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and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in February 2023. She attended Kent State University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism with minors in public relations and creative writing. She enjoys making and listening to music, reading, and spending time with her cats, Astrid and Marceline.

Articles

Catch up on dermatology news, highlights, and insights from the past 24 hours.

Daily Derm Times: August 1, 2025

Marie Bosslett is the assistant editor of 

 and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in October 2024. She attended Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with minors in marketing and writing. When she’s not writing, Marie enjoys going to concerts, reading on the beach, and spending time with friends and family.

Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, explores the latest advancements in laser and energy-based dermatological treatments, including skin resurfacing and body contouring.

The Latest Trends in Laser and Energy-Based Dermatology

Maddi Hebebrand is an associate editor of 

and joined the MJH Life Sciences team in May 2024. She attended Baldwin Wallace University, studying Media Production and Film, and received her Masters in Digital Media from Ohio University. When she's not writing, Maddi loves to read, attend concerts and spend time with her family. 

Kolansky identifies oxybenzone and fragrances as leading causes of sunscreen allergies.

Common Sunscreen Allergens: What to Watch For

Whitney Hovenic, MD's new SPOOGE sunscreen hopes to engage Gen Z in sun protection, merging skincare with fun and effective sun care strategies.

SPOOGE by Whitney Hovenic, MD, Aims to Bridge the Sunscreen Adherence Gap in a Unique Way

Dermatology Times connects dermatology professionals with key skin disorder coverage, therapeutic strategies, clinical trial updates, and expert insights.

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Authors

Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a a board-certified dermatologist practicing at Shafer Clinic on Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Final Thoughts: The Importance of Comparative Studies in AD

Panelists offer concluding insights and emphasize the critical role of comparative studies in advancing atopic dermatitis treatment strategies.

clinical

Video Series

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in dermatology. Characterized by persistent or relapsing inflammation of the hands lasting more than 3 months, or recurring at least twice within a 12-month period.

However, the term often serves as a clinical umbrella, and without thorough diagnostic workup, important distinctions can be overlooked. Proper evaluation is essential to determine whether a patient truly has CHE, or whether the presentation reflects a different condition such as allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), irritant contact dermatitis, or atopic dermatitis. These disorders may present with overlapping features, but they differ in pathogenesis, prognosis, and management.

Accurate diagnosis is essential, as misclassification may delay effective treatment or allow ongoing exposure to triggers. ACD, in particular, is frequently underrecognized.

Patch testing remains the gold standard for diagnosing ACD, allowing clinicians to identify hypersensitivity reactions to common allergens like nickel, fragrance mix, rubber accelerators, and preservatives. Importantly, ACD is not an eczema subtype, but a distinct immune-mediated condition that may share overlapping clinical and histologic features with other inflammatory dermatoses.

We want to hear from our readers: When assessing a patient with a dermatoses affecting the hands, how often do you perform patch testing to evaluate for CHE or other allergic, contact, and irritant conditions?

Ghezzi G, Falcidia C, Paolino G, et al. Chronic hand eczema (CHE): a narrative review. 

Tramontana M, Hansel K, Bianchi L, Sensini C, Malatesta N, Stingeni L. Advancing the understanding of allergic contact dermatitis: from pathophysiology to novel therapeutic approaches. 

. 2023;10:1184289. Published 2023 May 22. 

Patel K, Nixon R. Irritant contact dermatitis - a review. 

Kim J, Kim BE, Leung DYM. Pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis: Clinical implications. 

POLL: Do You Routinely Use Patch Testing When Evaluating Chronic Hand Eczema?

“It is predicted that by 2044, 50% of the US population will belong to a minority group. So, it's imperative that all of us learn how to correctly diagnose and treat patients of color, and a lot of that starts with that patient relationship,” said Buchi Neita, MCMSc, PA-C, in an interview at the 

Neita, a board-certified physician assistant at Epiphany Dermatology in Peachtree City, Georgia, presented 2 sessions focused on clinical and interpersonal strategies for improving dermatologic care in patients with skin of color.

At Elevate-Derm Summer, Buchi Neita, MCMSc, PA-C, discussed enhancing dermatologic care for patients with skin of color by recognizing characteristics in conditions such as CCCA and PIH, and offered strategies to build rapport with patients.  

Improving Diagnoses and Trust in Patients With Skin of Color 

Neita’s clinical session centered on recognizing common and overlooked conditions in patients with skin of color. She began by reviewing benign variants such as longitudinal melanonychia, pigmentary demarcation lines, and volar hyperpigmentation, emphasizing that familiarity with these findings is essential to avoid misdiagnosis. She also discussed highly prevalent conditions, including post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, pseudo folliculitis barbae, and acne keloidalis nuchae. Notably, she shared evidence that 1% over-the-counter diclofenac gel, used twice daily for 3 months, can be effective for acne keloidalis.

For keloids, she stressed the need for aggressive treatment with high-concentration intralesional triamcinolone at 4- to 6-week intervals. Regarding scarring alopecias, particularly central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, Neita urged clinicians to biopsy or initiate treatment early in patients reporting central scalp tenderness, burning, or breakage. She also cautioned against overdiagnosing traction alopecia, discussing the importance of differentiating it from androgenetic and frontal fibrosing alopecia.

Neita also reviewed skin cancer presentations in darker skin tones, noting that basal cell carcinoma is typically pigmented and that squamous cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer in Black patients, often arising in non-sun-exposed or previously scarred areas. She emphasized vigilance for acral lentiginous melanoma, particularly when nail pigmentation progresses over time.

In her session on building patient rapport, Neita acknowledged the historical mistrust many patients with skin of color carry, referencing the Tuskegee experiment

 and systemic underdiagnosis. She shared actionable strategies: connect on common ground, actively listen, sit eye-level during exams, use language interpreters if needed, learn patients’ names, and document pronunciation. She emphasized performing meticulous skin exams using enhanced lighting and dermoscopy to identify subtler signs of inflammation, such as violaceous or hyperpigmented cues.

Neita’s final message to colleagues was that clinicians must prioritize continued education through conferences, podcasts, and literature dedicated to skin of color patient care.

Neita B. Dermatologic conditions in skin of color. Presented at: 2025 Elevate-Derm Summer Conference; July 24-27, 2025; Park City, UT.

Neita B. The art of connection: building meaningful rapport with skin of color patients. Presented at: 2025 Elevate-Derm Summer Conference; July 24-27, 2025; Park City, UT.

About the untreated syphilis study at Tuskegee. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated September 4, 2024. Accessed July 28, 2025. 

https://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/about/index.html

By 2044, half of the US population is expected to belong to minority groups, necessitating improved dermatologic care for patients of color. Buchi Neita, a board-certified physician assistant, highlighted the importance of recognizing common and overlooked skin conditions in these patients, such as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and acne keloidalis. She emphasized the need for aggressive treatment of keloids and early intervention in scarring alopecias. Neita also addressed building patient rapport, stressing the importance of understanding historical mistrust and employing strategies to enhance communication and examination techniques.

At Elevate-Derm Summer, Buchi Neita, MCMSc, PA-C, discussed enhancing dermatologic care for patients with skin of color by recognizing characteristics in common conditions and offered strategies to build rapport with patients.  

Improving Diagnoses and Trust in Patients With Skin of Color

“I have been a dermatology PA for 23 years and have always prescribed isotretinoin and always will. It is absolutely a game-changing and life-changing medication for our patients with recalcitrant acne, or for scarring cystic acne,” said Shanna Miranti, MPAS, PA-C, in an interview at the 

Miranti, a board-certified physician assistant at Riverchase Dermatology in Naples, Florida, and a 

 editorial advisory board member, presented her tips for prescribing isotretinoin for patients as acne, as well as her involvement in the new 

SkinSync podcast with Elevate-Derm Alliance

At Elevate-Derm Summer, Shanna Miranti, MPAS, PA-C, highlighted practical strategies for isotretinoin prescribing, addressed the impact of iPLEDGE hurdles, and introduced SkinSync. 

 Demystifying Isotretinoin Prescriptions and Introducing the SkinSync Podcast 

Miranti’s presentation, “Lessons Learned in Acne,” focused on the underutilization of isotretinoin due to iPLEDGE-related challenges and emphasized why PAs and NPs should feel empowered to prescribe it. She reaffirmed her support for isotretinoin in cases of recalcitrant or scarring cystic acne and shared concern that administrative hurdles have discouraged many clinicians from using a medication she describes as life-changing for patients. Her goal of the presentation was to demystify the prescribing process and offer actionable guidance to increase comfort and confidence with initiating and managing isotretinoin therapy.

Miranti also provided a deep dive into implementation strategies to simplify isotretinoin prescribing. Her tips included workflow optimizations such as establishing protocols with specialty pharmacies and structuring office schedules to ensure timely monthly follow-ups. She also presented her personal set of “Accutane hacks,” a collection of practical tips clinicians can apply immediately to minimize friction points in isotretinoin management. For Miranti, her points were designed to improve access for patients while maintaining clinic efficiency, ensuring that patients who need isotretinoin are not left untreated due to logistical barriers.

Beyond her lecture, Miranti shared her excitement about co-hosting SkinSync, the first podcast created by dermatology PAs and NPs for their peers, produced by Elevate-Derm Alliance.

 The podcast aims to serve as a clinically relevant and relatable resource for PAs and NPs in dermatology. Additionally, reflecting on her experience at her first Elevate-Derm Summer Meeting, she praised the high-caliber education, noting the consistent value in each session and the opportunity to engage with dedicated and knowledgeable peers across the dermatology community.

Miranti S. Lessons learned in acne. Presented at: 2025 Elevate-Derm Summer Conference; July 24-28, 2025; Park City, UT.

Welcome to SkinSync: your dermatology update: Elevate-Derm Alliance. Accessed July 26, 2025. 

https://www.elevate-derm.com/skinsync-podcast

Shanna Miranti, a dermatology PA, advocates for the use of isotretinoin in treating recalcitrant and scarring cystic acne, despite challenges posed by iPLEDGE. At the 2025 Elevate-Derm Summer Conference, she shared strategies to simplify isotretinoin prescribing, including workflow optimizations and practical tips to enhance clinic efficiency. Miranti also introduced the SkinSync podcast, aimed at providing dermatology PAs and NPs with clinically relevant insights. She praised the educational value of the conference and the opportunity to connect with peers in the dermatology field.

At Elevate-Derm Summer, Shanna Miranti, MPAS, PA-C, highlighted practical strategies for isotretinoin prescribing, addressed the impact of iPLEDGE hurdles, and introduced the SkinSync podcast.

Demystifying Isotretinoin Prescriptions and Introducing the SkinSync Podcast

“Patch testing can seem very scary and overwhelming, but it can be transformative for patients,” Walter Liszewksi, MD, said in an interview at the 

Liszewksi, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, presented numerous sessions at the 4-day conference. In his interview, Liszewski presented key highlights on contact dermatitis, patch testing, JAK inhibitors for atopic dermatitis (AD), and dosing techniques.

Walter Liszewski, MD, highlights the clinical impact of patch testing and shares strategies for selecting and dosing JAK inhibitors at Elevate-Derm Summer. 

Practical Approaches to Patch Testing and JAK Inhibitor Optimization in Atopic Dermatitis 

In his first session, “Contact Dermatitis Conundrums,” Liszewski emphasized that comprehensive patch testing is extremely beneficial for patients with chronic dermatitis. He cautioned against overreliance on limited commercial kits such as the TRUE Test, which, while convenient, may miss relevant allergens due to their narrow panels. For patients who continue to flare despite treatment and initial patch testing, referral to a patch testing specialist for expanded allergen panels is strongly recommended.

An important clinical responsibility following patch testing, he noted, is a thorough review of patient products. Patients often fail to recognize hidden allergens such as fragrance molecules that may not be clearly labeled. Clinicians should assist patients in identifying personal care items and topical therapies that contain their specific allergens. Liszewski mentioned that without targeted avoidance counseling, even accurate patch test results may not translate to clinical improvement, given the non-intuitive and potentially misleading nature of consumer labeling.

In his second session, “JAK Inhibitors: Practical Tips for Integration Into Practice,” Liszewski tackled the clinical nuances of using JAK inhibitors in AD. Although black box warnings exist, he argued that these agents should not be categorically withheld from patients based solely on demographic risk factors (eg, patients aged over 50 years, use of oral contraceptives). According to Liszewksi, with appropriate monitoring, JAK inhibitors offer rapid and often dramatic improvements, especially in patients who are refractory to biologics.

He also advised clinicians not to hesitate in escalating JAK dosing, as large-scale extension trial data demonstrate minimal added safety concerns with increased doses and significant gains in itch reduction, sleep quality, and skin clearance. He shared that none of his patients switching from a biologic to a JAK regretted the decision, affirming the value of individualized therapeutic decision-making.

“We know, based on large-scale extension trial data, that when you increase the dose of things like Rinvoq or Cibinqo, rates of side effect increase are very minimal, but the improvement in quality of life, the improvement in itch, and the improvement in sleep goes up tremendously, and the benefits outweigh the risks,” Liszewski concluded.

Liszewksi W. Contact dermatitis: a panel discussion on challenging cases. Presented at: 2025 Elevate-Derm Summer Conference; July 24-28; Park City, UT.

Liszewksi W. JAK inhibitors: practical tips for integration into practice. Presented at: 2025 Elevate-Derm Summer Conference; July 24-28; Park City, UT.

Patch testing is a transformative tool for managing chronic dermatitis, but reliance on limited commercial kits may miss allergens, necessitating specialist referrals for expanded panels. Clinicians should guide patients in identifying hidden allergens in personal care products to ensure effective avoidance. JAK inhibitors, despite black box warnings, should not be withheld based on demographic risks alone, as they offer significant improvements in refractory atopic dermatitis cases. Escalating JAK dosing is supported by trial data, showing minimal safety concerns and substantial benefits in itch reduction, sleep quality, and skin clearance.

Walter Liszewski, MD, highlights the clinical impact of patch testing and shares strategies for selecting and dosing JAK inhibitors at Elevate-Derm Summer.

Practical Approaches to Patch Testing and JAK Inhibitor Optimization in Atopic Dermatitis

Amy Spizuoco, DO, FAOCD, shares groundbreaking insights on alopecia treatments and emerging STIs at this year's Elevate-Derm Summer Conference, enhancing patient care.

A Deep Dive into Alopecia Treatments, Novel STIs, and the Future of Dermatology

Amy Spizuoco, DO, FAOCD, a New York City-based dermatologist and dermatopathologist, recently presented at 

, sharing critical updates on alopecia, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and innovations in patient care. Spizuoco, the owner of True Dermatology in Manhattan’s Flatiron district, is a past president of the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, a faculty member in the dermatology department of Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and serves on the editorial boards of 

In her in-depth session on alopecia, Spizuoco highlighted significant advancements in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia for both men and women.

 She emphasized the growing arsenal of therapies, including the repurposing of older medications and the introduction of newer options that offer personalized approaches to hair loss management. One key development she noted was the recent market release of deuruxolitinib, a JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, for severe cases of alopecia areata.

“I'm glad that we have another medication in our armamentarium to treat our patients with alopecia areata, and I'm really looking forward to the uses,” she said in an interview with 

Spizuoco also addressed the evolving STI landscape in a separate talk, focusing on clinical-pathologic correlations.

Of particular note was the emergence of Trichophyton mentagrophytes group type VII, a fungal infection newly identified as sexually transmitted. First detected in New York City last year, it marks the first time a fungus has been classified as an STI, prompting increased awareness and vigilance among clinicians.

Looking ahead, Spizuoco expressed excitement about treatments for chronic inflammatory skin diseases like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis that may offer longer-lasting results, potentially leading to remission or even cure. She also announced the launch of the Derm VIP Summit, a new conference she is co-directing with Dr. Peter Friedman. Scheduled for May 2026 in New York City, the event will spotlight inflammatory skin conditions with a special emphasis on hair disorders, aiming to bring together leading voices in dermatology for collaboration and education.

1. Spizuoco, A. Alopecia Update. Presented at: 2025 Elevate-Derm Summer Conference; July 24-28; Park City, UT.

2. Spizuoco, A. The Evolving Landscape of STI's. Presented at: 2025 Elevate-Derm Summer Conference; July 24-28; Park City, UT.

Amy Spizuoco, DO, FAOCD, shared significant updates on alopecia, STIs, and patient care innovations at the Elevate-Derm Summer 2025 conference. She discussed advancements in androgenetic alopecia treatments, including the introduction of deuruxolitinib for severe alopecia areata. Spizuoco highlighted the emergence of Trichophyton mentagrophytes group type VII as a newly identified fungal STI. She also expressed optimism about future treatments for chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Additionally, she announced the Derm VIP Summit, a new conference focusing on inflammatory skin conditions and hair disorders, scheduled for May 2026.

Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD

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