The Weekly Roundup: March 9-13

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Celebrating Women Leaders

A cover feature by Nicole A. Negbenebor, MD, FAAD, examines the growing leadership role of women in Mohs micrographic surgery for nonmelanoma skin cancer.

AI-Derived Tumor Shape Metrics Show Prognostic Potential in Melanoma

A newly defined Nodularity Index, measuring tumor depth relative to width, independently predicted melanoma-specific survival.

FDA Approves Deucravacitinib as First TYK2 Inhibitor for Psoriatic Arthritis

Patients treated with deucravacitinib achieved higher ACR20 response rates at week 16 than those receiving placebo in the POETYK PsA studies.

Hand Eczema Linked to 33% Increase in Poor Self-Rated Work Ability: Insights From the NFBC1966

NFBC1966 data from Finland show that hand eczema is associated with poorer self-rated work ability among middle-aged adults, particularly among those with certain risk factors.

Financial Concerns Linked to Declining Interest in Pediatric Dermatology Fellowships

A survey of dermatology residents found that interest in subspecialty fellowships often declines during training, with financial concerns particularly affecting pediatric dermatology.

Derm Dispatch: How New PAs Can Navigate the Dermatology Job Market

Dylan Timmermann, PA-C, reflects on the experiences that shaped his career trajectory in dermatology and offers insights relevant to physician assistants and nurse practitioners entering the specialty.

New Real-World Insights into IL-17 Inhibitor Performance for Special-Site Psoriasis

Real-world data show IL-17 biologics rapidly improve special-site psoriasis and quality of life, as researchers identified predictors of PASI75/90 response.

Improving Outcomes, Quality of Life for Patients With Psoriasis

Douglas DiRuggiero, DMSc, MHS, PA-C, emphasized that relying solely on body surface area underestimates psoriasis burden, particularly for patients with disease in high-impact or special sites.

Red Light PDT Advances Field Therapy for Actinic Keratoses

Red light–activated photodynamic therapy offers an effective field-based option for treating both visible and subclinical actinic keratoses.

How Access, Race, and Insurance Shape Acne Treatment in Adolescent Patients with PCOS

A new study reveals gaps in acne management for teens with PCOS; Hispanic patients are less likely to receive spironolactone, COCs, or isotretinoin treatment.

Patch Testing Reveals Key Allergens in Hand and Foot Eczema

A prospective study found that patch testing identified relevant allergens in 43% of patients with hand and foot eczema, with potassium dichromate being the most common sensitizer.

New Acne Study Shows 40% Reduction in Sebum Using Transdermal Botulinum Toxin Application

Needle-free botulinum toxin microjet TDA delivery cuts facial oil up to 40%, refines pores, and boosts confidence without bruising or downtime in acne patients.

Journal Digest: March 11, 2026

This review of the latest dermatological studies includes insights on pediatric teledermatology rates pre- and post-COVID, a 10-peptide face serum for skin quality, AI-automated disease scoring, and more.

FDA Grants Fast Track Designation to QRX003 Lotion for Rare Netherton Syndrome

FDA Fast Track boosts hopes for QRX003 lotion in Netherton Syndrome, with early trials showing rapid skin healing and itch relief.

Head-to-Head Trial Finds Stronger Joint Response With Bimekizumab

Results show that bimekizumab achieved significantly higher ACR50 response rates at week 16 than risankizumab in adults with active PsA.

Developments in Rare Genetic Skin Disease Therapies

February highlights rare genetic skin diseases, shifting dermatology from supportive care to molecularly targeted therapies.

Dermocosmetic Cream Shows Early Acne Improvement in Skin of Color

Researchers observed early reductions in acne lesions, with improvements beginning within 5 days of dermocosmetic treatment in patients with acne.

Prospective Trial Confirms ALA-PDT Effectiveness for Chinese Patients with Bowen’s Disease

A multicenter trial in China shows ALA-PDT clears Bowen’s disease in 97% with low recurrence, minimal scarring, and high patient satisfaction.

AdvanceAD-Tx Gene Expression Profile Test May Help Guide Systemic Therapy Selection in Atopic Dermatitis

Mark Lebwohl, MD, discusses how the 487-GEP test may help clinicians identify the most appropriate systemic therapy for patients with AD earlier in the treatment journey.

Disease-Modifying Topicals Redefine Atopic Dermatitis Management

DiRuggiero reviewed clinical cases highlighting the distinct roles of topical ruxolitinib, tapinarof, and roflumilast in managing itch, inflammation, and long-term disease control in AD.

Anthony Rossi, MD, FAAD, FACMS, on the Practical Benefits of Photodynamic Therapy

Compared with topical regimens, Rossi notes PDT provides a shorter recovery window and fewer adherence challenges.

Topical Ivermectin Enhances KTP Laser Efficacy in Reducing Rosacea Erythema and Lesions

A split-face trial finds adding ivermectin to KTP laser modestly boosts rosacea redness reduction and cuts papules/pustules, without extra downtime.

Reexamining the Link Between Occupational Sun Exposure and Melanoma

Recent reviews highlight that melanoma risk associated with occupational UV exposure varies by tumor subtype, anatomical site, and individual susceptibility.

National Skin Barrier Day 2026: Practical Patient Counseling Tips from Skin of Color Experts

On National Skin Barrier Day, dermatologists share barrier-saving tips for gentle cleansing, daily sunscreen, smarter product audits, and retinoid adherence.

Women Leaders in Mohs Micrographic Surgery: Progress and Pathways Forward

Although the number of women leaders in Mohs surgery has increased, significant gender disparities remain in leadership roles, productivity metrics, and speaking opportunities.

Determining Biologic or JAKi Efficacy for Patients With Moderate to Severe AD Through GEP Testing

Mark Lebwohl, MD, reviews how the AdvanceAD-Tx 487-GEP test identifies which patients are likely to need a JAK inhibitor rather than a biologic.

Celebrating National Dermatologist Day 2026: EltaMD Honors Skin Experts with a New Standard in Acne-Safe Sun Care

On National Dermatologist Day, EltaMD unveils oil-balancing UV Clear SPF 50, clinically reducing blemishes, shine, and pore size. Learn more in this Q&A with Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, and Annie Woo, MD.

Swedish Study Links Tattoos to a 29% Higher Risk of Cutaneous Melanoma

New case-control study data links tattoo exposure to a higher melanoma risk, prompting fresh scrutiny of ink chemicals and long-term skin safety.