During the past decade enormous progress has been made in our understanding of the molecular genetic basis of many dermatological disorders, and such information is already beginning to impact on clinical practice. This publication provides dermatologists with a concise summary of what is presently known about the genetic basis of monogenic and polygenic dermatological disorders. Each disease is reviewed in an identical manner: clinical features, etc. The glossary provides a thorough grounding in the fundamentals of genetic terminology and techniques. Aimed primarily at dermatologists, this book also provides much of interest to clinical geneticists and genetic counsellors. With its quick reference format, it is designed to appeal to practitioners. The book consists of all the currently known genetic defects for dermatological diseases and lends itself to being a rapid reference for physicians who provide genetic counselling for their patients.