Psoriasis can no longer be considered a mere skin disease - it is a spectrum of different conditions requiring a spectrum of different treatments. Yet the systemic and psychosocial consequences of the condition often go unrecognized. The fourth edition of this refreshingly readable handbook explores the potential to improve the quality of life of patients by reducing the range of comorbidities associated with psoriasis, including arthritis, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Fast Facts: Psoriasis is packed with practical information on all aspects of this increasingly treatable disease, including: • a concise review of the immunologic and genetic aspects of the disease • a well-illustrated guide to clinical presentation and differential diagnosis • all management options, from topical treatments to current and emerging receptor-targeted therapies • a commonsense approach to management by rotating and combining therapies • a fully updated chapter on psoriatic arthritis 'Fast Facts: Psoriasis' is essential reading for the primary care team, dermatology trainees and specialists in cardiology, gastroenterology and rheumatology who want to learn all about psoriasis but have little time to spare. Contents: • Epidemiology and pathophysiology • Clinical presentation • Differential diagnosis • General management approach • Topical Therapy • Phototherapy and photochemotherapy • Systemic therapy • Receptor-targeted (biological) therapies • Psoriatic arthritis • Future trends • Useful resources

One of the major roles of anyone working in sexual health is that of educator, and many people rely on well-informed healthcare professionals to help them choose the most appropriate method of contraception. This completely revised third edition of 'Fast Facts: Contraception', by two new authors of international renown, provides a concise and practical review of all the available contraceptive methods on the market in a highly readable well-illustrated format. Highlights of this comprehensive handbook include: • A commonsense approach to the contraception consultation • Fully updated information on recently licensed products • Discussion of the risks, benefits and contraindications for all contraceptive methods. 'Fast Facts: Contraception' is an invaluable resource that will help healthcare professionals and specialists offer a broader range of contraceptive methods along with appropriate advice on the most suitable options. Contents: • Choosing a contraceptive method • Combined hormonal contraception • Progestogen-only methods • Intrauterine devices and systems • Barrier methods • Emergency contraception • Female sterilization • Vasectomy and hormonal methods for men • Biologically based methods • Postpartum contraception • Useful resources

'Fast Facts: Hyperlipidemia' provides a crisp and accurate summary of lipid disorders using clear language and illustrations. Directed at a broad range of healthcare professionals, from primary care physicians to specialists, this updated fifth edition addresses the importance of considering lipoprotein particles, not just their lipids. The authors, renowned experts from the UK and USA, interpret clinical trial evidence in the context of pathogenesis and provide practical solutions to the routine problems encountered in the clinical management of hyperlipidemias. Contents: • Lipids and lipoproteins - structure and physiology • Epidemiology and pathophysiology • Familial (monogenic) hypercholesterolemia • Polygenic hypercholesterolemia and combined hyperlipidemia • Hypertriglyceridemia • Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia • Dyslipidemia in insulin resistance, the metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus • Secondary hyperlipidemia • Dietary treatment • Drug treatment • When to treat • Biochemical tests • Useful resources

The term ‘bladder disorders’ encompasses a number of lower urinary tract dysfunctions and abnormalities that negatively affect quality of life. Some can cause considerable morbidity and even mortality. Three internationally recognized authors with different areas of expertise – a leading British urogynecologist, a chief of urology listed as one of America's "Best Doctors", and an American continence expert - have ensured that this second edition of 'Fast Facts: Bladder Disorders' is internationally relevant to the non-specialist working within a multidisciplinary team. Based on robust evidence and clinical experience, and supported by superb illustrations, this fact-filled handbook covers everything you will need to recognize the symptoms and signs of a wide range of bladder disorders from urinary incontinence to hematuria to UTIs. It also provides an excellent overview of basic pathophysiology, and will help practitioners initiate screening and assessment and, where appropriate, treatment. Contents: • Anatomy and function of the urinary system • Assessment • Urinary incontinence • The overactive bladder and urgency incontinence • Voiding problems • Hematuria • Urinary tract infections and cystitis • Nocturnal symptoms • Neuropathic bladder dysfunction • Special considerations • Useful resources

Early detection is essential if patients are to be offered the best chance of survival from colorectal cancer. Many of the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the development of this disease are now well recognized. In addition, new drug therapies have changed the way colorectal cancer is treated. 'Fast Facts: Colorectal Cancer' delivers concise and highly practical information on all aspects of this all too common disease. This fully updated third edition provides invaluable information for the primary care team, who are key to the screening and diagnosis of the disease, and essential to the provision of optimal support services. Written by three international specialists, this new edition has been substantially revised and expanded, and includes: • Discussion of the latest therapeutic developments in both the adjuvant and metastatic setting • Updated information on the genetic factors that contribute to development of the disease • Expert guidance on diagnosis, screening and treatments Contents: • Epidemiology and pathophysiology • Clinical presentation • Diagnosis and staging • Screening and surveillance • Treatment of the primary disease • Large bowel obstruction • Advanced and recurrent disease • Multidisciplinary management • Future trends • Useful Resources

Most men with BPH can be diagnosed and managed in the primary care setting. In choosing appropriate treatment, clinicians must take into account not only the nature and severity of symptoms but also the preferences of the patient and his immediate family, cost–benefit considerations and long-term effectiveness of therapy. Written by two leading urologists, 'Fast Facts: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia' provides a refreshingly readable, practical overview of the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of BPH including: • Use of DRE and PSA results to discriminate between prostate cancer and BPH • An evidence-based review of the latest medical therapies • A concise overview of the surgical and minimally invasive treatment options • When to refer to a urologist There is important work to do to raise awareness of men’s health issues in general and the problem of BPH in particular. Lower urinary tract symptoms are among the commonest reasons for a man to consult his doctor, and this ever-popular book – the first 7th edition in the Fast Facts series – remains a must-read for all primary care providers. Contents: • Pathophysiology • Diagnosis • Medical management • Traditional surgical treatment options • Minimally invasive treatment options • Considerations in treatment decisions • Issues in BPH • Useful resources

Hair is inextricably linked with an individual’s sense of worth, personal style and self-confidence. If this is overlooked by clinicians, patients presenting with hair disorders may feel undertreated and underappreciated. 'Fast Facts: Disorders of the Hair and Scalp' is a practical resource that will help healthcare professionals diagnose a wide range of hair and scalp disorders (including different types of hair loss), perform further investigations and, where appropriate, provide treatment options. Highlights include: • A well-illustrated overview of hair biology and the normal hair cycle • A clear guide to history taking, observational examination and investigation • Over 70 tables, illustrations and photographs to aid clinical diagnosis • A concise explanation of the role of androgens and genetics in male and female pattern hair loss • Practical steps for the assessment of diffuse hair loss • Comprehensive details of topical and systemic therapies for alopecia areata • A classification of scarring alopecias, with treatment options • Scalp disorders presented by symptom – scaly, itchy or painful • An overview of special problems in children This fully revised second edition of 'Fast Facts: Disorders of the Hair and Scalp' is an ideal resource for primary care practitioners, practice nurses, trainee dermatologists and medical students wanting to provide the most appropriate therapeutic, cosmetic and supportive advice to their patients, and for trichologists and consultant dermatologists wanting to keep up to date and informed on the many hair and scalp disorders. Contents: • Anatomy and physiology • Diagnosis • Androgenetic alopecia • Diffuse hair loss – telogen effluvium • Alopecia areata • Trichotillosis and traction alopecia • Scarring alopecia • Tinea capitis • Hirsutism and hypertrichosis • Scalp disorders • Special problems in children • Hair transplantation, care and cosmetics • Useful resources

Eczema can affect patients of all ages and few people are not affected to some degree at some point in their lives. Swift and accurate diagnosis coupled with the appropriate treatment regime is essential to avoid undue distress and suffering. 'Fast Facts: Eczema and Contact Dermatitis' is a concise, structured guide to the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of the various forms of eczema and contact dermatitis. Directed to the primary care physician, specialist nurse and other healthcare professionals, this is a concise and practical text written by experts. Superb illustrations and informative tables support an evidence-based approach which can be applied immediately for the benefit of patients in the clinical setting. • Succinctly and clearly summarises the clinical manifestations of eczema and contact dermatitis and the various treatment options • Clearly and concisely presented information supported by excellent illustrations • Contains all core information required by the primary healthcare team • Ideal text for medical students and trainee dermatologists Contents: • Allergic contact dermatitis • Irritant contact dermatitis • Atopic eczema • Photosensitive eczema • Seborrheic eczema • Hand and foot eczema • Other forms of eczema • Future trends • Useful resources

Advances in itch research have elucidated differences between itch and pain but have also blurred the distinction between them. There is a long debate about how somatic sensations including touch, pain, itch, and temperature sensitivity are encoded by the nervous system. Research suggests that each sensory modality is processed along a fixed, direct-line communication system from the skin to the brain. Itch: Mechanisms and Treatment presents a timely update on all aspects of itch research and the clinical treatment of itch that accompanies many dermatological conditions including psoriasis, neuropathic itch, cutaneous t-cells lymphomas, and systemic diseases such as kidney and liver disease and cancer. Composed of contributions from distinguished researchers around the world, the book explores topics such as: Neuropathic itch Peripheral neuronal mechanism of itch The role of PAR-2 in neuroimmune communication and itch Mrgprs as itch receptors The role of interleukin-31 and oncostatin M in itch and neuroimmune communication Spinal coding of itch and pain Spinal microcircuits and the regulation of itch Examining new findings on cellular and molecular mechanisms, the book is a compendium of the most current research on itch, its prevalence in society, and the problems associated with treatment.