Horizons in Advanced Practice Returns With Deep Dives Into Complex Inflammatory Skin Disease Management

Dermatology Times recently concluded its second annual Horizons in Advanced Practice meeting in Tampa, Florida. The exclusive meeting brought together physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) from across the country to review cases of complex atopic dermatitis (AD) and other type 2 inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis, chronic hand eczema (CHE), and hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), during sessions led by experts in the specialty.

Attendees were led through patient cases by the meeting chair, Omar Noor, MD, FAAD, and cochairs Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, ANP-BC, DCNP, FAANP, and Douglas DiRuggiero, DMSc, MHS, PA-C. Noor is a board-certified dermatologist and co-owner of Rao Dermatology in New York, New York, and a Dermatology Times editorial advisory board member. Aldredge is a board-certified adult NP in the dermatology service and the director of the Primary Care NP Residency Program at the US Department of Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System in Oregon. DiRuggiero is a board-certified physician assistant at the Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology Center in Rome, Georgia.

Across 6 breakout sessions, the chairs examined evolving strategies for managing complex inflammatory skin diseases. Discussions highlighted early, proactive intervention in psoriasis to reduce progression and joint damage, the central role of type 2 inflammation across multiple dermatoses, and emerging topical Janus kinase inhibition for CHE. Additional sessions focused on individualized AD management with newer nonsteroidal topicals and earlier biologic use in HS while emphasizing access, adherence, and real-world treatment considerations.

Inside this special supplement, you will find an in-depth look into each session, with key data points, practice tips from attendees, and treatment insights from the meeting chairs.

Dermatology Times is committed to empowering dermatology PAs and NPs throughout their careers. For those interested in contributing future written content or expert interviews, email [email protected] for more information.