Skin disease in antiquity
Keith Liddell
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7861/clinmedicine.6-1-81
Clin Med January 2006 Keith Liddell
East Sussex
MD FRCPRoles: Consultant Dermatologist
Abstract
Dermatological conditions and treatment in antiquity can be assessed by studying ancient skin, artefacts illustrating medical disorders and literature from the classified period as well as Egyptian papyri, cuneiform tablets and the Bible. It is often more useful and informative to study naturally preserved skin rather than artificially mummified skin. Great care must be taken in making retrospective diagnosis. Skin manifestations of internal diseases are, and have always been, of the greatest clinical importance. Study of the past may give an insight into the epidemiological aspects of diseases such as TB, leprosy and syphilis which have spread across the world with serious social consequences.
- © 2006 Royal College of Physicians
Article Tools
Skin disease in antiquity
Keith Liddell
Clinical Medicine Jan 2006, 6 (1) 81-86; DOI: 10.7861/clinmedicine.6-1-81
Citation Manager Formats
Jump to section
Related Articles
- No related articles found.
Cited By...
- No citing articles found.