New knowledge drives medical progress and improves patient care. The
rapid growth of this knowledge in skin diseases and skin biology makes
publication of the eighth edition of Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in
General Medicine (DIGM) particularly timely. Forty years ago, the first
edition of “Fitz” was a critical textbook devoted to
providing a comprehensive knowledge of dermatology. The relevance of
dermatology to general medicine and the basic science foundations of the
specialty were defining elements of the new text. This edition, more than
ever, reinforces those earlier goals and is designed to be easily accessible
to those interested in the clinical and basic science of dermatology. This
reference text also highlights the relevance of dermatology to general
internal medicine and other disciplines of medicine and surgery. It is
written for experienced clinicians and skin biologists worldwide as well as
for those in training.
The online edition adds
further textual and illustrative detail to almost all chapters and provides
extensive and robust literature citations, many with online links, which are
especially useful for those who seek an in-depth understanding of a
particular topic.
Because of the explosion of new
knowledge relevant to dermatology and cutaneous biology, chapters have been
extensively revised and new chapters have been added on global dermatologic
health, ethnic, and racial considerations for normal and diseased skin, and
stem cell science. Medical and surgical therapeutics sections have been
greatly expanded to reflect the increased importance of procedural
dermatology.
Twenty percent of the chapters have
new authorship, drawing from expertise around the world. These authors
provide new perspectives and guarantee that the content of the book remains
fresh and vital.
Schematic diagrams of clinical
and basic science mechanisms and clinical care algorithms have been revised
to allow rapid intuitive guidance while retaining accuracy and critical
detail. This edition is enhanced with additional clinical figures and new
tables that permit a “quick look” at key points in each chapter.
Validated, well-synthesized, and critically interpreted
information is essential to improve the care of patients, to prevent skin
disease, and to advance cutaneous biology. The current editors of DIGM have
striven to fulfill these goals of the original text.
Lowell A. Goldsmith
Stephen I. Katz
Barbara A. Gilchrest
Amy S. Paller
David J.
Leffell
Klaus Wolff