Dermatology Foundation

Chronic Hand Eczema: Burden and Treatments

Dr. JiaDe Yu presented information about the burden, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic hand eczema (CHE). CHE is hand eczema that lasts >3 months or relapses >2 times per year. It is considered a subtype of atopic dermatitis (AD) or contact dermatitis (CD) in the United States and a stand-alone diagnosis in Europe. Yu…

On the Art and Science of Skin Immunity

As a child, Tiffany Scharschmidt, MD, found an outlet for her creativity through Chinese brush painting. Her fourth-grade teacher, seeing her aptitude and passion, encouraged her to join an adult evening class. She painted throughout her childhood but, as a mother of three and a busy clinician-scientist, Scharschmidt no longer has much time for it…

Photoprotection in Skin of Color:​ Understanding Photodamage and Optimizing Sunscreen Strategies

Dr. Susan Taylor presented information about personalized photoprotection strategies for individuals with skin of color. Photoprotection is the process of preventing the deleterious effects of the electromagnetic radiation (EMR) spectrum, including ultraviolet radiation (UVR), visible light (VL), and infrared light on the skin. It is necessary to maintain skin health and prevent photodamage, photoaging, and…

Updates in Pediatric Allergic Contact Dermatitis: What’s Hot and What’s Not

Dr. JiaDe Yu presented information about pediatric allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). ACD is a skin rash caused by direct contact with an allergen.  First, Yu discussed the prevalence of pediatric ACD. An estimated one-third of children will develop ACD; it may be overlooked because atopic dermatitis (AD) may have a similar appearance and is highly…

Mimickers of SJS/TEN

Dr. Jean Bolognia presented information about Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and diseases that mimic them. SJS and TEN are severe skin reactions that cause damage to the skin and mucus membranes and can be life-threatening. TEN typically involves the entire trunk. First, Bolognia discussed the expanding differential diagnosis of SJS/TEN. Previously, dermatologists would…

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (Chemo-labeled Antibodies)

Dr. Jean Bolognia presented information about antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs), including enfortumab vedotin, trastuzumab emtansine, trastuzumab deruxtecan, and loncastuximab tesirine. ADCs are monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) combined with a chemotherapeutic agent via a linker. They are associated with cutaneous side effects that dermatologists need to know about.  First, Bolognia explained the nomenclature of ADCs. The first part…

Alopecia Areata: An Update

Dr. Susan Taylor presented information about the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of alopecia areata (AA). AA has a significant impact on patient quality of life, including low self-esteem, emotional distress, mood disturbances, and disrupted relationships. Thus, patients need timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. First, Taylor discussed AA pathogenesis and clinical features. AA pathogenesis…

Advancing Dermatology for Latino Skin of Color

Maritza Perez, MD, is an indefatigable teacher who has mentored hundreds of residents since 1984 when she graduated from a dermatology residency in Puerto Rico. As a clinician, she made her mark by performing tens of thousands of Mohs surgeries, laser treatments, and cosmetic procedures, particularly in Latino skin of color. Perez, who retired in…

Update on the Management of Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause

Dr. Colleen Stockdale presented information that dermatologists should know about genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), including epidemiology, clinical presentation, differential diagnosis, and treatment options. GSM is an umbrella term describing the signs and symptoms of the female genitourinary tract caused by estrogen deficiency; it includes what was formerly called vaginal atrophy and atrophic vaginitis. Dermatologists…

Evaluation of Vulvovaginal Disorders

Dr. Colleen Stockdale presented information about trauma-informed care and its application when evaluating vulvovaginal disorders. First, Stockdale described the principles of trauma-informed care. Trauma may be physical or psychological, including sexual violence, intimate partner violence, adverse childhood experiences, neglect, loss, war and conflict, poverty, community violence, discrimination, medical trauma, and natural disasters. Trauma-informed care is…