Education
Cutting-edge talks from today’s specialty experts attract attendees to the DF’s annual CME meeting: Clinical Symposia—Advances in Dermatology.
Dermatologic Emergencies: SJS/TEN Mimics
Dr. Lindy Fox presented information about dermatologic emergencies that mimic Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN). First, Dr. Fox described SJS/TEN, a severe skin reaction that causes damage to the skin and mucus membranes and can be life-threatening. Dr. Fox believes that SJS and TEN are two distinct conditions. SJS typically presents as targetoid lesions that…
“From the Door” Diagnosis of Life-threatening Infections
Dr. Lindy Fox presented four patient cases demonstrating the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of life-threatening cutaneous infections. She referred to these infections as “from the door” diagnoses because the clinical presentation is clearly concerning from the moment you walk in the door. Case #1 A 33-year-old female with dermatomyositis presented with bullae and purpuric…
How I Do It: Psoriasis in Skin of Color
Dr. Ginette Okoye presented information about the clinical presentation and treatment of psoriasis in patients with skin of color. First, Dr. Okoye described the clinical presentation of psoriasis in patients with skin of color. Classic psoriasis, characterized by well-demarcated erythematous (red) plaques and micaceous (silver-colored) scales, can occur in these patients. Non-classic presentations of psoriasis…
Common and Uncommon Pitfalls in Clinicopathologic Correlation
Dr. Olayemi Sokumbi discussed three patient cases that demonstrate pitfalls in clinicopathologic correlation (CPC), the correlation between clinical and histopathological diagnosis. She believes that the gold standard for diagnosis involves collaboration between the dermatologist and dermatopathologist. Case #1: Double whammy A 28-year-old male presented with scattered plaques and nodules on his arms and legs. He…
Skin Color in Clinicopathological Correlation
Dr. Sokumbi presented information about the role of skin color in clinicopathological correlation (CPC) and dermatopathology. She argued that dermatologists should understand how skin of color clinical deficiencies, and biases impact dermatopathology and shared three patient cases of inflammatory dermatoses that demonstrate pitfalls to consider in skin of color. Case #1: Overcoming bias A 64-year-old…
Skin Cancer Syndrome: Update on Gorlin Syndrome
Dr. Billingsley presented information about the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of Gorlin syndrome. First, Dr. Billingsley discussed the etiology and epidemiology of Gorlin syndrome. Gorlin syndrome is a tumor predisposing disorder with systemic manifestations that affects approximately 11,000 people in the US. It is caused by a genetic mutation affecting the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) signaling…
Surgical Pearls
Dr. Billingsley presented 7 surgical pearls for dermatologists. #1: Curettage alone Dr. Billingsley shared techniques for using curettage alone for well-defined skin cancer lesions. #2: Pulley suture and purse-string closure Dr. Billingsley described how to perform the pulley suture and purse-string closure. The pulley suture is a quick way to close wounds under tension, such…
Scar Wars
Dr. Wysong presented information about scar assessment and treatment. First, Dr. Wysong discussed managing patient expectations for scar treatment. Scars are an outcome of the natural healing process when fibrous tissue replaces normal skin after skin injury. Patients should understand that their skin will never be exactly the same. Dr. Wysong makes sure to ask…
Update on Contact Dermatitis
Dr. Cohen shared updated information about contact dermatitis (CD), including trends, common allergens, consort CD, and systemic CD. Reading product labels is critical for diagnosing CD because most products contain common allergens. Dr. Cohen advised that there is overlap between CD and atopic dermatitis (AD). If a patient’s skin does not clear with treatment, consider…