Education

Cutting-edge talks from today’s specialty experts attract attendees to the DF’s annual CME meeting: Clinical Symposia—Advances in Dermatology.

How I Do It: Pediatric Psoriasis Cases

Dr. Chiu presented information about the treatment of pediatric psoriasis beyond the use of topical steroids. First, Dr. Chiu described treatment options for pediatric psoriasis when topical steroids are insufficient. When discussing treatment options with the family, she typically offers three categories: phototherapy, oral medication, and injectables. Dr. Chiu reads the room and uses parents’…

Atopic Dermatitis: Guidelines of Care

Dr. Cohen presented information about the updated guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for topical, systemic, and phototherapy treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD).   First, Dr. Cohen discussed updated AAD guidelines for topical therapies. Moisturizers, calcineurin inhibitors, topical corticosteroids, topical phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitors, and Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are strongly recommended. Dr. Cohen encouraged…

Challenging Cases That Have Taught Me Oncology

Dr. Choi presented three oncodermatology cases that demonstrate clinical pearls for the diagnosis and treatment of oral graft versus host disease (GVHD), nutritional deficiencies, and aleukemic leukemia cutis (LC). Case #1 A 71-year-old female with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) presented with oral pain and bleeding and bruising of the gums…

Varicose Veins for Dermatologists

Dr. Wysong presented information about varicose veins for dermatologists. Dermatologists frequently see patients with venous disease in clinic but have limited formal training in treating it. First, Dr. Wysong shared an overview of varicose vein disease including anatomy, epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical presentation. Venous insufficiency is the inability of the blood to return efficiently from…

2024 DF Clinical Symposium

The DF Clinical Symposium has a reputation for excellence that attracts hundreds yearly to receive a serious, in-depth medical educational experience and support the Foundation’s work.

Stuff I Worry About: High-Risk Squamous Cell Carcinoma and High-Risk Patients

Dr. Baum presented information about tumor- and patient-specific risk factors for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). First, Dr. Baum noted that the cSCC incidence in the US is increasing, with an estimated 180,000–520,000 new cases annually and a metastatic rate of 2–5%. Patients with bulky nodal disease have higher recurrence rates and lower overall survival…

In-Transit Melanoma Metastases

Dr. Baum described melanoma in-transit metastases (ITMs) and presented an overview of current treatments. Melanoma ITMs are lesions that develop between the primary tumor site and the draining nodal basin via lymphatic seeding, separate from spreading in the blood. ITMs occur in 5–10% of patients with melanoma and typically develop within 13–18 months. Fifty percent…

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…