Day Two Session Roundup: APP Institute Dermatology 2024
On the second and final day of the APP Institute Dermatology 2024, experts presented insights into infectious diseases in pediatric dermatology, advancing vitiligo management and care, hair disorders in patients with skin of color, and psoriasis comorbidities.
During their session, “Pediatric Dermatology Updates,” Dr Nnenna Agim and Peggy Vernon delivered an insightful presentation on pediatric infectious diseases, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.1 Dr Agim highlighted the differences in managing bacterial, viral, and fungal infections in children. For instance, she detailed how folliculitis, a common skin condition, can be caused by various agents like bacteria, fungi, or non-infectious factors, stressing the need for proper diagnosis since treatments vary widely.
The discussion also covered serious bacterial infections like staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, which can cause widespread skin peeling and requires immediate medical attention. Streptococcal infections were also discussed, particularly their potential to cause severe systemic symptoms and complications like psoriasis. Dr Agim emphasized the importance of promptly identifying and treating these infections to prevent complications.
Dr Agim stressed the role of social determinants of health in the prevalence and severity of pediatric infectious diseases, noting that children in crowded or unhygienic environments are more susceptible to certain infections. She concluded by advocating for precise diagnosis through techniques like polymerase chain reaction or culture tests to ensure accurate treatment and prevent antibiotic resistance. Public health programs and vaccination were also highlighted as being crucial in preventing the spread of infectious diseases in children.
In the session “Advancing Vitiligo Care: Updates in Targeted Therapy and Strategies to Improve Patient Quality of Life,” Dr David Rosmarin and Dr Andrea Nguyen presented updates on vitiligo care, focusing on targeted therapies and improving patient quality of life.2 Dr Rosmarin emphasized that vitiligo is an autoimmune condition causing skin depigmentation, not just a cosmetic issue. He discussed the challenges of treating vitiligo, particularly in mucosal areas, and highlighted new treatments like Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which have shown promising results in clinical trials.
Dr Nguyen shared insights on the emotional and social impact of vitiligo, noting that patients often experience higher rates of depression and anxiety. She emphasized the importance of patient-centered care and setting realistic expectations for treatment outcomes. The session also covered various treatment options, including topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and phototherapy, as well as surgical and depigmentation therapies.
During their session, “Scalp and Hair Disorders in Skin of Color Patients,” Dr Andrea Nguyen and Dr Candrice Heath reflected on the common scalp and hair disorders in patients with skin of color.3 They presented differential diagnoses and treatment options for conditions like central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis, emphasizing the importance of tools like dermoscopy and biopsy in diagnosis. The session provided valuable insights into managing these conditions, particularly in populations that may be more susceptible to certain types of hair loss and scalp disorders.
Finally, in the session “Psoriasis Comorbidities,” Dr Jeffrey Cohen and Hannah Rodriguez provided guidelines for choosing biologic therapies based on psoriasis comorbidities and associated conditions.4 Dr Cohen emphasized the need for personalized treatment plans and collaboration with specialists to manage comorbidities like psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and hepatitis. Case studies were used to illustrate the importance of tailoring treatment to individual patient profiles, considering factors like pregnancy, comorbid conditions, and previous treatment responses.
To summarize, day two of APP Institute Dermatology 2024 provided key insights into various dermatologic disorders and guidance for all dermatology practitioners to enhance their practices and patient care.
References
1. Agim N, Vernon P. Welcome and pediatric dermatology updates. Presented at: APP Institute Dermatology; Aug 16–17, 2024; Virtual.
2. Rosmarin D, Nguyen A. Advancing vitiligo care: updates in targeted therapy and strategies to improve patient quality of life. Presented at: APP Institute Dermatology; Aug 16–17, 2024; Virtual.
3. Nguyen A, Heath C. Scalp and hair disorders in skin of color patients. Presented at: APP Institute Dermatology; Aug 16–17, 2024; Virtual.
4. Cohen J, Rodriguez H. Psoriasis comorbidities. Presented at: APP Institute Dermatology; Aug 16–17, 2024; Virtual.
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