Acne

Acne vulgaris is an extraordinarily common, worldwide dis­ ease. Some see the disorder as merely cosmetic. Nonetheless, few skin diseases cause as much physical and psychological misery as this scourge of adolescence. Dermatologists of course have more than a passing familiar­ ity with acne vulgaris. Recognition is easy but there is still an extraordinary amount of controversy concerning causa­ tive factors and the best modes of treatment. Recent studies have brought forth some important findings about which practicing physicians know too little. This volume" ACNE: MORPHOGENESIS AND TREAT­ MENT" is a surprising book. What features make it so unique? This is the first complete account of the great diver­ sity of clinical manifestations. Moreover, gross morphology is coordinated with a thorough microscopic analysis of evolu­ tion of the disease. The material is presented in a readable and stimulating way. References are limited because they have been carefully selected. The authors emphasize that this richly illustrated work is intended for physicians who care for acne patients. Accord­ ingly, this is above all a practical treatise to assist doctors to diagnose and treat acne, and not only acne vulgaris but all the species of acne. This work is an overview of the entire acne problem with contributions from bacteriology, endocrinology, physiology, anatomy, immunology, cellular kinetics, and experimental acne. Above all it concludes with an optimistic presentation of therapeutic strategies which make it possible for the in­ formed physician to control the abominable effects of this distressing disorder.