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Marie Bosslett is the assistant editor of 

 and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in October 2024. She attended Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with minors in marketing and writing. When she’s not writing, Marie enjoys going to concerts, reading on the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

Articles

Pediatric dermatologist Mercedes E. Gonzalez, MD, discusses roflumilast's promise as a safe, non-steroidal treatment for atopic dermatitis in infants.

Shifting the Paradigm in Infant Atopic Dermatitis Treatment with Roflumilast

A study reveals the significant emotional burden of work-related chronic hand eczema, highlighting the need for tailored psychological support for affected patients.

German Study Explores the Emotional Impact of Work-Related CHE

Maddi Hebebrand is an associate editor of 

and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in May 2024. She attended Baldwin Wallace University, studying Media Production and Film, and received her Masters in Digital Media from Ohio University. When she's not writing, Maddi loves to read, attend concerts and spend time with her family. 

Explore the latest insights on IL-17 inhibitors for psoriasis, highlighting their mechanisms, real-world benefits, and future treatment strategies.

Inside IL-17 Inhibitors Advancing Psoriasis Care

and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in February 2023. She attended Kent State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism with minors in public relations and creative writing. She enjoys making and listening to music, reading, and spending time with her cats, Astrid and Marceline.

This review of the latest dermatologic studies includes insights into differences in vitamin D levels in rosacea versus healthy individuals, psychosocial determinants and atopic dermatitis outcomes, and more.

Journal Digest: June 18, 2025

Dermatology Times connects dermatology professionals with key skin disorder coverage, therapeutic strategies, clinical trial updates, and expert insights.

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Randy Dotinga is a medical writer based in San Diego, Calif.

A newly approved medication called sonidegib (Odomzo) gives physicians a second option in a class of medications designed to treat a small number of patients who suffer from locally advanced basal cell carcinoma and meet other criteria.  Learn more

Sonidegib offers new option for basal cell cancer

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Comparative Studies in AD

Panelists offer concluding insights and emphasize the critical role of comparative studies in advancing atopic dermatitis treatment strategies.

clinical

Video Series

Peter Lio, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and founding director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center, spoke to 

2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference

 in Nashville, Tennessee. His presentation, titled “Pediatric AD: Patient, Provider, Caregiver Connection,” touched on the evolving landscape of personalized medicine and the potential impact of what’s to come, specifically for pediatric patients.

 What are your thoughts on personalized medicine in atopic dermatitis [AD]?

This personalized or precision medicine we're heading toward is so important. I think that we're not there yet, and some of the things have been a little disappointing. We were thinking that when the first biologics came out in 2017, maybe they would help us subtype, and the fancy term for this is a diagnosis 

. You can make a diagnosis or understand what's happening by what helps. So we thought, for example, if you block IL-4 and [IL-]13, maybe that will only treat a certain type and...won't touch another type, and that'll help us separate. But it didn't work that way. So, we hadn't had a lot of insight into the phenotype differences, what they look like, or the endotypes, like biomarkers or molecular markers, yet, but I think we're getting close because it's starting to converge. There definitely are threads, but we’re waiting for someone to pull them together into a cohesive story that is then clinically actionable. It would be nice to know if you have subtype XYZ, but if it doesn't mean I could do anything...the best would be if I say, ‘You have this subtype, and this is the preferred treatment,’ both from an efficacy [standpoint], which is how we're usually thinking about it, but let's not forget about the safety as well. For example, if a treatment has the potential to cause conjunctivitis, allergic reaction, or arthritis, maybe I'll be able to say, “You shouldn't get this one because you have this particular subtype; you're more likely to develop this problem.” That holistic picture of meeting the patient's needs with exactly the right therapy [is] the promise of precision medicine. We're not there, but we are definitely dying to get there, and I think we're seeing the movement forward.

Were there any other notable takeaways from your presentation at RAD 2025?

 We talked a little bit about how we can keep the safety aspects of medicines in perspective, [as well as] the analogy I sometimes use for patients who are really worried about, for example, a biologic, but [have] been on multiple courses of prednisone or prednisolone. I say it's kind of like you've been riding around on a motorcycle without your helmet, and now you're worried about going on this commercial airline. There really are risks to everything. I wish I could say there was no risk, [but] there are risks. Bad things can happen, but bad things can happen even if you're not on the medicine. Certainly, some medicines are more risky than others, so we have to make sure we're comparing apples to apples because people will say, “Well, I've been on prednisone a bunch of times, and nothing bad has happened.” I know, but it's like Russian roulette. It’s much more worrisome than some of these newer drugs. And we know that because a lot of the older medicines never had the kind of studies we have now. It's a very different standard...but the newer drugs have a really rigorous set. So it's, again, trying to compare it and keep it in perspective, [and] trying to balance the corticosteroid phobia. People are worried about topical steroids, and I am too. I'm very cautious with them. But sometimes people say, “I don't want to use them no matter what,” and that can be a loss for them, too, especially because some of the nonsteroidal agents [may not be] as strong, or I can't get them for the patient.... So we have to walk that tightrope. That's part of what I tried to convey in the talk. This is something we have to do for each patient.

 What are your thoughts on the upcoming Prescription Drug User Fee Act date for ruxolitinib cream in pediatric patients aged 2 to 12 [years]?

We are always looking for new therapies. There are just so many unmet needs in this patient population. There's that old adage, “Every pot has a lid.” We're always looking for new lids to help meet people's needs. And with each new medication, that's important. So with topical ruxolitinib, a very powerful [Janus kinase] inhibitor medication, we're really needing that in younger patients. Arguably, it is one of the most powerful nonsteroidal medicines that we have in our armamentarium. Now, there are some trade-offs with that. It does have some potential safety issues. It has some limitations on body surface area, and even with chronic use, you're ideally going to use it in a noncontinuous fashion. You'll take little breaks. All that being said, it is a very powerful medicine that works very quickly for both inflammation and itch in these patients. So I'm very excited to have this for younger patients, because we know it hadn't been studied in the younger patients, and it's not approved, [so] we can't get it. But now we have the studies, and hopefully we're going to get the approval...because it really does look to be safe and effective from the studies in these patients down to 2 years of age. That will be really powerful for us.

1. Lio P. Pediatric AD: Patient, Provider, Caregiver Connection. Presented at: 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference; June 6-7, 2025; Nashville, TN.

Personalized medicine in atopic dermatitis (AD) is advancing, though challenges remain in identifying specific subtypes and corresponding treatments. The goal is to tailor therapies based on efficacy and safety, but more research is needed. Safety concerns with biologics and corticosteroids require careful consideration, balancing risks and benefits for each patient. The potential approval of ruxolitinib cream for pediatric patients offers a promising non-steroidal option, addressing unmet needs in younger populations. This JAK-inhibitor shows efficacy in reducing inflammation and itch, with manageable safety considerations.

Discover insights from Peter Lio, MD, on precision medicine in pediatric atopic dermatitis and the promising role of ruxolitinib at the RAD 2025 Conference.

Q&A: Peter Lio, MD, on Safety in Pediatric AD Management and the Promise of Precision Medicine

Although the precise etiology of vitiligo remains complex, involving a combination of genetic predisposition and immune dysregulation, recent therapeutic advancements have shifted focus toward personalized medicine. Most notably, topical Janus kinase inhibitors such as ruxolitinib have received approval in the US and Europe, signaling a new era in targeted therapy.

 However, clinical heterogeneity among patients continues to challenge standard classification and treatment.

A recent single-center observational study conducted at the University of Bordeaux aimed to address this issue by identifying distinct clinical phenotypes among individuals with nonsegmental vitiligo.

 Using a combination of factor analysis of mixed data (FAMD) and consensus clustering techniques, the study stratified 399 patients into 5 reproducible and clinically meaningful clusters. This approach moves beyond the conventional classification of vitiligo, which typically centers on lesion distribution alone.


Patients included in the study had a confirmed diagnosis of nonsegmental vitiligo and had not received any systemic or topical treatments within the prior year. Comprehensive clinical data, including lesion localization, disease activity signs (eg, trichrome and confetti lesions), family history, autoimmune comorbidities, and Koebner phenomenon in vitiligo scores (K-VSCOR), were systematically collected using a standardized physician-administered questionnaire.

The data set was analyzed using FAMD to reduce dimensionality and account for both continuous and categorical variables. K-means consensus clustering was then applied to identify stable phenotypic groups.


This group exhibited the most clinical activity, including high frequencies of trichrome (96%) and confetti lesions (80%), along with trauma-associated depigmentation (Koebner type 2B). Patients had moderate surface involvement (mean Vitiligo Extent Score [VES]: 9.27) and commonly experienced pruritus. Systemic therapies, including oral steroid minipulses (60%) and narrowband UVB (60%), were frequently prescribed. This cluster is of particular interest because of its elevated risk of rapid progression, warranting early therapeutic intervention.


Characterized by limited disease extent (mean VES: 1.49) and minimal signs of activity, this group primarily had facial and acral lesions. Topical treatments were predominant, but more than half of these patients (52%) were lost to follow-up, possibly reflecting low perceived disease burden or treatment dissatisfaction.


Patients in this group had widespread disease (mean VES: 32.4), prolonged duration (mean: 24.9 years), and the highest incidence of leukotrichia (26.5%). Nearly half received systemic therapy, but treatment response is often limited because of the chronicity and depigmented hair. This cluster exemplifies treatment resistance and highlights the need for more robust therapeutic strategies.

Moderate to Severe Type 2A Koebner Vitiligo (13.3%)


With lesions largely confined to friction-prone areas (eg, elbows, knees, waistline), this cluster shared pathophysiological similarities with psoriasis. Despite moderate disease extent (mean VES: 7.04), patients displayed low disease activity, favoring topical treatments with supplemental phototherapy in select cases.


This cluster was the largest and was defined by localized lesions in classic Koebner sites and acral regions, with low disease activity and moderate K-VSCOR values. Notably, this group showed the highest incidence of halo nevi (24.2%), a potentially meaningful clinical marker. Most were managed conservatively with topical agents and phototherapy.


The identification of these 5 distinct clinical phenotypes represents a significant step toward tailored vitiligo management. “These ‘super-active’ patients likely have a high risk of disease progression within the next 3 to 6 months,” the authors noted, emphasizing the importance of early systemic treatment for this subgroup. In contrast, patients with extensive or long-standing disease—especially those with leukotrichia—may benefit from intensified strategies, although therapeutic options remain limited.

One key limitation of the study is the exclusion of patient-reported outcomes, such as quality of life or psychological burden, which are critical in chronic skin disorders. Additionally, the study did not utilize the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index, a common metric in clinical trials, which may affect cross-study comparability.

Nevertheless, the use of machine learning methods to identify clinically relevant clusters based on real-world data provides a more nuanced understanding of vitiligo. Future multicenter studies incorporating molecular and immunologic profiling alongside clinical data could further refine these classifications. Moreover, artificial intelligence–driven clustering could enhance stratification while maintaining clinical interpretability.


This study underscores the clinical heterogeneity of nonsegmental vitiligo and proposes a novel phenotype-based classification model that may improve therapeutic decision-making. By moving beyond lesion distribution to include disease activity, comorbidities, and site-specific involvement, clinicians can adopt a more individualized approach, ultimately enhancing outcomes in this complex disorder.

1. Li W, Dong P, Zhang G, Hu J, Yang S. Emerging therapeutic innovations for vitiligo treatment.

 2025;47(3):191. doi:10.3390/cimb47030191

2. Galissi L, Benoît T, Merhi R, et al. Clinical heterogeneity in vitiligo: identification of clinical markers based patient clusters.

Published online June 9, 2025. doi:10.1111/jdv.20785

Recent advancements in vitiligo treatment emphasize personalized medicine, with topical JAK inhibitors like ruxolitinib gaining approval. A study at the University of Bordeaux identified five distinct clinical phenotypes in non-segmental vitiligo using factor analysis and consensus clustering. These phenotypes include highly active, mild, extensive, moderate to severe type 2A Koebner, and mild type 2A Koebner vitiligo. This classification aids in tailored management strategies. Limitations include the exclusion of patient-reported outcomes and the absence of VASI scoring, but the study highlights the potential of machine learning in refining vitiligo treatment.

Recent research outlined 5 subtypes of vitiligo that can be used to guide therapeutic choices.

Five Clinical Subtypes Identified in Vitiligo Cohort

Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, speaks with melanoma survivor and patient advocate Brittany Groover.

Derm Dispatch: Melanoma Doesn't Wait -- Neither Should You

, Renata Block, PA-C, spoke with Brittanny Groover, a melanoma survivor and passionate advocate for skin cancer awareness. Groover, now in her late twenties, shared the deeply personal story of how she developed melanoma after years of frequent tanning, a habit formed in her teen years and encouraged by her environment. Growing up with her mother—who also loved tanning—Groover spent countless hours in the sun and later, in tanning beds. Even after beginning regular skin checks as a young adult, her belief that "it won’t happen to me" persisted until the moment it did.

Her diagnosis came after she noticed a mole on her shin growing in size and changing in appearance. Although she had an established history of annual dermatology visits, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her routine, delaying her next skin check. When she finally returned to the clinic, her dermatologist immediately identified the mole as melanoma—later confirmed by biopsy. She underwent a wide local excision with a skin graft, followed by a sentinel lymph node biopsy that revealed the cancer had begun to spread. Brittany then endured a year of immunotherapy (Keytruda), which led to intense adverse effects such as colitis and pancreatitis—complications she now says were worse than the cancer itself.

Now cancer-free, Groover has become a powerful voice for melanoma awareness, particularly among younger audiences. She shares her journey unfiltered on social media to combat the perception that skin cancer is minor or merely cosmetic. Her goal is to show that melanoma is not “just skin cancer” and can have life-altering consequences. She encourages clinicians to engage young patients through real-life stories and hands-on education, rather than brochures alone. Teaching teens how to perform skin checks, understand sun protection, and recognize warning signs could make all the difference.

Through her work with initiatives like “Don’t Fry Day” and the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, Groover is helping reshape how young people understand skin health. Her message is clear: melanoma doesn’t discriminate by age, and prevention must start early.

Renata Block, PA-C, speaks with patient advocate Brittanny Groover on her experience, how to educate young patients, and understanding the psychosocial impact of melanoma.

Derm Dispatch: Melanoma Doesn’t Wait—Neither Should You

POLL: Women are More Likely to Develop Hidradenitis Suppurativa - True or False? 

“We had a great session with a wonderful patient advocate who was gracious enough to share her story with us of living with atopic dermatitis most of her life. From her story and from everything she shared, we're able to see how this disease is a multi-dimensional, multi-factorial, heterogeneous disease that can take on different forms depending on what stage a patient is in life. It was a reminder for us to really listen to our patients,” said Maureen Offiah, MD, in an interview with 

Offiah, a board-certified dermatologist at Hattiesburg Clinic in Mississippi, attended the 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference in Nashville, Tennessee, and shared key highlights on atopic dermatitis (AD) that she will take back to her practice and patients.

Maureen Offiah, MD, reflected on the key takeaways as an attendee at the 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

A Clinician’s Perspective of RAD 2025: Part 1

Early sessions at RAD focused on the psychosocial impacts of AD, detailing how chronic itch, often compared to a pain syndrome, can significantly impair patient quality of life. Mental health effects, such as anxiety, depression, and family-wide impact, were discussed in detail. Offiah noted that discussions focused on the need to individualize treatment by addressing not just skin clearance but also the burden of symptoms such as itch and sleep disturbance.

A particularly impactful segment to Offiah included a patient advocate’s testimony, which provided clinicians with insight into the lived experience of AD. The overall message was that clinicians should actively listen to patients and resist the tendency to standardize care across presentations. Offiah emphasized that seemingly minor body surface area involvement can hide the true severity of the disease, particularly when symptoms disproportionately affect quality of life.

The sessions also introduced emerging considerations such as alopecia in AD. Offiah highlighted a discussion on scalp pruritus and burning, which expanded the diagnostic framework to include AD-associated alopecia alongside more commonly considered conditions such as allergic contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. The session emphasized the importance of maintaining a broad differential when evaluating hair loss or scalp symptoms in patients with AD.

Treatment-focused panels provided an in-depth comparison of the currently FDA-approved systemic and topical therapies, including biologics and JAK inhibitors. Offiah expressed her appreciation for the way these therapies were analyzed in detail, particularly around the mechanisms of action, patient selection, and long-term safety. As Offiah noted, the abundance of therapeutic options now available, although effective, also requires careful consideration. The RAD sessions helped clarify optimal strategies for aligning specific agents with individual patient needs.

Shahriari M. The psychosocial burden of AD. Presented at: 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference; June 6-7, 2025; Nashville, TN.

Mayo T. Complex cases: AD & hair loss. Presented at: 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis Conference; June 6-7, 2025; Nashville, TN.

The 2025 Revolutionizing Atopic Dermatitis (RAD) Conference highlighted the multifaceted nature of atopic dermatitis (AD), emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment approaches. Sessions addressed the psychosocial impacts of AD, including mental health effects and the need to consider symptoms like itch and sleep disturbance. Emerging topics such as AD-associated alopecia were discussed, expanding diagnostic frameworks. Treatment panels compared systemic and topical therapies, focusing on mechanisms, patient selection, and safety. The conference underscored the necessity of listening to patients and tailoring care to their unique experiences and needs.

Randy Dotinga

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