• Hepatitis B is now the most commonly reported hepatitis in the United States and the physician's greatest infectious occupational hazard. Although dermatologists are at increased risk for contracting and transmitting hepatitis B virus, surveys continue to indicate that a substantial number do little to decrease this risk. We have summarized the recent developments regarding the transmission, diagnosis, and clinical presentation and course of hepatitis B virus infection, and have offered specific preventive measures to assist the dermatologist in keeping hepatitis B out of his medical practice. By employing these measures, dermatologists can do their part in contributing to the future eradication of this disease.
(Arch Dermatol 1989;125:212-215)