EXHIBIT 23.1

               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-45573) pertaining to the 1988 and 1990 Stock Option Plans, in the
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-88590) pertaining to the 1992 Stock
Option Plan, in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-311419) pertaining
to the 1995 Stock Option Plan, in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.
33-333647) pertaining to the 1996 Stock Option Plan, in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-81647) pertaining to the 1998 Stock Option Plan, and
in the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-97207) of Medicis Pharmaceutical
Corporation of our report dated August 9, 2002, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation included
in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 2002.

                                                           /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
September 26, 2002