Rheumatic Diseases and the Skin, Introduction

RHEUMATIC DISEASES AND THE SKIN

Rheumatic Diseases and the Skin, Introduction

Mar
2001
Vol. 20. No. 1
Fern A. Wirth, MD

THE DERMATOLOGIST has always had a central role in the diagnosis of
patients with rheumatologic disorders. Our expertise in skin conditions allows us to help our colleagues and patients by diagnosing specific skin lesions that are recognized criteria for the American Rheumatologic Association diagnosis of diseases. For example, confirmation of Gottron’s papules for dermatomyositis or cutaneous sclerosis in scleroderma may help diagnose patients earlier. Although our potential role in the care of rheumatologic patients is clear, there is a paucity of reference texts on this topic in the dermatologic literature. Our goal in this issue of Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery is to create a concise reference text on the rheumatologic diseases and the skin.

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