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In dermatology, the number of treatment options and products available to our patients continues to grow exponentially. The introduction of topical steroids revolutionized the treatment of skin disease. Now this treatment category has expanded to scores of products in seven different classes. Moreover, the options in topical steroids continue to grow. This class of drugs has most recently expanded to include a wide variety of delivery systems. Despite a fifty year presence in dermatology, topical steroids continue to be a workhorse in dermatology practices today. One cannot imagine the practice of dermatology without topical steroids as a treatment modality.

The introduction of retinoids transformed the treatment of two of our most common dermatologic diseases, namely, acne and psoriasis. Now retinoids are an essential part of our armamentarium. Retinoids are especially important in dermatology because these pharmacologic agents play a critical role in gene activation and differentiation of keratinocytes. They influence many regulatory aspects of the skin. The applications and impact of retinoid therapy in skin disease are far reaching.

Cosmetic dermatology established itself as a new and rapidly growing field. The products available for treatment at that time were limited. The rate of growth in this area of dermatology is outstanding. New fillers are being introduced to the market at a rapid pace. Additionally, research in the area of toxins continues to grow. The realm of lasers, lights and therapeutic devices is yet another rapidly expanding domain in cosmetic dermatology. High growth in cosmetic dermatology is driven by increased patient interest in non-invasive cosmetic interventions. Although many treatments are available currently, it appears that we are just at the beginning of the journey aesthetic medicine will have in the field of dermatology.

The most recent addition to the dermatologic inventory is biologic therapy. Biologics have introduced a new model in the treatment of psoriasis. These novel therapies offer psoriasis patients and the physicians who treat them a whole new catalog of pharmacologic agents to treat moderate to severe disease. In addition, the use of biologics in other skin conditions is expanding. The possible future applications of biologic therapy are exciting. Research in biologics will continue to grow and produce unique therapies for our most challenging dermatologic conditions.

It is clear that the field of dermatology is expanding rapidly, and the myriad treatment options reflect our dynamic specialty. DermProducts: The Kestrel Dermatology Product Sourcebook provides us with a new resource for choosing among the many products that are available to us as practicing dermatologists. This includes not only prescription therapies and therapeutic devices, but also over-the-counter and physician-dispensed products. DermProducts fills a real void as it offers practicing dermatologists and their staff a quick reference guide for the varied therapies and products we use every day. For those who need to keep up with the ever-expanding specialty of dermatology, DermProducts, as a resource and reference guide, stands up to the challenge.