Hepatitis B and the Dermatologist

Bastien, Michael R; Smith, J Graham

Abstract

Hepatitis B is a global health problem and an imgiortant cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in the Far East. In Korea, perinatal transmissian is presently: the most import.ant route of transmission with an almost universa.l history of past infection seen in the adult population, In future years, with the implernentation of neonatal immunoprophylaxis the population at risk will shift from neonates to older chilrdren and young adults who have failed to receive necessary booster immunizations. The need for optimal preventive practices in social are medical activities will then he increasingly more important. In this article we have reviewed some of the recent information in understanding hepartitis B, arid provided specific suggestions to asisist the ciermatologist in practiing with optimal prevention in his office. Through combined efforts the future eradication of hepatitis B may be realized.