Book Review

Psoriasis

N Engl J Med 1994; 331:1101-1102October 20, 1994

Article

Psoriasis
By Charles Camisa, With Thomas N. Helm, Arun L. Pathy, Michael E. Sayers, and William S. Wilke. 355 pp., illustrated. Boston, Blackwell Scientific, 1994. $85. ISBN: 0-86542-247-8

Psoriasis is one of the more common problems of the skin and is treated by primary care physicians as well as by dermatologists. It is also one of the more difficult dermatologic problems to manage, especially severe cases. This book was written to guide practitioners in all fields of medicine in the proper use of the numerous therapies available for psoriasis, from topical corticosteroids to cyclosporine.

Psoriasis is well written and concise, with the most current references possible. It is a well-integrated book that flows nicely from the pathogenesis of psoriasis to its clinical presentation, with an appropriate emphasis on therapy. Although four other contributors helped prepare the text, the majority of the book was written by Camisa, and it reads smoothly throughout. This is an advantage over one of the finest books on the subject, Psoriasis, edited by Henry H. Roenigk, Jr., and Howard I. Maibach (New York: Marcel Dekker, 1985). Their book was written by a host of the top experts on psoriasis and is well edited, but it does not have the same coherent style as Camisa's book.

This book is an excellent review of the pathogenesis and treatment of psoriasis. It does not present any new information, nor is it intended to be exhaustive. The author achieves exactly what he set out to do: he creates an easy-to-follow book describing how to handle psoriasis. Physicians from any field can easily use the book and even initiate treatment with some of the most difficult therapeutic options for psoriasis, including retinoids, methotrexate, and cyclosporine. Camisa explains recommended dosages, necessary laboratory and ancillary tests, anticipated responses, and possible adverse reactions. He enhances many of the chapters on treatment with case studies of patients he or the contributors have treated.

Psoriasis affects approximately 2 percent of the population. Textbooks of the high quality of Psoriasis will allow practicing physicians to stay abreast of the current knowledge available on this disease. This book is more than adequate for any physician, whether dermatologist or general practitioner, who needs a current and complete reference on psoriasis.

Michael T. Goldfarb, M.D.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104