecommendations are made. Also, of the includedimages, many are representative of the dermatologiccondition, but the patient in the photograph is notpregnant. However, even with these limitations,having this book will minimize the time requiredfor literature reviews for years to come.

Julia R. Nunley, MDRichmond, Virginia

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2014.04.033

Manual of dermatologic therapeutics, 8th edKenneth A. Arndt, Jeffrey T. S. Hsu, MuradAlam, Ashish Bhatia, and Suneel Chilukuri, 2014,Philadelphia, Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins. 480pages. $69.99. ISBN: 978-1-451-17634-6.

The Manual of Dermatologic Therapeutics hasbeen the ‘‘go to’’ introductory handbook for quicklyaccessing practical information about dermatologicdiseases since Iwas amedical student and resident 40years ago. The 8th edition remains an evidence-based source that provides key information aboutcommon dermatologic problems. It also providescommon sense standard of care information in areaswhere available evidence is limited.

The book presents 47 disease processes organizedalphabetically by the name of each condition so thatinformation can be quickly located. Each entryprovides background, clinical presentation, work-up, and treatment options. While generic names aregenerally used, the manual does not shy away fromproviding brand names to make it easier for pro-viders to prescribe combination products in theclinic. Tables are liberally used to condense complexinformation in a user-friendly manner. Patient edu-cation materials are also provided when they helpthe clinician with their day-to-day work. There arealso sections at the end of the book that discussoperative procedures, diagnostic techniques, cos-metic procedures, topical medications, sun protec-tion, and wound care dressings. Keeping up withtoday’s technology, they have included new infor-mation on cosmetic treatment with lasers and intensepulsed light. Finally, an electronic version isavailable.

I would recommend this book for medicalstudents, dermatology and primary care residents,

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