Dermatology NP Highlights Emerging Therapies and Patient Trust at Elevate-Derm

Chantel Hillstead, APRN, a board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner, said the therapeutic landscape for several historically difficult dermatologic diseases is changing rapidly, pointing to advances in vitiligo, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and hair loss during an interview with NPPA Connect at the Elevate-Derm Summer Conference in San Diego, California.¹ Hillstead discussed how expanding treatment options are improving patient care while emphasizing that successful outcomes still depend on patient trust, effective communication, and continued clinician education.

Attending Elevate-Derm for the first time, Hillstead said conferences play an important role in connecting advanced practice providers (APPs), particularly those practicing in geographically isolated settings. She said access to experienced colleagues and specialists allows clinicians to discuss difficult cases, exchange practical treatment strategies, and stay current on rapidly evolving evidence.

Back in 2020, we weren't having conferences. Everything stopped. Now we're able to come together again, collaborate, and learn from one another. — Hillestad

Conference Highlights Signal a Changing Treatment Landscape

Among the most notable themes Hillstead identified were the expanding treatment options for vitiligo and HS. She said both conditions have historically been underserved despite carrying substantial physical and psychological burdens for patients.

Hillstead noted that clinicians now have growing access to topical, systemic, and laser-based therapies that are changing how these diseases are managed in practice. She described the increasing number of available options as a significant shift for patients who previously had few effective treatments and emphasized that continued innovation is likely to further improve long-term disease management.

Therapeutic Advances Expand Care Options

Hair loss represented another major area of discussion throughout the conference. Hillstead said increasing interest in oral therapies has expanded treatment possibilities for patients with alopecia, many of whom experience profound emotional distress alongside physical symptoms.

She explained that hair loss often affects far more than appearance, impacting confidence, identity, and overall quality of life. Because of that, she said successful treatment can improve patients' daily functioning and emotional well-being in ways that extend beyond visible hair regrowth.

Hillstead added that sessions throughout Elevate-Derm provided attendees with an early look at therapies expected to shape dermatology practice over the coming year, giving APPs an opportunity to become familiar with emerging evidence before new treatments reach widespread clinical use.

Reflecting on how dramatically dermatology has evolved, Hillstead recalled advice from a longtime mentor during her nurse practitioner training at Florida Atlantic University.

"When I started, there was two creams."

She said the remark illustrates how quickly dermatology has advanced and serves as a reminder that today's clinicians must remain committed to lifelong learning as the therapeutic pipeline continues to expand.

Patient Trust Remains Central to Treatment Success

Although new therapies continue to reshape dermatology practice, Hillstead emphasized that patient trust remains the foundation of successful treatment.

Rather than beginning appointments by discussing medications, she said she first asks patients how their condition affects daily life, confidence, and mental health. Understanding those personal experiences helps guide treatment conversations while building the trust necessary for patients to feel comfortable starting therapy.

Hillstead said those relationships become especially important when prescribing medications with lengthy package inserts or well-publicized adverse effects.

"I know her. I see her. I don't think she'd bring this up to me if she didn't think it would do me some good."

According to Hillstead, patients who trust their clinician are often better equipped to weigh potential risks against the benefits of improving their disease and quality of life.

AI Continues to Find a Place in Dermatology Practice

Hillstead also discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in dermatology, describing it as an increasingly valuable tool for improving efficiency rather than replacing clinical judgment.

She said AI can support routine tasks such as generating patient education materials, assisting with documentation, and streamlining administrative workflows, allowing clinicians to spend more time interacting with patients. At the same time, she stressed the importance of understanding how to use AI responsibly as misinformation about skin disease and treatment continues to circulate online.

Hillstead encouraged APPs to become familiar with emerging AI technologies while maintaining the clinical expertise and critical thinking necessary to ensure accurate, evidence-based patient care.

For APPs, Hillstead said the expanding therapeutic pipeline underscores the importance of continuing education through meetings such as Elevate-Derm. As treatment options continue to grow across diseases including vitiligo, HS, and alopecia, she believes success will depend not only on understanding new therapies but also on building patient trust, communicating effectively, and remaining adaptable as dermatology continues to evolve.

References:

1. Hillstead C. Interview conducted at: Elevate-Derm Summer Conference; July 29-August 2, 2026; San Diego, CA.
2. What to expect at Elevate Derm 2026 summer conference. Dermatology Times. Accessed July 31, 2026. https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/what-to-expect-at-elevate-dermatology-2026-summer-conference