Volume 7 Number 1 July, 1982

Book revwws 141

In sum, The Nad is a monograph--nothing more--with sparks of knowledge sprinkled hghtly over the pages that are accompanied by clear pho- tographs and complete tables Despite my minor criticisms, it deserves a place m dermatologlc h- brarles, particularly those belonging to physicians interested in onychology There is much informa- tion here unavailable elsewhere, and I therefore commend it to you

Richard K Schel, M D Amaywlle, NY

Psoriasis A guide to one of the commonest skin diseases Ronald Marks, M D , New York, 1981, Arco Pubhshmg Inc 102 pages $11 95, paperback, $6 95

Persons having chronic dermatology diseases encounter unique problems because of the visibil- ity of their disease and the lack of available infor- mation regarding its cause, treatment, and effect to their hfe and hvehhood Since skin diseases usually do not require hospItahzatlon, persons who would benefit from a basic knowledge of their disease do not ordinarily have access to a well- prepared, factual presentation pertinent to their particular problem Dr Ronald Marks, professor of dermatology at the Welsh National School of Medicine, University ot Wales, Cardiff, has writ- ten such a text for those suffering one of the most common skin afflictions, psoriasis

The book's many technical merits include an attractive cover, color photographs, very readable print, and understandable illustrative drawings The quality of this book, however, is most appar- ent m its content and style The British style of writing is evidenced by the clear, d~rect language used, along with a commendable commonsense approach appropriate to patient-oriented material

The 102-page book covers a diversity of inter- ests shared by psoriasis sufferers and their fami- lies, including explanations of the various types ot psoriasis, phystological changes that may occur, various modes of diagnosis and treatment, and, of particular benefit, the psychological problems of altered body image and interpersonal relation- ships Also discussed are the effects of stress, an

important aspect of living with the disease Inter- spersed among the many theories about psorlasts are the known facts about the disease and its lmph- cations The concentration of such valuable infor- mation and the book's availability in either hard- back or paperback edition make it an economical investment from both a financial and an educational viewpoint Thls book should be recommended to patients by dermatologists, registered nurses, and other health professionals concerned with provid- ing information to the psoriatic patient Please be cautioned, however, of a serious flaw Many of the addresses of referral agencies in the Umted States listed by Dr Marks at the end of his book are incorrect, and the American Academy of Der- matology, a valuable resource, has been omitted, while other, less appropriate agencies have been included

Lmda Reed Flnk, R N Iowa Czty, I14

Your skin is showing A Bernard Ackerman, M D , New York, 1979, Masson Publishing USA Inc 32 pages Hardback, $6 50

The author begins with an invitation to visit a fascinating place, your skin The trip starts out on your fingertips, where even "identical" twins have different fingerprints Later, we find out that furrows are wrinkles on the heads of thoughtful and grouchy people who frown a lot

"Skin is a marvelous covering that protects you like a pod protects peas , " says Dr Ackerman This means your skin keeps harmful things from coming into your body In a comparison of skin color, dark skin is dark because it has more pro- tectlve melanin m it than light skin The same is true with hair and eyes

Your epidermis and dermis are two layers of skln If you cut your epidermis, it might leave a scrape If you cut your dermis, It will bleed be- cause the dermis has blood vessels Braille is how a blind child reads It is a code of lumps on paper

Ending the journey to the skin we come to the skin words and phrases, a helpful glossary

l would recommend to friends between the ages of 7 and 12 this interesting book My