Over the decades, research has demonstrated that in categories of life deemed to be important, beautiful people achieve more desirable outcomes, are judged more favorably, and receive preferential treatment. An understanding of the historical aspects, science, and implications of what the human mind finds aesthetically pleasing is quintessential for dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and others who practice aesthetic medicine as the importance of beauty in today's society is what brings patients into clinics. While an element of dissatisfaction with one's appearance is commonplace, clinicians should remain vigilant for individuals who seek cosmetic procedures to quell excessive body image concerns that are out of proportion to objective physical findings. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a disorder of self-perception; it is the impairing preoccupation with a nonexistent or minimal flaw in appearance. According to recent statistics, BDD occurs in 0.7-2.4% of the general population; however, multiple studies have suggested an incidence of 6-16% in patients seeking aesthetic medical treatments. Moreover, a vast majority will at some point seek dermatologic treatment and cosmetic surgery. Such patients are unlikely to be satisfied with corrective procedures, and only 15% of dermatologists surveyed thought that they could successfully treat BDD. Therefore, Beauty and Body Dysmor phic Disorder aims to assist dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other aesthetic providers in recognizing key characteristics as well as providing treatment strategies to help in caring for those with BDD.

This book addresses the importance of the physicians' understanding on how varying ethnic and cultural identities can affect dermatological disease presentation in patients. It bridges the gap in knowledge for practicing dermatologists, especially those not studying or practicing in a highly multi-ethnic center who may not be exposed to patients from a variety of cultures. Concise and cohesive, the book examines how dermatoses can manifest due to cosmetic practices, therapeutics, religious practices, cultural hair-related practices, and environmental variables. These elements underscore that without exposure to patients of varying backgrounds, it can be nearly impossible to learn about practices that may influence a patient's health. There are many examples of cultural practices causing dermatologic lesions, and it is becoming increasingly more likely that practicing dermatologists will encounter patients with these findings as migration, tourism, and public interest continue to rise. Socially conscientious and relevant, Cultural Practices and Dermatoses covers everything from more common cultural practices, such as acupuncture and threading, to lesser known ones, like pew blisters and turban ear, as there is limited medical literature describing their cutaneous effects and complications.

Over the decades, research has demonstrated that in categories of life deemed to be important, beautiful people achieve more desirable outcomes, are judged more favorably, and receive preferential treatment. An understanding of the historical aspects, science, and implications of what the human mind finds aesthetically pleasing is quintessential for dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and others who practice aesthetic medicine as the importance of beauty in today's society is what brings patients into clinics. While an element of dissatisfaction with one's appearance is commonplace, clinicians should remain vigilant for individuals who seek cosmetic procedures to quell excessive body image concerns that are out of proportion to objective physical findings. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a disorder of self-perception; it is the impairing preoccupation with a nonexistent or minimal flaw in appearance. According to recent statistics, BDD occurs in 0.7-2.4% of the general population; however, multiple studies have suggested an incidence of 6-16% in patients seeking aesthetic medical treatments. Moreover, a vast majority will at some point seek dermatologic treatment and cosmetic surgery. Such patients are unlikely to be satisfied with corrective procedures, and only 15% of dermatologists surveyed thought that they could successfully treat BDD. Therefore, Beauty and Body Dysmor phic Disorder aims to assist dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and other aesthetic providers in recognizing key characteristics as well as providing treatment strategies to help in caring for those with BDD.