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With Plants and the Skin, we have the second comprehensive reference for the average dermatologist interested in contact dermatitis from botanical sources. The book is written in a simplified manner, with an introductory section dealing with the various parameters of plant dermatitis, including exposure patterns, simplified identification principles, contact urticaria and irritant dermatitis, and a section on phytophotodermatitis. I was a little disappointed with the coverage of occupational exposure, as there was little mention given to carpenters, boat builders, floral arrangers, and certain other common exposure patterns encountered in the average dermatology practice. Also, there was essentially no discussion of air-borne contact and inhalant exposure to various allergens that we often encounter clinically, such as ragweed and sawdust.
The discussion of perfumes and cosmetics is quite good and provides excellent background material for dealing with the common exposure to these allergens. There is an excellent, short, but well-written section on