Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 Nos. 33-45573, 33-88590, 33-311419, 33-333647, 333-81647, 333-101467, 333-126785), and in the Registration Statements (Form S-3 No. 333-97207 and Form S-4 No. 333-107089) of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation of our reports dated September 9, 2005, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation, Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Medicis Pharmaceutical Corporation, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended June 30, 2005.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Phoenix, Arizona
September 12, 2005