In the textbook Dermatology there is a strong emphasis on visual learning. This commitment is reflected in the use of schematic diagrams to convey the principles of skin biology as well as cutaneous surgery, in addition to the inclusion of algorithms, which provide a logical as well as practical approach to commonly encountered clinical problems. The majority of the basic science is integrated throughout the book and appears as introductory chapters to the various sections. In this edition, even more emphasis has been placed on clinicopathologic correlations, with photomicrographs demonstrating key histologic findings adjacent to clinical images of the same disorder. The chapters also contain tables that attempt to provide weighted differential diagnoses and a “ladder” approach to therapeutic interventions. Lastly, color-coding of sections allows an easy and rapid access to required information.

The ultimate goal of Dermatology is for it to never make its way to the bookshelf because it is being used on a weekly, or perhaps even daily, basis. Hopefully, this book will function as a colleague, albeit a non-verbal one, who is easily approachable and possesses the necessary expertise to provide succinct, up-to-date information that is both precise and practical. It is also our hope that the organization is intuitive and information can therefore be quickly retrieved. Realizing this goal required the time and energy of our contributors, who have unselfishly shared their knowledge and experience with literally thousands of patients from around the world, and we thank them.