2023 CS Plenary Sessions
It’s not often you can surround yourself with experts in your field who are as willing to engage with you as you are with them—not unless you attend DF’s annual Clinical Symposium. Year after year, the event gathers illustrious speakers as well as kudos. People come to converse, learn, and debate.
We’ve selected summaries of mini-symposia presentations delivered in 2023 by Drs. Adewole Adamson, Crystal Aguh, Christian Baum, Daniel Bennett, Brittany Craiglow, John Harris, Jennifer Huang, Megan Noe, Aimee Payne, Michael Rosenblum, and Christopher Sayed.
Cancer Overdiagnosis: A Dermatopathologist’s Perspective
Dr. Bennett shared his perspective on melanoma overdiagnosis and how to address the problem. First, Dr. Bennett advised dermatologists to be careful about the language they use to describe melanoma screening and diagnosis. “Overdiagnosis” means using current diagnostic criteria to correctly diagnose a condition that may not harm the patient. Overdiagnosis does not mean misdiagnosis….
Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss
Dr. Craiglow presented about the use of oral minoxidil for hair loss disorders. First, Dr. Craiglow described the history of oral minoxidil treatment. Oral minoxidil was first used in patients with severe refractory hypertension, and hair growth was reported as a side effect. The exact mechanisms of oral minoxidil are unclear. It functions as a…
Big Medicines for Little People: Systemic Therapies in Pediatric Dermatology
Dr. Craiglow discussed systemic therapies for pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis and shared tips for treating children. First, Dr. Craiglow emphasized the importance of patient experience in assessing the severity of disease. She suggested asking patients how much the disease affects their life on a scale from 0 (not at all) to 10 (ruins…
Vitiligo Treatment from the Iron Age to the Age of Biologics: New Hope for an Ancient Disease
Dr. Harris presented an overview of past and present treatments for vitiligo, including advances in vitiligo research and ongoing work to improve vitiligo treatment in the future. First, Dr. Harris described research that led to FDA approval of topical ruxolitinib for vitiligo. Dr. Harris sought to develop targeted immunotherapies that could treat vitiligo while avoiding…
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…