Biofilms are diverse communities of microorganisms embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance which are firmly attached to biotic or abiotic surfaces. Approximately 80% of all human infections are associated with biofilms and evidence for their role in an ever-growing number of cutaneous disorders is constantly unfolding. Biofilms present a difficult challenge t...

In recent years, ultrasound scanning has become an important diagnostic tool in dermatology. It is easy to use, completely safe, and provides important diagnostic information. There are 2 basic types of ultrasonography with dermatologic applications. The best established is 20-MHz scanning, which can be used to measure tumor thickness and/or skin thickness when treating inflammatory diseases su...

Clinical trials are the backbone of modern day medicine. Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies are critical for advancement in medicine and dermatology. Skin conditions such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are among the most common health problems in the United States. Clinical trials can provide treatments that not only offer objective improvements in clinical disease statu...

This is the first history of dermatology to appear in the English language, and as such it cannot fail to be of interest to all English-speaking medical men. Like most histories on medical subjects it begins with the Edwin Smith papyrus, as this is the earliest written record extant dealing with medical science, and it is surprising to learn that both in this and in the famous Ebers papyrus con...

Approximately, 140 million people worldwide live permanently at high altitudes (HAs) and approximately another 40 million people travel to HA area (HAA) every year for reasons of occupation, sports or recreation. In India, whole of Ladakh region, part of Northwest Kashmir, Northern part of Sikkim and Tenga valley of Arunachal are considered inhabited areas of HAA. The low quantity of oxygen, hi...

The field of pediatric dermatology has developed extensively over the last few decades. There are dedicated journals, conferences on the topic, and several textbooks exploring the area in detail. There are fellowship programs in pediatric dermatology and recognized local, national, and international experts in the field, many with further subspecialty expertise. There has been an exponential gr...

Azathioprine is a synthetic purine analog derived from 6-mercaptopurine. It is a purine antagonist and its active metabolites act by disrupting the function of endogenous purines. It has a cytotoxic and immunosuppressive mechanism of action. It is used in dermatology for treatment of immunobullous diseases, generalized eczematous disorders and photodermatoses. There is an enzyme in the metaboli...