title: Detailed, controlled, and documented self-experimentation in dermatology.
abstract: Because the skin is easily available, the combination of frequent periods of critical observation, the dermatologist's clinical experience, and carefully controlled documentation of these observations allow for self-experimentation in dermatologic disorders on the part of clinicians. The practical value of such self-experimentation has been shown over many years, especially by the use of skin surface microscopy at moderate magnification to examine various lesions; to document sensitization experiments with nickel, Japanese lacquer, and nitrogen mustard; to examine prolonged use of topical fungicides for the treatment of onychomycoses; and to contribute to extensive and continuing experiments in laser medicine.
mesh_terms: D003452:Cryosurgery; D003880:Dermatology; D005260:Female; D006805:Human Experimentation; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy