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 Elevate-Derm Summer 2025, 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 Dermatology Times and Practical Dermatology.

In her in-depth session on alopecia, Spizuoco highlighted significant advancements in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia for both men and women.¹ 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 Dermatology Times.

Spizuoco also addressed the evolving STI landscape in a separate talk, focusing on clinical-pathologic correlations.² 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.

References

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.