Interview with Bernard A. Cohen, MD

Why did you feel that it was important to write Pediatric Dermatology, 5th Edition? What does it add to the field?  

The book focuses on pediatric dermatology clinical findings, differential diagnosis, and management of skin issues in infants, children, and adolescents for pediatricians and general dermatologists. The number of images has grown dramatically over the last four editions and also includes multiple images of skin of color which is important since skin findings can vary dramatically depending on skin color.  

What is the most exciting aspect of Pediatric Dermatology, 5th Edition? What chapter or topic covered in the new edition are you most excited about?  

All the chapters have grown in text, tables, and images, and the new edition includes expanded discussion of neonatal dermatology and oral pathology as well as a new Chapter 10 focusing on urologic, gynecologic and anogenital disorders. The last chapter has multiple new images of self-induced skin lesions, clinical findings associated with child abuse and neglect, and immunodeficiency syndromes. I am also excited about innovations in the approach to pattern diagnosis, clinical findings, differential diagnosis, and treatment in all chapters including vesiculobullous disorders, papulosquamous eruptions, nodules and tumors, pigmentary disorders, reactive erythemas, and hair and nail disorders. 

Who will find the greatest value from this book and why?  

I am hoping that my colleagues in general dermatology, pediatrics, and pediatric and dermatology residents-in-training will find the new edition to be a good resource for learning pediatric dermatology.   I also look forward to feedback from my fellow pediatric dermatologists many of whom have directly or indirectly contributed to its content. 

What new ideas, practices, or procedures do you hope your readers take away from Pediatric Dermatology, 5th Edition?  

My focus in dermatology and certainly in pediatric dermatology is to identify diagnostic patterns that will hopefully send readers to the appropriate chapters in the book. My hope is that the images which have grown dramatically over the last four editions will allow them to focus on skin disorders in kids and, specifically, in their patients.  

What problem do you hope the future generation of pediatric dermatology will be able to solve?  

As we move forward in the development of biologic therapies and identification of genetic markers of disease in children and adults, my hope is that clinicians will be able to identify specific dermatologic disorders and intervene early. This should result in dramatic improvement in quality of life for children with skin disease. 

 Is there anything else about Pediatric Dermatology, 5th Edition that you’d like to say?  

I am indebted to all contributing authors who have made this edition and prior editions possible. I have learned a lot and will continue to learn from my colleagues in pediatrics, dermatology, and pediatric dermatology.  

About the Author 

“As a resident in pediatrics over 35 years ago it became apparent that few physicians including dermatologists knew much about skin issues in kids. That turned me on to pediatric dermatology after finishing my pediatric residency. I got boarded in Pediatrics, Dermatology, and Pediatric Dermatology and became an advocate for children in the dermatology community. In the last 40 years I have watched the pediatric dermatology world expand and have had the honor of collaborating with many other pediatric dermatologists.” – Bernard A. Cohen, MD 

Purchase your copy of Pediatric Dermatology, 5th Edition here!