Top 5 Articles of the Month: October 2026

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1. Derm on Air: Recognizing HS Early, From Diagnosis to Disease Burden

Cynthia Trickett, MPAS, PA-C, and Leigh Ann Pansch, MSN, FNP-BC, DCNP, discussed the importance of recognizing hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) early and evaluating the full burden of disease. The conversation highlighted common diagnostic delays, the importance of screening for associated comorbidities, and the need to look beyond lesion counts when assessing disease severity. The experts also emphasized how pain, drainage, scarring, and psychosocial effects can significantly affect patients’ quality of life.

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2. Safety Considerations and Biologic Treatment Selection in HS

TJ Chao, MPAS, PA-C, and Laura Bush, DMSc, PA-C, DFAAPA, explored how safety profiles, screening requirements, black box warnings, comorbidities, and real-world experience influence biologic selection for patients with HS. The discussion underscored the importance of weighing treatment efficacy alongside individual risk factors and patient characteristics when selecting systemic therapy.

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3. CIndU Epidemiology: Prevalence, Subtypes, Diagnosis, and Quality-of-Life Burden

Diego Ruiz Dasilva, MD, FAAD, and Lindsey Finklea, MD, reviewed the epidemiology and clinical presentation of chronic inducible urticaria (CIndU), including its multiple subtypes and frequent underrecognition. They discussed the importance of a thorough patient history and standardized provocation testing when available, while also highlighting the substantial psychological and quality-of-life burden associated with the condition.

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4. The Impact of Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors for the Treatment of Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma

Hedgehog pathway inhibitors have expanded treatment options for patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma (BCC), particularly when surgery or radiation may not be appropriate or when disease recurs despite prior treatment. This discussion examined the role of these therapies in advanced disease, including efficacy, tolerability, treatment expectations, and the importance of incorporating patient preferences into therapeutic decision-making.

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5. Sequencing Hedgehog Inhibitors With Surgery, Radiation, and Immunotherapy in BCC

Gaurav Singh, MD, MPH, discussed how hedgehog pathway inhibitors can be integrated with surgery, radiation, and immunotherapy in the management of advanced BCC. The conversation explored multimodal treatment planning, including potential neoadjuvant use of hedgehog inhibition, the role of radiation, and the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors, emphasizing individualized sequencing and multidisciplinary decision-making.

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