Skin Surgery: Volumes I and II

The document reviews a comprehensive and indispensable text on diseases of the hair and scalp by Rook and Dawber, which is considered a valuable resource for clinicians facing challenging hair and scalp problems. It provides a thorough review of the world literature on the subject. The review highlights some areas for improvement in future editions, such as the inclusion of biotin-responsive alopecia, clarification on distinguishing pili torti and monilethrix, and a more detailed discussion on lupus erythematosus as a cause of scarring alopecia. It also suggests that the book should provide a list of suitable progestogens for women with androgenetic alopecia, acne, or hirsutism, and a more detailed technique for using intralesional corticosteroids in the treatment of alopecia areata. The review also mentions that intralesional corticosteroids are the treatment of choice for adults with less than 50% scalp hair loss, with hair growth beginning in 4 weeks. The document also reviews "Skin Surgery" by Ervin Epstein and Ervin Epstein, Jr., which is a two-volume set considered the established instructional source for surgically oriented dermatologists. It includes information on established dermatologic procedures and new surgical techniques, although the review suggests that some subjects overlap and could benefit from a more rigorous editorial review. Despite this, the work is recommended for dermatologists involved in typical clinical practice as the most comprehensive dermatologic surgical reference available.