Pediatric Dermatology: A Quick Reference Guide

Concerns relating to the skin are common reasons for parents to seek medical
care for their children. Data from several sources indicate that up to 20% of
child visits to pediatricians or family physicians involve a dermatologic problem
as the primary reason for the visit, a secondary concern, or an incidental
finding on physical examination. The volume of skin-related concerns and the
supply-demand crunch for dermatologic referrals mandate that primary care
physicians who care for children are prepared to recognize, diagnose, and treat
common cutaneous disorders.
This guide was originally designed to be a practical, easy-to-use tool for thebusy practitioner, and we hope that this fourth edition continues to meet these
goals. It is not an exhaustive reference; instead, it provides a concise summary
of many common dermatologic disorders, with a standardized format that
includes a brief background, physical findings, diagnostic modalities, and
treatment approaches. Each chapter includes a useful Look-alikes table to assist
in differential diagnosis and, when applicable, a Resources for Families section
that provides links to patient information or support groups. Chapters to help
enhance skills in recognizing and describing skin disorders, performing and
interpreting diagnostic tests, and managing skin disease also are included. The
accompanying color photographs have been selected to illustrate some cardinal
features of each disorder. In this edition, we have added new chapters on
cercarial dermatitis, confluent and reticulated papillomatosis, ectodermal dysplasia,
hyperhidrosis, pilomatricoma, pityriasis rubra pilaris, Spitz nevus, and
subcutaneous fat necrosis. We have also updated the text throughout, supplied
new links to useful patient resources, and added or replaced numerous clinical
images.