Empowering Providers and Expanding the Toolbox in Dermatology

Kara Mudd, PA-C, a dermatology-focused physician assistant based in Louisville, Kentucky, shared key insights from her recent presentation at Maui Derm NP+PA Fall 2025. Mudd, who specializes in allergic contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis (AD), and inflammatory skin diseases, is also an assistant professor at Sullivan University and serves on the boards of both the Maui Derm Conferences and the Journal of Dermatology NPs and PAs.

In her joint session with Walter Liszewski, MD, titled “Contact Dermatitis: Cases That Will Leave You Scratching Your Head,” Mudd emphasized the importance of empowering providers to feel more confident in diagnosing and managing allergic contact dermatitis.¹ She encouraged clinicians to become comfortable with patch testing and not to shy away from the "detective work" required in these cases. Her goal is to help more practitioners make informed diagnoses or timely referrals, ultimately reducing patient reliance on long-term medications through appropriate allergen avoidance.

Reflecting on her experience at this year's conference, Mudd highlighted its strong academic value and practical clinical takeaways. She was particularly enthusiastic about updates in rosacea management. Julie Harper, MD’s session on novel, non-traditional treatments for persistent erythema and flushing provided actionable strategies for escalating care in challenging rosacea cases.²

Looking back at the year in dermatology, Mudd identified the FDA approval of topical JAK inhibitors for children as young as 2 with AD as a major advancement. These therapies represent a significant step forward in treating AD, a condition she describes as deeply distressing with broad psychosocial impacts. She noted that these new tools can offer meaningful relief to patients and their families.

“Now, there’s no reason for our patients to be suffering with this disease,” Mudd said. “We have a lot of tools in our toolbox that we can use to get the patient and the parents and caregivers the relief that they need.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Mudd is most excited about the evolving treatment landscape for hidradenitis suppurativa. She expressed optimism about upcoming therapeutic approvals that could provide much-needed options for a population of patients who often feel underserved and experience a high disease burden.

Stay tuned to Dermatology Times all week for exclusive conference coverage and expert insights from Maui Derm NP+PA Fall.

References

1. Liszewski W, Mudd K. Contact Dermatitis: Cases that will Leave you Scratching your Head. Presented at: Maui Derm NP+PA Fall 2025; September 20-23, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee.

2. Baldwin H, Harper J, Larijani M, Mudd K. Acne and Rosacea Update 2025. Presented at: Maui Derm NP+PA Fall 2025; September 20-23, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee.