Diseases of the skin, hair, and nails are common, and the majority are treated by nondermatologists. While most of these diseases are not life threatening, they can be a source of considerable embarrassment and consternation to affected patients. Astute clinicians can not only improve a patient's appearance and self-esteem but can often make a diagnosis of cutaneous malignancy or, occasionally, a serious systemic disease.
Sauer's Manual of Skin Diseases, edited by Brian Hall and John Hall, is slightly different from many other dermatology texts in that it clearly is geared for nondermatologists. In fact, Gordon Sauer explicitly proclaimed in his preface to the first edition that this work is directed toward medical students and general practitioners and that the information should be presented as simply, clearly, and concisely as possible. If that was his stated goal, then the authors have manifestly succeeded.