This handbook has been written to provide a condensed text full of information that will whet the appetite for its larger brother, the second edition of

Diseases of the Nails and their Management (Baran & Dawber, 1994). Some professionals will buy this book alone, and for them it should act as a ready reference with a coherent format that makes information readily accessible. The language is concise and factual. In this way a considerable amount of material can be presented in a condensed format. Important references are included in each section to allow the reader to go further into the scientific and clinical background of the subject. This book should help bring knowledge of nail diseases into the clinic, and promote knowledge about their diagnosis and management.