Preface to the second edition

The skin is the window of the body. Many viral diseases express themselves through changes in skin appearance, skin lesions, edema, etc. Often the skin becomes a warning of internal manifestations signaling the physician to look beyond the window for other impacts. The contributors to the second edition of Mucocutaneous Manifestations of Viral Diseases interact on a regular basis with other dermatologists and virologists, or combinations thereof. The book is an outgrowth of those daily consultations and discussions with other colleagues in various fields of medicine. As family practitioners are increasingly being called upon to provide their diagnosis and treatment of a wider variety of illnesses (those previously referred to a specialist), a quick reference is needed. This book not only helps distinguish the cutaneous manifestations of one virus from another, but also helps differentiate viral diseases from other infectious and noninfectious diseases. It is intended for internists, dermatologists, pediatricians, and family practitioners worldwide.

The goal of this book is to enhance the expertise of physicians in the diagnosis, treatment and pathogenesis of viral diseases that express their presence in the skin and its affiliated mucous membranes. No other text currently addresses the issues of the skin manifestations of viral diseases. Photographs in other texts to aid diagnoses were previously black and white and of limited use to the physician. Many color atlases only encompass one or a few viral diseases, leaving the practioner with a desire for more detail and/or a better explanation of possible mimics of the diseases.

The contributing authors and editors have provided a text that serves as a central resource for each of the viral diseases described. It should be of interest to physicians worldwide as we have included many diseases previously known only in third world, developing countries. Given the global aspects of international transportation, social exchange and political boundaries, it is not only feasible that one or more of these rarer viral diseases could present itself at any physician's office in the world, many examples of this occurrence have been documented since the fi rst edition of this book was published. Animal vectors and reservoirs are often immigrants on baggage or agricultural products. Each chapter includes, as appropriate, a timeline of infection and progress of the disease, numerous quality color illustrations of characteristic epidermal and cellular manifestations, a means to reference the differential diagnosis of viral diseases from other infectious or noninfectious diseases, a brief taxonomy and history of the disease, incidence among gender and age groups by geographical region, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, dermatopathology, laboratory findings, differential diagnoses, and treatment/prophylaxis. To the extent possible, we have used tabular information for quick reference by the physician.

The second edition of Mucocutaneous Manifestations of Viral Diseases is unique in that it covers the field of viral diseases having mucocutaneous manifestations and offers the quality color photographs associated with an atlas. The book also serves as a bibliography for physicians wishing to broaden their knowledge of the primary literature. We envision the physician using the color photographs in considering the possible diagnoses. The differential diagnosis section helps the physicians narrow the search for the virus causing the epidermal insult. The text would then provide suggestions as to which laboratory tests might be useful to confirm the diagnosis. Finally, it outlines the appropriate treatment, including specific types of antiviral drugs and vaccines.

In summary, the editors hope that the second edition of Mucocutaneous Manifestations of Viral Diseases will fill a void in the medical literature and provide a valuable resource to a variety of practicing physicians worldwide.