All Posts By

Allison Sit

Procedures in Kids at ODAC: Tips with A. Yasmine Kirkorian, MD

By ODAC Sessions

dermatology procedures in children

Pediatric dermatology pearls are part of the ODAC educational focus. Next Steps in Derm, in partnership with ODAC, interviewed A. Yasmine Kirkorian, MD, about her ODAC 2025 session on hot tips for procedures in kids.

Watch as Dr. Kirkorian shares why you might want to reconsider some procedures. If you move forward with a procedure, learn how to appropriately involve the parent and other medical staff. Plus find out when you might want to consider moving a procedure to the OR.

Register for ODAC 2026 for more pediatric dermatology updates.

Procedural Treatments for NMSC at ODAC with C. William Hanke, MD

By ODAC Sessions

procedural treatments to prevent non-melanoma skin cancer

July is UV Awareness Month. At the 2025 ODAC Dermatology Conference, C. William Hanke, MD, presented on preventing nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) through the power of procedural treatments. In this session, Dr. Hanke outlined cosmetic and therapeutic interventions that offer both aesthetic improvement and a reduced risk of skin cancer.

Before detailing the interventions, Dr. Hanke pointed out that cosmetic treatments that cause controlled injury to the skin have been found to increase IGF-1 levels in fibroblasts. IGF-1 is a growth factor critical for suppressing UV-damaged keratinocytes.

For aging patients who have extensive actinic damage, Dr. Hanke recommends the aggressive use of photodynamic therapy (PDT), chemical peels, dermabrasion, and topical chemotherapy agents. Dr. Hanke says these treatments not only improve the cosmetic appearance of the skin but also decrease NMSC risk.

Key points from the session include:

  • Dr. Hanke has found that frequent utilization of PDT significantly reduces the annual incidence of NMSC in his patients. While the therapy can be significantly uncomfortable, Dr. Hanke says ALA incubation time, wavelength, and distance to light source can be modified to make the procedure more tolerable. In addition, cold air anesthesia can alleviate discomfort.
  • Dr. Hanke cited a 2023 study showing that non-ablative fractional laser treatment is associated with a decreased risk of subsequent facial keratinocyte carcinoma development by 20.9% in treated patients compared to 40.4% in the control group.
  • Dr. Hanke cautioned against the general use of aggressive lasers on the chest, such as the erbium laser, or CO2 laser, due to the risk of scarring and hypopigmentation.
  • A notable 2006 randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy of 5-FU, CO2 laser, and 30% TCA peel in reducing actinic keratoses (AKs). The results showed an 83-92% reduction in AKs in the experimental groups compared to control, with the TCA group exhibiting the lowest rate of NMSC.
  • Dr. Hanke frequently uses dermabrasion with a nerve block for patients with extensive actinic damage and a history of NMSC on the nose.

Dr. Hanke emphasized the dual role of procedural dermatology in both cosmetic rejuvenation and cancer prevention. By integrating therapies, such as PDT, lasers, chemical peels, and dermabrasion, dermatologists can tailor treatments to significantly reduce NMSC risk while improving skin quality.

This session summary was written by Vixey Silva, DO and published on Next Steps in Derm.

Register for ODAC 2026 for more updates on preventing skin cancer.

The Dermatology Digest: ODAC 2025 Coverage on CSU

By Media Coverage

chronic spontaneous urticaria

ODAC Dermatology Conference Co-Chair Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, says chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is one skin condition that should belong in a dermatologist’s wheelhouse.

“CSU is for you,” Dr. Friedman says in a video interview with The Dermatology Digest. Find out what Dr. Friedman says dermatology clinicians should know about this unique, disabling condition.

Learn what qualifies as CSU, and why Dr. Friedman uses the phrase, “talk more, lab less,” when approaching a patient with CSU. Find out about therapeutic options, including when to consider omalizumab. Plus hear about off-label therapies.

Register now for ODAC 2026 and learn more expert approaches in medical dermatology.

Acne Awareness Month: Therapeutic Cheat Sheets

By Medical Dermatology

acne treatment cheat sheets

June is Acne Awareness Month. Stay up-to-date on treatment options for acne with Next Steps in Derm’s Therapeutic Cheat Sheets.

Reviewed by Adam Friedman, MD, these cheat sheets provide information on mechanism of action, dosing, side effects, monitoring, use in pregnancy, and more.

Acne Therapeutic Cheat Sheets

Azelaic Acid Therapeutic Cheat Sheet

Clascoterone Cream Therapeutic Cheat Sheet

Isotretinoin Therapeutic Cheat Sheet

Trifarotene for Acne Vulgaris Therapeutic Cheat Sheet

Improve your treatment decision-making by downloading these cheat sheets today!

Be sure to register for ODAC 2026 for the latest in treating acne.

Current Challenges & Knowledge Gaps in Treating Vitiligo

By Medical Dermatology

vitiligo treatment

June is Vitiligo Awareness Month. Understanding the current challenges and knowledge gaps in treating vitiligo was one of the topics addressed at ODAC’s sister conference, the Pigmentary Disorders Exchange Symposium.

In a video interview with Next Steps in Derm, vitiligo expert John Harris, MD, PhD, explains how these knowledge gaps impact a patient’s experience, including treatment expectations. Watch and find out why encouragement, persistence, and patience are three keys to treating this pigmentary disorder.

Register for ODAC 2026 and learn the latest in treating vitiligo and other pigmentary conditions.

Now Live: ODAC Board Review Sessions on Dermatology In-Review

By Medical Dermatology

Board Review Workshop Sessions

Cramming for the boards? We’ve got you covered. You can now watch the ODAC Dermatology Conference Board Review Workshop Sessions on-demand on the Dermatology In-Review website.

Curated by experts and tailored to align with the high-yield topics you need to know, these workshops are an incredible resource to help you master the exam content and boost your confidence.

Why You Should Watch the Workshops:

    1. Comprehensive, high-yield board review topics
    2. Expert-led sessions focusing on key exam areas
    3. Convenient, on-demand access whenever you need it

Log in to Dermatology In-Review and take advantage of the ODAC Board Review Workshop Sessions today!

👉 Access the sessions HERE

    1. Log in to your Derm In-Review account.
    2. Navigate to your Dashboard.
    3. Look for the 2025 ODAC Board Review Workshop on the Study Tools menu.

Happy studying and best of luck on the boards!

P.S.: Have some time before your exam? Register for the 2026 ODAC Conference and attend in person!

Social Media & The Dermatologist: ODAC Interview with Ronda S. Farah, MD

By ODAC Sessions

social media tips for dermatologists

ODAC’s agenda includes unique, practical topics that you won’t find at most dermatology conferences. At the 2025 ODAC Dermatology Conference, Ronda S. Farah, MD, shared her guidance for dermatology clinicians who are considering creating social media accounts.

Watch this video interview with Next Steps in Derm where Dr. Farah outlines her top five social media tips and shares what to consider before you create accounts.

Register for ODAC 2026 and attend sessions with Dr. Farah and other dermatology experts.