Current concepts in dermatology. I.

Some of the more recent advances and newer concepts about certain dermatological conditions are presented. Untoward reactions to drugs, whether to systemic or topical agents, are discussed in detail; emphasis is placed on their frequency and on the diversity of clinical findings. In the management of certain skin tumours (hemangiomas and melanocytic nevi) it is essential that the natural history of the lesion be considered. It is generally agreed that the answer to the problem of staphylococcal infection of the skin will be found in the host rather than the staphylococcus. Keratoacanthoma is a pseudocarcinoma of unknown etiology and sometimes gives rise to considerable difficulty in diagnosis. Diffuse alopecia in women is now a common dermatological problem, the cause of which is unknown. The hair loss associated with it is not permanent.