Dermatological Disorders Sourcebook, ed 2.

Dermatological Disorders Sourcebook, ed 2 Sutton AL, ed. Detroit, MI 48226, Omnigraphics, 2005, hardcover, 645 pp, ISBN: 0-78080795-2, $78.

Dermatological Disorders Sourcebook is a compilation of consumer education articles gathered from credible Web sites and pamphlets of various governmental agencies and professional and voluntary health organizations. The purpose of this book is to provide basic medical information to patients, caregivers, and the general public. The intended audience is anyone who seeks information on prevalence, prevention, risk factors, and warning signs of various skin conditions. It does not claim to be a guide for diagnosis or treatment prescription for health care professionals; however, it does serve its intended purpose well, which is to present a variety of resources on skin disorders at an appropriate level for readers of all backgrounds.

The Sourcebook is part of a consumer education series that encompasses a wide variety of health care issues. This particular volume in the series focuses on skin conditions, offering a broad scope of material that ranges from basic care of normal skin, hair, and nails, to recognizing and treating skin cancer and rare skin disorders. It also contains articles regarding normal changes associated with aging, alternative medicine interventions, and the dermatological procedures associated with treatment of these changes. Although the breadth of information is wide, the information lacks the depth necessary to function as a primary reference for a health care professional. Again, it is primarily intended for use as a patient education guide.

The information is taken from Web sites and patient education materials dated from 2003 to 2006, which is fairly recent. However, much of the information can be gleaned in an updated form from the Internet or other electronic resources. The Sourcebook does provide a catalog of Web sites for further information at the conclusion of the book. The value of the book is that the materials provided have undergone an editorial process to ensure the accuracy and currency of the materials presented, including the assistance of a medical consultant and verification assistant. No resources to peer-reviewed journals are provided in the texts, but visits to some of the referenced Web sites yielded additional bibliographic references.

The book is well organized. The chapters are divided into 11 parts, which include "Understanding the Skin, Hair and Nails," "Acne, Rosacea, and Sweat Gland Disorders," "Rashes, Skin Signs of Systemic Diseases and Allergic Skin Conditions," and "Pigmentation Disorders, Vascular Skin Changes, and Benign Skin Growths." The chapters are short and consist of reprinted patient education articles concerning the topic in the tide. Although the articles come from a variety of sources, the overall effect is homogeneous. The editor presents a plethora of information in a manner that is appropriate in style and readability for the intended audience.

No pictures or figures are found in the text, which is a notable disadvantage. However, a glossary and directory of dermatology organizations and resources found in the appendixes are helpful features.

This book would be valuable to the physical therapist or physical therapist assistant who works primarily with patients with integumentary disorders and who desires resources for clinical education of patients and caregivers. It provides a wide variety of information at an appropriate level for this varied audience.

Cynthia K Scott, PT, PhD

University of Mississippi Medical Center 

Jackson, Miss

Scott is Professor of Physical Therapy at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. She teaches course content in the area of integumentary practice patterns as delineated by APTA's Guide to Physical Therapist Practice.