A Look at Blistering Diseases and Beyond with Margaret Bobonich, DNP, FNP-C, DCNP, FAAN

At the 2025 Maui Derm NP+PA Fall meeting, Margaret Bobonich, DNP, FNP-C, DCNP, FAAN, a dermatology-certified nurse practitioner from Ohio and founder of the Center for Dermatology NP PA, shared valuable insights during the “Blistering Diseases - What’s the Diagnosis” session.¹ Co-presenting with Donna Colton, MD, PhD, Bobonich emphasized the diagnostic challenges of blistering diseases such as bullous pemphigoid. She noted that many patients may present with urticarial plaques rather than blisters, which can complicate early diagnosis. A key highlight of the session was the discussion of the first FDA-approved therapy for bullous pemphigoid, dupilumab (Dupixent; Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Sanofi), marking a significant shift away from long-standing reliance on systemic steroids like prednisone. This therapeutic advancement offers hope for better disease control and improved patient outcomes.

“Now we have these options and these treatments, and it's just very, very exciting to see what's going to happen,” Bobonich said.

Reflecting on the conference, Bobonich identified the Literature Review session as a personal standout of hers. She praised the in-depth analysis of recent global dermatology publications, particularly studies on off-label treatments and complex patient scenarios. The talk offered attendees practical, evidence-based options for managing challenging cases—underscoring the real-world value of continuous literature appraisal.²

Looking ahead to 2026, Bobonich expressed enthusiasm about the evolution of education for nurse practitioners and physician assistants. She highlighted the expansion of structured learning opportunities, including webinars and the Dermatology Essentials Course, which supports providers preparing for certification.

“It's really a wonderful opportunity to really assess yourself and to see...do you have all the competencies that would be maintained for these kinds of certifications?” Bobonich noted.

A major initiative she anticipates is a forthcoming series of publications outlining evidence-based guidelines for skin cancer management. Given the central role providers play in screening and post-treatment follow-up, she emphasized the critical need for all clinicians to understand and apply these standards of care, particularly for complex cancers like Merkel cell and high-risk squamous cell carcinoma.

Click here for more exclusive conference coverage and expert insights from Maui Derm NP+PA Fall, courtesy of Dermatology Times.

References

1. Bobonich M, Culton D. Blistering Diseases: What’s the Diagnosis – Interactive Format. Presented at: Maui Derm NP+PA Fall 2025; September 20-23, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee.

2. Cotton C, DiRuggiero D, Rosen T. Literature 2025 in Review. Presented at: Maui Derm NP+PA Fall 2025; September 20-23, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee.