Eric

Establishment of an Immune-Cell Niche in Skin

Dr. Rosenblum presented his research that identified a novel immune cell niche and its possible clinical applications. First, Dr. Rosenblum discussed regulatory T cells (Tregs) and their role in skin disease. Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases result from disruption in the balance of autoreactive and regulatory cells. Tregs are a type of regulatory cell in the…

Clinic-Based Surgery for HS

Dr. Sayed presented information about clinic-based surgical procedures for patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). First, Dr. Sayed discussed the role of dermatologists in providing surgical care for HS. HS medications can be used to treat inflammation, but the physical wounds and skin changes remain. Surgery may be a good option for patients who do not…

Evolving Treatment of HS

Dr. Sayed presented an overview of treatment options for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and reviewed ongoing clinical trials. The landscape of treatment for HS is rapidly changing. Dr. Sayed predicts that many more treatment options will become available in the next 5–10 years. First, Dr. Sayed described current HS treatment options, including adalimumab, infliximab, golimumab, and…

JAK Inhibitor Therapy for Alopecia Areata

Dr. Aguh presented about alopecia areata (AA) and treatment with JAK inhibitors. First, Dr. Aguh described AA and the categories of disease severity. Common subtypes of AA include patch, totalis, and universalis; additional subtypes include ophiasis, incognito, and canitis subita, which manifests as sudden graying of the hair. She described that fortunately, most patients have…

Remarkable Career Yields Long-term Benefits for Dermatology

In every field of medical science, there are a handful of leaders recognized by their peers as giants. Dr. John Voorhees, MD, FRCP (London), is one such leader. In an illustrious career spanning several decades, Dr. Voorhees has advanced medical knowledge through dermatologic research, developed innovative approaches to psoriasis treatment, taught and mentored dozens of…

Dr. Michael Goldfarb

The Value of Connection

In the 38 years he has mentored residents, lectured on dermatology, and run a clinical practice, Dr. Goldfarb has advocated the value of human connection with patients and residents. He believes it inspires trust, enables learning, creates a reciprocal environment of care, and is the central element to bring to a lecture hall, a clinical research unit, or a patient clinic.

Off to the Races: Engineering CA(A)R-T Cells for Skin Disease Therapy

CAR T cell therapy is a personalized immunotherapy technology. A patient’s T cells are collected, genetically altered to express chimeric antigen receptors, and reinfused. CAR T cells seek out and kill target cells that express the specified antigen, such as CD19 or B cell maturation antigen (BCMA). Additionally, CAR T cells are programmed to proliferate and produce memory CAR T cells in the presence of target cells. Ongoing research into chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy and chimeric autoantibody receptor (CAAR) T cell therapy for cancers and autoimmune diseases, including pemphigus vulgaris (PV) may lead to clinical trials.

Don’t Miss it! Important Skin Diseases in Children

There are rare but important causes of neonatal blistering, diaper rash, and solitary skin nodules. Incontinentia pigmenti (IP), for example, is an X-linked dominant disorder affecting the skin, eyes, and central nervous system. IP is suspected when blisters occur in a blaschkoid distribution. Because IP is lethal in males, presentation of a female patient whose mother has a history of miscarriages can indicate this disease. IP can be diagnosed based solely on rash and skin biopsy results, without genetic testing. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality by preventing seizures and promoting development.

Top 10 Tips for Treating Skin Disease in Children with Cancer

Children with melanoma may present with different clinical characteristics than adults. They are more likely to present as amelanotic, rapidly growing nodules. Incorporate modified diagnostic criteria for pediatric melanoma and consider the evolution of a lesion. Pediatric melanoma is rare but often diagnosed too late.

Updates in Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis is a group of inflammatory skin diseases characterized by visible, sterile pustules on inflamed skin. It appears in generalized and localized forms and can occur in patients with or without a history of psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis has distinct genetic risk factors, inflammatory profile, and response to treatment compared to psoriasis. Thus, it may be its own unique disease. PPP is characterized by sterile pustules on the palms and soles. There is no consensus on optimal treatment , although acitretin, methotrexate, and phototherapy are among the more common treatments.