Congenital abnormalities of the skin: future directions

The inherited abnormalities of the skin are easily recognizable and readily accessible. They involve structures of different embryonic origins, are amenable to study in in vitro systems, are available for study in laboratory and domestic animal models, and are eminently suited to the type of interdisciplinary research presented at this workshop. Biochemists, geneticists, and clinicians in various disciplines all profit by this exchange of information. Ultimately, the gain is for the patient in the treatment and prevention of inherited dermatologic disorders.