Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology Medknow Publications on behalf of The Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) ISSN: 0378-6323 EISSN: 0973-3922 Vol. 71, Num. 2, 2005, pp. 136-136

Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, Leprology, Vol. 71, No. 2, March-April, 2005, pp. 136

Book Review

Current literature - Dermatology 2003-2004

Jerajani HR

Mumbai
Correspondence Address:Mumbai
Jerajani@vsnl.com

Code Number: dv05046

Dermatologists today are information savvy and want to update their knowledge regularly. However, there is a huge explosion of literature and choosing what to read is difficult. Besides, the rising prices of medical journals make them inaccessible to many. Current Literature Dermatology 2003-2004 is the seventh volume in a series started in 1994 to answer this need. All the volumes have Dr. J. S. Pasricha as the Chief Editor and contributors from the Delhi branch of the IADVL.

The series has provided excellent reading material and the current book is no exception. It is light in weight with 255+ pages and is beautifully presented. Basic sciences and some miscellaneous clinical topics head the contents list. Other topics include acne, vitiligo, psoriasis, lichen planus, chronic urticaria, infections, hair diseases, bullous diseases, genodermatoses, tumors, therapeutics, lasers, and drug reactions. The articles selected are from premier journals including the IJDVL. Each article is covered in a page or more. The names of the authors and other necessary details are cited. The summary of the article and the editor′s comments fill up the remaining space.

What is most interesting is the aspect of the disease covered. For example, the topic of acne and related disorders has a study highlighting the correlation between endocrinological parameters and acne severity in adult women, while another one is on the use of pyruvic acid in the treatment of acne. Other studies mentioned are: "Salicylic acid peels for the treatment of acne in Asian patients", "Surgical treatment of facial acne scars based on morphological classification: A Brazilian experience" and so on. Despite so many articles, the book is easy to read and has something for every reader such as large studies, reviews, reappraisals, case reports, etc. It has its share of exotic topics such as, "Tea tree oil: Cutaneous effects of the extracted oil of Melaleuca alternifolia" or "Eruptive lingual papillitis with household transmission: A prospective clinical study". Some studies could have been written in a structured way, with introduction, aims and objectives, methods and conclusion; this would have made easier reading.

Overall, this all-encompassing volume is priced reasonably at Rs. 250 for IADVL members and Rs. 300 for others. It is a sure buy for postgraduates, teachers, and consultants, in short all categories of dermatologists. Happy reading!

Copyright 2005 - Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, Leprology