This is the ninth volume in the New Clinical Applications Der- matology Series. Some important topics that merit discussion are included in this book. Dr Messenger discusses clinicopathological aspects of the common disorder, alopecia areata. Dr Mendelsohn gives a straightforward, clear account of pregnancy eruptions. Dr Graham-Brown gives a comprehensive yet concise survey of that strange condition, lichen planus. Dr Graham treats us to a thorough appraisal of the enigmatic juvenile plantar dermatosis. Mr Walton takes an experienced comprehensive look at ectoparasites of import- ance to man and the concluding chapter by Dr Finlay provides a concise, helpful insight into how modern technology can aid der- matology. JULIAN VERBOV VII ABOUT THE EDITOR Dr Julian Verbov is Consultant Dermatologist to Liverpool Health Authority and Honorary Clinical Lecturer in Dermatology at the University of Liverpool. He is a member of the British Association of Dermatologists, repre- senting the British Society for Paediatric Dermatology on its Executive Committee. He is Editor of the Proceedings of the North of England Dermatological Society. He is a Fellow of the Zoological Society of London and a member of the Society of Authors. He is a popular national and international speaker and author of more than 200 publications. His special interests include paediatric dermatology, inherited disorders, dermatoglyphics, pruritus ani, cutaneous poly- arteritis nodosa, therapeutics, drug abuse, and medical humour. He organizes the British Postgraduate Course in Paediatric Dermatology and is a member of the Editorial Board of Clinical and Experimental Dermatology.