Considerable progress has been made in the treatment of skin diseases. Nevertheless, such diseases still remain common in many rural communities in developing countries, with serious economic and social consequences as well as health implications. Directly or indirectly, skin diseases are responsible for much disability (and loss of economic potential), disfigurement, and distress due to symptoms such as itching or pain.

The diseases covered in this volume are mostly very common, although some rare, life-threatening disorders such as pemphigus are discussed briefly. The aim is to provide the basic information necessary to treat skin diseases in the community, with particular emphasis on those diseases prevalent in developing countries. The book does not attempt to provide a detailed guide to the management of skin diseases.

Given reliable access to preparations contained in WHO’s Model List of Essential Drugs,¹ many skin diseases are curable or controllable. However, it is recognized that factors such as poor housing, inadequate nutrition, unsanitary conditions and environmental pollution may also contribute to the prevalence of such diseases and should also be addressed when required.

¹The use of essential drugs. Seventh report of the WHO Expert Committee. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1997 (WHO Technical Report Series, No. 867).

In general, conditions in which skin involvement is only one manifestation of a more generalized systemic infectious disease, such as leprosy, mycobacterial diseases, leishmaniasis, onchocerciasis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and syphilis, are excluded from this volume. Further details of the treatment of some of these conditions can be found in the volumes on drugs used in mycobacterial diseases,¹ parasitic diseases² and sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection.³

¹WHO model prescribing information: drugs used in mycobacterial diseases. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1991.

²WHO model prescribing information: drugs used in parasitic diseases, 2nd ed. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1995.

³WHO model prescribing information: drugs used in sexually transmitted diseases and HIV infection. Geneva, World Health Organization, 1995.