This comprehensive reference work provides an alphabetical overview of the most important terms, clinical conditions, and treatment methods in the field of dermatology. Ranging from common everyday complaints to rare skin diseases, it covers the entire spectrum and is therefore an indispensable resource for dermatologists, general practitioners, and medical professionals. Interested lay readers will also find valuable guidance to help prepare for appointments in dermatology clinics.

Each entry includes clear definitions, detailed descriptions of clinical features, as well as current diagnostic and therapeutic options. Clearly structured and scientifically sound, this book successfully connects theory with practical clinical application.

An essential companion for study, clinical practice, and hospital settings — concise, clear, and always at hand.

Prof. Dr. med. Bernd Kardorff, dermatology, allergy, vein, and laser practices in Mönchengladbach–Rheydt and Neuss–Korschenbroich, member of the medermis clinics network.

The author is a board-certified specialist in Dermatology and Venereology, Allergology, Environmental Medicine, and Acupuncture. In the Ruhr region, he headed one of the world’s first laser outpatient clinics, was a co‑founder of the therapeutic field of community-based dermatological rehabilitation, and co‑developer of the patented atopic dermatitis skin model. He was also involved in the introduction and establishment of several cutting-edge dermatological therapies, including the treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo using the 308 nm excimer laser, as well as injection lipolysis.

Prof. Dr. Kardorff has authored numerous scientific publications over many years on various topics in dermatology and allergology. He is a co-author of the book series “Allergic Diseases in Clinical Practice” and the author and editor of the now 4th edition of “Gesunde Haut.”

Since the first edition of his groundbreaking Springer textbook “Selbstzahlerleistungen in der DERMATOLOGIE und der Ästhetischen Medizin” was published in 2005, Bernd Kardorff has been regarded as a founder of modern 21st-century practice-based dermatology. He has introduced generations of dermatologists to innovative diagnostic and therapeutic methods, enabling their medically sound integration into daily clinical practice for the benefit of patient-centered care.

Kardorff systematically popularized aesthetic and technology-based procedures among dermatologists, including a wide range of laser therapy systems, botulinum toxin injections, hyaluronic acid treatments, computer-assisted sequential video dermatoscopy, and digital imaging–based histopathological diagnostics using reflectance confocal laser scanning microscopy (RCM). As a result, many of these procedures are now part of the standard repertoire of dermatology practices, benefiting more than 100,000 patients per day across German-speaking countries.

Most recently, Bernd Kardorff was a co-author of the Springer book “Energy for the Skin” in both German and English editions. He has also been a member of the scientific advisory boards of various medical journals for many years.

The author was supported by the experienced dermatologists Inga Rotter d’Orville and Lida Massoudy from the dermatology, allergy, and vein practice in Korschenbroich, as well as Cristina Neamtu, now practicing in Vilshofen.