All Posts By

Allison Sit

Jul 15
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Beyond “Ozempic Face”: JDD Buzz Commentary

By Aesthetic Dermatology

Ozempic face

If you’ve spent time in clinic recently, you’ve undoubtedly heard it. A patient points to a newly gaunt appearance and asks, “Is this because of my weight loss medication?”

While the social media buzz around “Ozempic face” dominates patient conversations, the clinical reality is far more nuanced. A narrative review in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology evaluated the evidence behind the impact of rapid weight loss on soft tissue and shared guidance for dermatologists in counseling and treating weight loss patients.

In an interview with Next Steps in Derm, authors Sam Fathizadeh, BS, Dr. Melanie D. Palm, and Dr. Deirdre Hooper address the “attribution bias,” where patients—and even some clinicians—frequently blame GLP-1 drugs directly for skin laxity and volume loss. However, studies comparing bariatric surgery, dietary changes, and GLP-1 therapies show broadly similar effects on soft tissue. The primary driver of these changes is the rate and magnitude of rapid weight loss itself, regardless of the method.

The review highlights one area where GLP-1 agents may have a drug-specific effect: dermal white adipose tissue (dWAT). This specialized fat layer is closely integrated with the dermis and directly impacts skin thickness and facial volume. Early data suggests GLP-1 signaling may influence dWAT independently of overall fat loss—a key area of ongoing research for dermatologists.

Questions about weight loss and soft tissue will only multiply as GLP-1 indications expand. Check out the full interview and dive into the original article in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology to stay ahead of the curve.

Jul 07
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Prurigo Nodularis: How to Treat

By Medical Dermatology

prurigo nodularis

With two FDA-approved therapies now available, it’s hard to believe that prurigo nodularis (PN) was only recently considered a unique dermatologic condition. In this Next Steps in Derm video interview, in partnership with the ODAC Dermatology Conference, ODAC Conference Co-Chair Adam Friedman, MD, FAAD, shares both the history and current state of PN treatment. Watch and learn if using dupilumab or nemolizumab is a slam dunk or if combination therapy may be needed for full clearance. Learn if there’s still a role for topical therapies in the age of systemics. Plus find out what’s coming down the PN pipeline.

Further Reading

If you want to read more about prurigo nodularis, check out the following articles published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology:

New Horizons in Our Understanding of Prurigo Nodularis and Its Management

ABSTRACT

Prurigo nodularis (PN) was first accurately described more than a century ago by Hyde and Montgomery as chronic itchy nodules commonly noted in symmetric distribution on extensor sites of limbs, upper back, and abdomen.1 For decades PN patients were among the most challenging to treat as they suffer from intractable itch that affects their sleep dominates their daily life activities and causes many psychological comorbidities such as mood disorders including anxiety, stress, and depression. In the last decade, significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of PN have been achieved suggesting this condition involves mainly type 2 immune dysregulation and abnormal neural sensitization, which led to the development of new targeted treatments.

Management of Prurigo Nodularis

ABSTRACT

Background: Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic disease characterized by intense pruritus and nodular lesions associated with reduced quality of life. Until recently, no US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapies have been available for the management of PN. Treatment regimens have been highly variable and clinical management guidelines are lacking overall; formal treatment guidelines do not exist within the US. In 2022, dupilumab became the first FDA-approved medication for PN. Multiple novel agents that target the neuroimmune underpinnings of the disease are currently in development and show promise for this challenging disorder.

Objective: To review current treatments and emerging therapies for effective management of patients with PN.

Methods: We reviewed publications on PN management identified from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. We also included publicly available data on clinical trials for PN therapies reported on the US National Library of Medicine ClinicalTrials.gov, the International Conference on Harmonisation-Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) Database, and the European Clinical Trials (EudraCT) Database.

Results: The recommended management of PN begins with an assessment of disease severity, including disease burden and pruritus intensity, and evaluation of comorbid medical disorders. Treatment goals include resolution of itch, improvement in nodules or cutaneous lesions, and improvement in quality of life. Therapies should be selected based on a patient’s clinical presentation and comorbidities. Treatment should simultaneously address the neural and immunologic components of PN. Combination therapy, particularly with conventional agents, may be beneficial.

Limitations: Data on most conventional PN treatments are limited to anecdotal reports, small clinical trials, or expert consensus recommendations. No head-to-head comparative trials have evaluated the relative efficacy of conventional and/or emerging agents, or combination therapy.

Conclusion: An effective treatment approach for patients with PN should reduce pruritus, allow nodular lesions to heal, and improve individual quality of life. The treatment landscape for PN is rapidly evolving with one FDA-approved agent and several new promising therapies on the horizon.

Did you enjoy this video interview? Find more here.

Jun 29
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Platelet-Rich Plasma and Procedural Interventions for Androgenetic Alopecia

By ODAC Sessions

procedural interventions for androgenetic alopecia

At the ODAC Dermatology Conference, Terrence C. Keaney, MD, delivered a practical, experience-driven update on procedural interventions for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), with a primary focus on platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Dr. Keaney opened by reframing treatment escalation. “Hair loss is one of the few conditions where the severity of disease does not dictate how aggressively you treat,” he said. “It depends on how much the patient is bothered.” In his practice, patients rate distress from 0 to 10 at intake.

While emphasizing that medical therapy remains foundational, he described PRP as the “mainstay regenerative option” in his clinic. Mechanistically, PRP concentrates platelets that release a “cocktail of growth factors” and cytokines. “If we could isolate the single magic molecule, we’d have a drug,” he noted. “But right now, it’s the combined signal that appears to prevent dermal papilla apoptosis and prolong anagen.”

He acknowledged that data show a treatment signal but stressed variability. “Not everyone responds, and you have to be straightforward about that.” One major factor is biologic fluctuation. “The ‘drug’ in PRP is what’s in the alpha granules of platelets,” he said. “But platelet counts vary by time of day, hydration, diet, age, and sex.” A fasting, highly hydrated morning patient may yield a lower effective concentration than an afternoon, well-fed patient. “You may be delivering different doses without realizing it.”

Preparation differences add further inconsistency. “Not one PRP study uses the exact same protocol,” he said, citing variability in centrifugation, leukocyte content, activation, concentration targets, and treatment intervals. While many clinicians aim for 5–10× physiologic platelet concentration, he emphasized that no single protocol is definitively superior.

In his practice, Dr. Keaney performs three monthly “loading” treatments followed by maintenance every three to six months. “That’s based on experience, not perfect science,” he acknowledged.

On safety, he referenced reports of vision loss after periocular PRP injections. Although no cases have been reported with scalp injections, he remains cautious. “You’re injecting a concentrated clot,” he said, underscoring the importance of vascular awareness and informed consent.

He briefly addressed alternatives. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), he suggested, may be less biologically rational for hair loss. On exosomes, he noted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration considers injectable exosomes a drug. “Do not inject exosomes,” he cautioned.

Finally, Dr. Keaney emphasized objective tracking. His clinic uses standardized photography and trichoscopic measurements. “The follow-up becomes easy,” he said. “You can show the patient real data—no debating lighting or styling.”

His takeaway for dermatologists: Procedural therapies can augment medical management of AGA, but success depends on careful patient selection, transparency about variability, and disciplined technique.

This summary was prepared by Dr. Samip Sheth, dermatology resident, who attended the session. The content reflects the resident’s notes and interpretations, may contain errors, and is provided for educational purposes only. It does not constitute official faculty endorsement and should not replace original sources or clinical judgment.

 

Jun 22
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Launching a Dermatology Practice: ODAC in the News

By Media Coverage

starting a dermatology practice

For many dermatologists, transitioning from an academic medical center or an employed position to owning a private practice is the ultimate career milestone. Yet trading a clinical template for an entrepreneurial business plan can feel like entering uncharted territory.

At the 2026 ODAC Dermatology Conference, Ronda Farah, MD, FAAD, associate professor at the University of Minnesota and founder of Alluma Dermatology, shared a roadmap for clinicians looking to make the leap.

In a recent The Dermatology Digest article, Dr. Farah outlines the foundational pillars required to successfully build a dermatology practice from the ground up. From developing a business plan and securing financing to reviewing your current employment contract, Dr. Farah tells future practice owners what steps to take and what consultants to contact. With an interest in marketing and branding, Dr. Farah also details effective strategies to promote a practice and build a referral network.

Jun 16
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Atopic Dermatitis and Mental Health: Patient Buzz

By Medical Dermatology

atopic dermatitis and mental health

Dermatologists are experts at treating what is visible. But as highlighted in a recent article by Everyday Health, there is an “invisible burden” of atopic dermatitis (AD) that cannot be seen on the skin’s surface: the profound toll it takes on a patient’s mental health.

Because AD is a psychophysiological disorder, psychological stress actually triggers inflammation that worsens flares, creating a frustrating, vicious cycle. Chronic itch and sleep disturbances quickly compound this distress, frequently leading to anxiety, depression, and irritability.

Yet a major gap remains in patient care. Patients often hesitate to bring up their mental health during an office visit, and many dermatologists feel unequipped or too pressed for time to broach the topic.

To bridge this gap, read this Next Steps in Derm interview with Mohammad Jafferany, MD, DFAPA, MCPS, a professor of psychodermatology, psychiatry, and behavioral sciences. He shares practical, clinical insights that every dermatologist can implement today. From understanding the bidirectional connection to normalizing the mental health.

Jun 11
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GLP-1 Agonists & Psoriasis Comorbidities

By Video Pearls

GLP-1 agonists

Psoriasis is more than skin deep—it is a systemic inflammatory condition. Jennifer Soung, MD, FAAD, argues that addressing metabolic health is no longer outside the scope of dermatology; it is essential for clinical success.

In a Next Steps in Derm video interview at our sister conference Skin of Color Update, Dr. Soung dives into:

  • The Weight-Biologic Link: How excess weight directly impacts the efficacy of biologic therapies.
  • GLP-1 Agonists: Incorporating modern weight management tools into the psoriatic care plan.
  • The Patient Conversation: Strategies for broaching the sensitive topic of weight with empathy and clinical precision.
  • Comorbidity Management: A comprehensive look at tackling psoriatic arthritis and metabolic syndrome.

Stop treating the skin in a vacuum. Learn how to optimize your patients’ systemic health for better dermatologic outcomes.

Jun 04
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Recognizing and Treating Cutaneous Lupus and Dermatomyositis

By ODAC Sessions

autoimmune connective tissue disorders

At the ODAC Dermatology Conference, Anthony Fernandez, MD, PhD, FAAD, shared his experience in autoimmune connective tissue disorders, highlighting the intersection between dermatology and rheumatology, and underscoring the importance of practical approaches in complex diseases.

Cutaneous Lupus

Dr. Fernandez began his session by addressing cutaneous lupus, stressing the need to recognize lesion patterns. “If you become familiar with the morphology of the skin lesions and the pattern of distribution, you should be able to recognize lupus and dermatomyositis.”

Regarding acute cutaneous lupus, he noted that, “All of these patients have systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), so [they] are going to have a positive ANA and usually numerous positive anti-ENA antibodies.” However, he also cautioned, “Not every patient has a classic butterfly rash, so you need to look at the entire clinical picture.”

For subacute cutaneous lupus (SCLE), he emphasized photosensitivity. “Annular scaly lesions or psoriasiform lesions in a photo-distribution are a hallmark. About 25-40% of these patients may develop SCLE because of a medication they’re taking, so you need to perform a good medication history upon diagnosis.”

Chronic cutaneous lupus, particularly discoid lupus (DLE), carries unique implications. “A negative ANA does not rule out cutaneous lupus, especially with discoid lesions,” he stressed. “Patients with generalized discoid lupus, meaning they have lesions both above and below the neck, are at increased risk for progressing to SLE compared to patients with DLE lesions only above the neck.”

Dr. Fernandez advised antimalarials, hydroxychloroquine, and chloroquine as first-line systemic treatments for cutaneous lupus. “If a patient fails the first antimalarial, there is research supporting that switching to the alternative antimalarial may be effective in a significant percentage of cases.”

Dermatomyositis

Turning to dermatomyositis, Dr. Fernandez highlighted hallmark cutaneous features: heliotrope rash, Gottron’s papules, shawl sign, V-neck sign, and holster sign. He noted that any combination of these features may occur in patients with dermatomyositis, and cautioned about MDA5-positive disease. “These patients often present with skin lesions due to vasculopathy. There is a very strong risk of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Some may have a rapidly progressive ILD phenotype, which can be life-threatening despite aggressive treatment.”

For diagnosis, he recommended combining clinical and objective data. “You need to correlate what you see clinically with some objective data, mainly a lesional skin biopsy with histopathologic characteristics consistent with lupus or dermatomyositis.” He also advised autoantibody testing. “For dermatomyositis, myositis-specific autoantibodies correlate with clinical phenotype, so they have tremendous value in terms of how you test, monitor, and treat these patients.”

For treatment, Dr. Fernandez recommended typically starting with corticosteroids plus a steroid-sparing agent. “If patients fail traditional agents, IVIG is far and away the best medicine we currently have for treating the skin, myositis, or both.”

Looking ahead, he concluded with excitement about emerging therapies. “Oral JAK inhibitors, anti-interferon receptor monoclonal antibodies, and anti-interferon-beta monoclonal antibodies may be the first truly novel medicines that get approved for dermatomyositis in decades, depending upon results of ongoing phase 3 trials.” He conveyed to attendees, “Once you make a diagnosis, we currently have good medicines to offer, but the real excitement is what’s in the pipeline right now.”

This information was presented at the 2026 ODAC conference by Anthony Fernandez, MD, PhD, FAAD. The above highlights from this lecture were written and compiled by Samip Sheth, MD.

May 29
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Acral Dermoscopy: ODAC in the News

By Media Coverage, Uncategorized

acral dermoscopy

The challenge of diagnosing acral lesions—those found on the palms and soles—is a familiar one for even the most seasoned dermatologists. Because these areas follow a unique set of “rules” compared to the rest of the body, clinical confidence is paramount to avoiding unnecessary biopsies while catching early-stage melanomas.

The Dermatology Digest highlights an ODAC session on the topic presented by Jennifer Stein, MD, PhD, FAAD, professor and associate vice chair at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine. The article outlines Dr. Stein’s actionable, everyday strategies, including:

  • The Golden Rule: “Furrows are Fine, Ridges are Risky”
  • Acquired Acral Three-Step Algorithm
  • The BRAAFF Algorithm

In the article, Dr. Stein also shares some considerations in patients with darker skin types:

  • Most algorithms may not perfectly translate to patients with darker skin tones.
  • In Fitzpatrick Skin Types V and VI, clinicians may encounter physiologic volar melanocytic macules that display parallel ridge patterns but are entirely benign. While these findings are common in skin of color, Dr. Stein cautioned that the “index of suspicion” must remain high to ensure acral melanoma isn’t overlooked.

Evaluating the nail unit presents its own set of hurdles, as the pigment often originates in the difficult-to-biopsy nail matrix. Dr. Stein breaks down the evaluation into two categories:

  • Non-melanocytic: Before suspecting a tumor, rule out fungal infections (look for a “reverse triangle” pattern) and subungual hemorrhages (look for red-to-black spots with filamentous edges).
  • Melanocytic: Benign ethnic melanonychia often presents with gray, homogeneous lines. However, the “Ugly Duckling” concept is your best friend here. Look for outliers: bands that are wider at the base, involve multiple colors, or cause nail plate destruction.

Dermoscopy is an invaluable tool, but it works best when paired with clinical intuition. By mastering the distinction between furrows and ridges and remaining mindful of how these patterns shift across different skin types, clinicians can provide more accurate, confident care for their patients.

Read the original article posted to The Dermatology Digest.

May 21
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Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis in Patients With Skin of Color

By Video Pearls

psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in patients with skin of color

In a video interview at our sister conference, Skin of Color Update, Mona Shahriari, MD, FAAD, encouraged dermatology clinicians to broaden the psoriasis color palette. She says recognizing the skin tone differences in the presentation of psoriasis can improve diagnosis and care. Dr. Shahriari is associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University School of Medicine.

Watch as she shares:

  • The role of biopsy when diagnosing psoriasis in skin of color
  • Challenges in diagnosing psoriatic arthritis in patients with darker skin tones
  • Latest research in treating scalp psoriasis
  • Pigmentary sequelae and the quality of life impact

If you’re committed to providing quality psoriasis care for all of your patients, this is a must-view video.

May 13
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Topical Nonsteroidal Therapies for Atopic Dermatitis

By Patient Care

topical nonsteroidal therapies

A new consensus in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology recommends advanced nonsteroidal topicals — topical JAK inhibitors, aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists, and PDE‑4 inhibitors — as frontline therapy for AD over traditional topical corticosteroids.

In an interview with Next Steps in Derm, author Christopher Bunick, MD, PhD, shares the panel’s evidence‑based process, graded recommendations, and practical implications for clinic.

Why this matters:

  • These agents offer improved efficacy and safety vs. steroids, especially on thin or sensitive skin (face, folds, genitalia).
  • They better control itch, inflammation, and barrier dysfunction — translating to real gains in sleep and quality of life.
  • Their safety profile supports longer‑term use and easier patient adherence.
  • The consensus provides actionable guidance on where nonsteroidal topicals fit alongside biologics and small molecules.

This interview is a must‑read to update your treatment algorithms and patient counseling.

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