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 the busy practitioner, and we hope that this fifth edition continues to meet these goals. As with past editions, it is not an exhaustive reference; rather, 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, in addition to updating material from the fourth edition, we have added new chapters on androgenetic alopecia, collodion baby, hypertrichosis and hirsutism, melanonychia striata, and pernio/chilblains. We have also supplied new links to useful patient resources and added or replaced numerous clinical images. We have striven to incorporate as many clinical photographs of disease presentations in skin of color as possible.

We hope this guide continues to fulfill an important need for the pediatric practitioner who wants a quick dermatology reference.

D.P.K. and A.J.M