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                                                                    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 and
the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-88590) pertaining to the 1992 Stock
Option Plan of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation of our report dated August 2,
1996 with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of
Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended June 30, 1996.
 
                                          ERNST & YOUNG, LLP
 
Phoenix, Arizona
September 24, 1996