There has been continuing discovery of new pathogens causing skin infections and also the emergence of non-pathogens becoming pathogenic as in patients with HIV/AIDS or in those with continued immune suppression. There has been distressing resurgence of skin infection in certain populations combined with reduced drug susceptibilities or resistance of major pathogens to significant number of antimicrobial agents. All this demands that health workers across the discipline have accurate knowledge and understanding of all these infections. Many will search for and get answers from the internet for many of their queries but the gains from an integrated scientific overview that gives systematically all the knowledge, advances made, and practical applications are many. An objective of this book is to enable generalists and even specialists from clinical and laboratory disciplines to recognize the various clinical presentations and to understand the use of modern investigative methods to identify the pathogens and assess their sensitivity.

To keep currency with a constantly evolving body of knowledge a group of highly distinguished authors, experts in their field representing many disciplines from all over India would probably make “Infections in Dermatology” rank among the best publications on such an important subject. It will help the readers to navigate confidently in the ongoing information explosion.

I am sure the book will be a great source of information and education to all who are involved in the various clinical presentations, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous infections. Topics of contemporary interest relevant to diagnosis and future therapies are emphasized, adding to the usefulness of the book. There is something for everyone, dermatologist, pathologist, physician, infectious disease specialist and even an interventionist.

Congratulations to Professor Archana Singal and Dr Chander Grover for this great achievement.

Infections constitute the bulk of dermatologic practice in most areas. In areas where they are not common, they tend to be “exotic”, and thus even more difficult to identify or diagnose. This text aims to be a valuable companion and tool for both the practicing as well as in-training dermatologists. Moreover, since the first contact of a patient with a skin infection is often a general physician or a pediatrician, this text will serve as a ready reckoner and quick reference for such practitioners to manage the infection judiciously at their level or consider timely referral to the dermatologist.

As dermatologists, we commonly encounter all skin infections including bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic. Therefore, the contributors of this book are aptly placed to address the nuances and finer details of these disorders. The contemporary published texts have primarily been authored by Western dermatologists, whose encounter with these infections is relatively rare. The novelty and exclusivity of this textbook stems from its presentation from an Indian perspective, enriched with years of clinical and research experience of Indian authors in dealing with these infections. We have attempted to spawn a comprehensive and illustrated guide to infectious dermatological diseases in India, which will aid in recognition of both common as well as rare manifestations through a prodigious assortment of clinical photographs. The credit for each specially contributed photograph finds mention in the figure legend; for the photographs provided by the author of a chapter, no separate acknowledgment has been provided. An attempt to enhance the readers’ retention of concepts and clinical focus, the text has been condensed into key points whenever deemed important.

The book exhaustively covers all important and relevant skin infections: bacterial, mycobacterial (including tuberculosis and leprosy), fungal, viral, protozoal and parasitic infestations, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For each of these, well-defined sections on epidemiology, clinical features, differential diagnosis and management approach have been included. Description of clinical presentation to the detail and exhaustive differential diagnoses ensure an in-depth comprehension of each infection. Details of diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures in-vogue have been meticulously integrated. A step-by-step approach to bedside diagnostic procedures makes this book a quick reference guide. Preventive measures including vaccination have also been outlined wherever applicable. The book seeks to provide a critical, yet practical approach to treatment. Obsolete remedies have been omitted. Therapeutic management discusses the most effective and safest remedies that have been time-tested and also backed by the extant high-quality evidence. Latest therapeutic guidelines for specific infections have been dealt with in relevant chapters.

14The liberal use of tables, graphics, and other forms of illustrations make this book a reader-friendly, must-have manual, not only for a dermatologist but for pediatricians, physicians and general practitioners alike. While compiling a text of this magnitude, following clear-cut demarcations in various chapters often becomes a challenging task. We have encouraged our contributors to make each chapter readable as an independent entity.

The listing of references is quite detailed, covering the latest information in literature at the time of going to press. An effort to omit old references that are mainly of historical interest has been made, except where absolutely necessary.

A whole-hearted and sincere attempt has been made to eliminate any errors in the text; however, if present, the responsibility lies with the editors and authors. We welcome reader’s criticism and suggestions, which will help us improve and refine subsequent editions of the book. Please feel free to communicate with us and give your suggestions.

We would also like to express our immense gratitude toward our patients who have taught us so much over the years. No amount of written material or internet searches can yield the wealth of information or the gift of satisfaction we have received by interacting and treating them.

We thank our department and institution for the academic freedom and necessary support, and our students for constantly inspiring us to learn more and more.

Last but not the least, we wish to thank our families and friends, who have stood with us through thick and thin, put up graciously with our long working hours and given us their unconditional emotional support and love.16