Talking to Patients on Sunscreen Application and the Effects of Visible Light
March 26th 2025An expert discusses how an important part of personalized photoprotection is providing instructions to patients on how and when to apply and reapply sunscreen. It is advised that sunscreen be applied 20 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. It is critical for patients to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or 4 times a day, depending on the length of time the patient is outdoors.
Clinical Experience and Diagnosis of GPP
Panelists discuss how clinical experience in diagnosing generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) requires recognizing its hallmark features of widespread sterile pustules on inflamed skin, distinguishing it from other pustular conditions, and understanding the genetic mutations and triggers that can precipitate this rare but potentially life-threatening form of psoriasis.
The Prevalence and Characteristics of GPP
Panelists discuss how generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), while rare, presents with distinctive widespread sterile pustules on erythematous skin, requires prompt medical intervention, and differs significantly from more common plaque psoriasis in its clinical presentation, triggers, and treatment approaches.
Utility of Molecular Testing in Skin Cancer Risk Assessment
March 21st 2025An expert discusses the qualities of genetic tests that are most important to clinicians seeking precise and reliable results for melanoma diagnosis and prognosis, and reviews the 31-gene expression profile (GEP) test, highlighting its ability to classify melanoma risk into 1A, 1B, 2A, and 2B, with 1A patients showing higher melanoma-specific survival (MSS) and overall survival (OS), while 1B/2A and 2B classifications serve as independent predictors of MSS and OS, noting that patients who underwent 31-GEP testing had lower mortality compared with untested patients.
Limitations and Challenges in Skin Cancer Staging Systems
March 21st 2025An expert discusses the patient demographics and clinical features used in traditional staging and risk classification of melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), examining how staging systems from organizations like the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) align in risk classification, the challenges of relying solely on clinical features for prognosis, and the importance of accurate risk staging in guiding treatment decisions for these cancers.
Talking to Patients About the Safety of JAK Inhibitors in Atopic Dermatitis
March 21st 2025Panelists discuss how health care providers can effectively communicate the benefits and risks of JAK inhibitors to patients with atopic dermatitis while addressing safety concerns and establishing realistic treatment expectations.
Mechanism of Action Differences Among IL-17 Inhibitors
March 21st 2025Panelists discuss how IL-17 inhibitors differ in their targets within the IL-17 pathway. Secukinumab and ixekizumab block IL-17A, reducing inflammation in psoriasis and arthritis. Brodalumab inhibits IL-17RA, affecting multiple IL-17 cytokines, but carries suicide risk warnings. Bimekizumab targets IL-17A and IL-17F, potentially enhancing efficacy but with added risk of infections. These differences impact efficacy, safety, and patient selection in inflammatory diseases.
The Role of IL-17 in Psoriasis Pathogenesis
March 21st 2025Panelists discuss how IL-17 is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine in plaque psoriasis pathogenesis. It stimulates keratinocyte proliferation, promotes neutrophil recruitment, induces antimicrobial peptides, and up-regulates other inflammatory mediators, creating a self-perpetuating inflammatory cascade in lesional skin.
Personalized Photoprotection Based on Patient Factors
March 19th 2025An expert discusses how dermatologists guide patients in selecting sunscreens based on skin type (fair skin, skin of color, sensitive skin), coexisting conditions, and environmental exposure (blue light, heavy sun). They recommend sun protection factor (SPF) levels and key ingredients and address adherence barriers. Beyond sunscreen, protective clothing, antioxidants, and physical blockers help shield against visible light and infrared radiation.
Impact of Oxidative Stress on Skin Health and the Utility of Antioxidants
March 19th 2025An expert discusses how oxidative stress accelerates skin aging by damaging cells through free radicals, which form from UV exposure. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, niacinamide, and polyphenols counteract this damage. Combining antioxidants with sunscreen enhances protection, reducing free radical formation and optimizing skin health.
Laboratory Monitoring for JAK Inhibitors and Key Takeaways
March 18th 2025An expert discusses a comprehensive review of treatment options for a 32-year-old woman with alopecia areata, covering baricitinib dosing (4 mg initially), monitoring requirements vs ritlecitinib, expected outcomes, and considerations for topical immunotherapy vs JAK inhibitors.
Options for Eyebrow and Eyelash Regrowth in a 32-Year-Old Female With Alopecia Areata
March 18th 2025An expert discusses a 32-year-old woman with alopecia areata affecting eyebrows/eyelashes. Treatment options include topical/intralesional steroids, minoxidil, prostaglandin analogues, JAK inhibitors, and cosmetic approaches.
Recapping the Evolving Treatment Landscape for Atopic Dermatitis
March 13th 2025The panelist discusses how the therapeutic options for atopic dermatitis have expanded significantly with the emergence of targeted biologics, oral agents, and refined topical treatments, transforming the management approach for patients across the disease spectrum.
Sunscreen Ingredients for UV and Visible Light Protection
March 12th 2025An expert discusses how UV radiation causes DNA damage, accelerating skin aging and cancer risk. Visible light and infrared radiation induce oxidative stress and hyperpigmentation, especially in darker skin tones. Conventional sunscreens shield against UV radiation but offer limited visible light and infrared protection. Mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) provide broad coverage, while chemical filters (oxybenzone, avobenzone) absorb UV radiation but lack efficacy against visible and infrared radiation.
The Solar Spectrum and Impact on Skin Health
March 12th 2025An expert discusses how UV radiation makes up about 7% of the sun’s energy and penetrates the skin, causing aging, hyperpigmentation, and inflammation. Visible light and infrared radiation contribute to skin damage, with blue light being more harmful than red light due to its deeper penetration.
Empowering the Eczema Community: NEA’s Vision for Support, Education, and Awareness
March 12th 2025Renata Block, MMS, PA-C, speaks with Wendy Smith Begolka, MBS, of the National Eczema Association about NEA’s strategic efforts in community outreach, health care provider engagement, and patient education.
Discussing Efficacy and Safety of JAK Inhibitors With Patients and Caregivers
March 11th 2025An expert discusses how alopecia areata significantly affects adolescent mental health. Treatment with ritlecitinib requires proper severity assessment via Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score, clear communication of realistic timelines and goals, careful monitoring, and discussion of potential adverse effects. Long-term adherence is crucial for maintaining results.
Patient Considerations for Selecting Treatment for a 16-Year-Old Male With Severe Alopecia Areata
March 11th 2025An expert discusses how treatment for this adolescent boy with severe alopecia areata must balance efficacy with age-appropriate safety, considering psychological impact, growth/development factors, and family preferences while selecting among topical, intralesional, systemic, or emerging biologic options.
Future Directions for Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Management and Research
March 10th 2025Panelists discuss the areas of research that need more attention in pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD) management, highlighting gaps in understanding the long-term effects of treatments, the genetic underpinnings of the disease, and strategies for improving early diagnosis and personalized care.
New Systemic Therapies for Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis: Nemolizumab and Oral JAK Inhibitors
March 10th 2025Panelists discuss the newer systemic treatment options for pediatric atopic dermatitis (AD), including tralokinumab, JAK inhibitors, and nemolizumab, focusing on their mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles in treating moderate to severe cases of the condition in children.