A number of vital therapeutic modalities are not covered adequately in current dermatology textbooks. This book is intended to fill that gap. It originated in a series of special lectures on modem applications of physical modalities given at recent annual meetings of the American Academy of Dermatology; the main topics were radiotherapy, electrosurgery, phototherapy, cryosurgery, and related therapeutic modalities. The authors, recognized authorities in their field, have included much addi tional information which could not be covered in the original lectures because of time limitations. The...

TO THE ENGLISH EDITION Ionizing radiation has played an important role in the treatment of skin diseases for many decades. With strict adherence to modern standards of radiation protection, radiotherapy is a safe and effective method that benefits many patients who cannot be treated adequately by other means. Although indications for dermatologic radiotherapy have decreased significantly due to advances in other therapeutic modalities, many dermatologists feel strongly that ionizing radiation is an integral part of dermatologic therapy that should not be relinquished to other specialties...