Lecture Notes: Dermatology

Reviews / Votes

I am a big fan of the Lecture Notes series, having used many of the titles throughout medical school. This update to the Dermatology volume is much improved and easier to read. Its physically bigger than I remember, with well-spaced, clear, colourful pictures. The clinical photographs are very good. There are numerous histology photos/diagrams these aren t often done very well in student texts and are very important in understanding the subject (similar to radiographs in surgery). The summary boxes are clear and easy to spot, and provide all the salient points likely to be asked in clinic or on ward round. Special mention to: -The glossary of dermatological terms, extremely useful. -The case studies and MCQs, which cover the range of topics in the book -Nearly every major dermatological condition has a paragraph section, including the rarer inherited conditions. Compared to its competitors (eg Gawkrodger), this book has the better balance of pretty pictures, and useful academic prose. Is a good substitute for clinical experience, in those medical schools where Dermatology practice is limited. (Junior Doctor) Among the myriad of basic dermatology textbooks available for those seeking an introduction into the world of dermatology, Lecture Notes has always held its place as a popular choice. This success is largely down to the authors accomplishment in covering a wide range of topics in a concise and digestible format. At a glance, the 10th edition seems to have done enough to maintain its place as one of the students favourites. The traditional white facade has been replaced by a new sleek black cover in this 10th update. There are a total of 23 clearly laid out chapters with well-structured content and a helpful glossary and self-assessment questions towards the back. New to this edition is a useful additional chapter on dermatological emergencies, aiming to better equip newly qualified doctors encountering such daunting challenges. The absence of images and concepts of management of skin failure in this chapter is a notable omission. The opening chapter begins with the basic biology of skin, hair and nails, without too much complex pathophysiology and then moves swiftly on to the approach to diagnosing dermatological diseases. Subsequent chapters cover the core dermatological disorders; eczema, psoriasis and skin tumours are explained in a concise, logical way without going into unnecessary levels of detail. The diagrams that accompany each chapter are extremely clear and help the reader to understand the underlying pathogenesis. Each chapter has a clear narrative and is generally well complemented with high-quality illustrations, which are essential in a specialty where a picture is worth a thousand words . However, certain sections, such as eczema management, would benefit from further visual aids, highlighted boxes and clearer treatment plans. Compared with other introductory dermatology texts, one might find this publication somewhat wordier . Overall, this is a very well written introductory dermatology text with excellent clinical photographs and diagrams. We would highly recommend this for those wishing to grasp the basic concepts in dermatology. (Minh Lam & Rabi Nambi, Dermatology Department, Royal Derby Hospital)