EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

      We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement on Form S-4 and the related Prospectus of Medicis
Pharmaceutical Corporation relating to the registration of 1.5% Contingent
Convertible Senior Notes due 2033 and related underlying shares of its Class A
common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
August 9, 2002, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedule of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation included in its Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2002, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

                                                /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
July 16, 2003