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Dive into the complete episode list for Derms on Drugs. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Litfulo Lowdown: When to Wave Goodbye; Olumiant Showdown: Solo vs. Squad; Solar Shocker: More Sun Equals Less Death?31 Jan 202500:58:52

Is your Litfulo not pulling its weight? New research gives you the inside scoop on when to throw in the towel

We’re buzzing about oral JAK inhibitors for vitiligo, but do they really outshine NBUVB alone? We’ve got the answer 

And guess what? While basking in the sun might up your skin cancer risk, it turns out those rays also help you dodge death from heart disease, cancer and other nasty surprises— at least if you happen to be living in England

Join Richard Weller, the genius behind these sacrilege statements, as he helps us rethink how we guide our patients on sun exposure—taking into account their skin type and the sunny vibes of their locale.

We’ll also dive into Dupixent’s surprising benefits for cancer immunotherapy, its heart-friendly profile, and how it shields kids from ADD, depression, and anxiety.  Ever wonder if switching up your psoriasis biologic is worth it? We’ll tackle that enigma. And don’t miss our head-to-head trial of Pregabalin vs. Gabapentin for the intensely itchy, plus a look at the long-term risk of psoriasis after a first bout of guttate psoriasis.  Oh, and do we really need sterile gloves in derm surgery? Tune in for all this and more—with the trusty team at Derms on Drugs! Join Drs. Ferris, Zirwas and Patton for a new episode every Friday

Derms on Drugs is produced by ⁠Scholars in Medicine.⁠ 


Guest: Richard Weller, Professor

I graduated in medicine at St Thomas’ Hospital, University of London (now part of King’s College, London) and undertook my general/internal medicine training in the north of England and in Australia.Having gained my MRCP I trained in dermatology at the Institute of Dermatology (St John’s) in London, and in Aberdeen and Edinburgh. I spent some time out of my clinical training to complete a research MD degree.  Having completed my dermatology training, I gained a scholarship from the University of Edinburgh, and spent three years in post-doctoral research training in the laboratories of Prof Victoria Kolb-Bachofen, Heinrich-Heine Universität, Dusseldorf, and of Dr Tim Billiar, University of Pittsburgh, USA.I was recruited from America to the post of Senior Lecturer, and latterly Reader in Dermatology and Associate Principal Investigator at the Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Edinburgh.My time is divided between clinical duties, where I am an honorary NHS Consultant Dermatologist with a particular interest in medical dermatology and eczema, and the University where I have an active research group, and also a significant teaching commitment as Programme Director of the M.Med.Sci degree

 

Melanoma Meltdowns, Biosimilar Betrayals, and the Eczema Enigma Exposed!31 Jan 202501:01:03

Buckle-up Kids.  Our Derms on Drugs are answering some of the hottest questions in dermatology again this week:

  • Melanoma's Mental Massacre: Discover which patients are most likely to spiral into anxiety and depression after diagnosis and how we can help save their sanity!
  • Biosimilar Backstabbing: Why do patients switched to biosimilars fare worse than newbies to psoriasis? We'll peel back the layers of this pharmaceutical puzzle.
  • Eczema Epidemic Exposed: Hold onto your moisturizers, folks! We've cracked the code on why everyone and their itchy grandmother has atopic dermatitis. Spoiler alert: It's not just your genes being jerks!
  • Air Pollution: The Silent Skin Assassin: Dr. Ian Myles spills the tea on how he caught air pollution red-handed in the great eczema explosion of the '70s. Urban dwellers, your skin's arch-nemesis has been unmasked!


But wait, there's more! We'll also dive into:

  • The return of the zit: Predicting acne's revenge after isotretinoin
  • Dupilumab: The accidental cancer crusader?
  • Tralokinumab: Savior for dupilumab dropouts or just another letdown?
  • Ferulic acid vs. Rosacea: The face-off you never knew you needed
  • Cysteamine and hydroquinone duke it out in the melasma arena
  • Digital mucous cysts: Because even your fingers deserve some drama


You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you might even learn something new… Join Drs. Ferris, Zirwas and Patton for a new episode every Friday

Derms on Drugs is produced by ⁠Scholars in Medicine.⁠


Guest: Ian A. Myles, MD, Mph

Guest Bio: Dr. Myles, Principal Investigator, Epithelial Therapeutics Unit, graduated with a B.S. in biology from Colorado State University in 2001 and then obtained an M.D. from the University of Colorado in 2005. He completed an internal medicine residency at The Ohio State University prior to beginning fellowship training in allergy and clinical immunology at NIH. In 2011, Dr. Myles became a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. In 2013, he was awarded a position as an assistant clinical investigator in the NIAID Transition Program in Clinical Research. Dr. Myles received his M.P.H. from George Washington University in 2016. In 2018, Dr. Myles became the head of the newly formed Epithelial Therapeutics Unit to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical, live bacterial treatment for atopic dermatitis (eczema). He is currently a participant in the Lasker Clinical Research Scholars and Distinguished Scholars programs.


Links to Articles and Websites

1.  Prevalence and odds of anxiety and depression in cutaneous malignant melanoma: a proportional meta-analysis and regression

2.  Drug Survival and Safety of Biosimilars Compared with Originator Adalimumab for Psoriasis: A Multinational Cohort Study

3.  The clinical, mechanistic, and social impacts of air pollution on atopic dermatitis

4.  Exposure to isocyanates predicts atopic dermatitis prevalence and disrupts therapeutic pathways in commensal bacteria

5.  Environmental and behavioral mitigation strategies for patients with atopic dermatitis

6.  Acne Relapse and Isotretinoin Retrial in Patients With Acne

7.  Risk of malignancy associated with use of dupilumab versus other treatments in atopic dermatitis patients: A national database analysis

8.  Tralokinumab Treatment in Adult Atopic Dermatitis Patients: 28-Week Evaluation of Clinical Effectiveness, Safety, Serum Proteins and Total IgE Levels

9.  Ferulic Acid in the Treatment of Papulopustular Rosacea: A Randomized Controlled Study

10.  Efficacy and safety of cysteamine 5% cream for the management of melasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

11.  Effectiveness of surgical versus non-surgical interventions in treatment of digital mucous cysts


Melanoma Prognosis Calculator

http://www.lifemath.net/cancer/melanoma/outcome/index.php

 

Skinesa Defensin+ Probiotic Spray

https://www.skinesa.com/products/defensin-probiotic-spray

Rinvoq v Dupi: Battle of the Century, Deadly Boxed Warnings, and Ending the Long Term Relationship with AKs31 Jan 202501:08:28

Buckle up! We're diving deep into the wild world of dermatology, where the only thing more dangerous than a weird mole is a boxed warning. Here's what's cooking in this episode:

  • Rinvoq vs. Dupixent: Two drugs enter, one drug leaves! We break down this pharmaceutical cage match and wonder if we learned anything besides how to pronounce "upadacitinib."
  • Actinic keratoses get a glow-up with calcipotriol and 5-FU. Spoiler alert: It's not what you think, unless you think it's magic. Then you're right.
  • Boxed warnings: Giving us more childhood suicides? We explore how these little black boxes are wreaking havoc on patients and ask, "Who's really getting schooled here?"
  • Dr. Ted Lain attempts to convince our hosts there's actual science in skincare. Spoiler: It's harder than getting rid of back acne.


Plus, we'll tackle burning questions like: Are JAK inhibitors the new Russian roulette? Is switching IL-23s just dermatological musical chairs? And is Topical Steroid Withdrawal the new gluten intolerance? Join us as we dive into the best articles of the last week.

Warning: Side effects may include uncontrollable laughter, raised eyebrows, and a sudden urge to moisturize. Join Drs. Ferris, Zirwas and Patton for a new episode every Friday.

Derms on Drugs is produced by Scholars in Medicine.

BCC Treatment Goes Viral: Find out what happens when you unleash a genetically modified herpes virus on difficult BCCs07 Feb 202501:02:12
  • Litfulo for when all hope for hair seems lost...when Olumiant strikes out, can Litfulo pinch hit and save the day?
  • Hand eczema: Did we really need a 60,000-patient study to find out who's most likely to have horrible hands?
  • The Hand Eczema Whisperer: Jacob Thyssen joins us all the way from the University of Copenhagen for some hand-to-hand combat: What causes it, what can you do about it right now, and what's on the horizon for hand eczema.
  • But that's not all — the Derms on Drugs always bring the best stuff from the literature.


Derms on Drugs is produced by Scholars in Medicine.

 

Jacob P. Thyssen, MD, PhD, DmSci 

Dr. Thyssen has spent nearly 20 years as a clinical dermatologist at university hospitals in Copenhagen, where he currently serves as a professor emeritus. His research in inflammatory skin diseases and allergy has earned him numerous awards. Dr. Thyssen has co-authored more than 700 peer-reviewed articles, with his work appearing in prestigious journals such as The Lancet and NEJM. He holds PhD and medical doctor degrees and has been a research fellow at Harvard Medical School, Boston, UCSF in San Francisco, and a visiting professor at UZH in Zürich. 


Resources:

1.  Efficacy and tolerability of neoadjuvant therapy with Talimogene laherparepvec in cutaneous basal cell carcinoma: a phase II trial (NeoBCC trial)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39820126/
2.  Efficacy and Safety of Switching from Baricitinib to Ritlecitinib in Severe Alopecia Areata
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39707907/
3.  Major improvement of very severe alopecia areata in patients treated with the combination of baricitinib and low doses of corticosteroids: an eight-case series
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37467740/
4.  Prevalence of Chronic Hand Eczema in adults: A cross-sectional survey of over 60,000 respondents in the general population in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39797908/
5.  The Prevalence and Determinants of Hand and Face Dermatitis during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Population-Based Survey
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33376481/
6.  Guidelines for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of hand eczema
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34971008/
7.  Short-term glucocorticoid treatment compromises both permeability barrier homeostasis and stratum corneum integrity: inhibition of epidermal lipid synthesis accounts for functional abnormalities
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12603860/
8.  Association Between Topical Corticosteroid Use and Type 2 Diabetes in Two European Population-Based Adult Cohorts
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30936111/
9.  The Low Nickel Diet
https://www.thelownickeldiet.com/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-5a9BhCBARIsACwMkJ7Ah9ysdVxzpqlxk2KRJoUlUouvxmfcL6UzkNvmG7o8CIXjfNXlZnkaAlhYEALw_wcB
10.  Imiquimod Cream Preceded by Superficial Curettage vs Surgical Excision for Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39878970/
11.  Off-label use of tralokinumab in the treatment of bullous pemphigoid- a case series
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39878153/
12.  Association between use of antihypertensives and treatment of actinic keratoses: A TriNetX population- based study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39894367/
13.  Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence-Generated Responses to Patient Messages
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39412810/
14.  Sofdra prescribing information
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2024/217347s000lbl.pdf
15.  A Pivotal Study on the Safety and Effectiveness of a Targeted Alkali Thermolysis Patch for Treatment of Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis or Excessive Axillary Sweating
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39480962/
16.  Impact of Needle Design and Suture Gauge on Tissue Tearing During Skin Suturing: A Comparative Analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39325023/

Derms on Drugs Debunks the "Benzene in Benzoyl Peroxide" Story14 Feb 202500:34:55

We all kind of freaked out when the news broke that benzene had been detected in benzoyl peroxide. I mean, makes sense, right -benzene even sounds like benzoyl - how did nobody think of this before! And the lab that detected it got Zantac pulled from the market and it was even discussed at Fall Clinical..."There is no safe amount of exposure to benzene..." The final straw was when an article dropped in JID -JID for goodness sake - about the problem.

Not so fast. Our trio did a deep dive and there is WAY more to this story than meets the eye. Join us as we get into the nitty grittywith John Barbieri (from Harvard!) about his published research on the topic along with the well­ known Australian cosmetic chemist, Michelle Wong, PhD (aka "Lab Muffin").


Derms on Drugs is produced by Scholars in Medicine.


John Barieri 

John Barbieri, MD, MBA is an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and the Director of the Advanced Acne Therapeutics Clinic at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. He is an associate editor at JAMA Dermatology and is also the co-chair of the American Academy of Dermatology Acne Guidelines Work Group. His research is focused on conducting innovative clinical trials, health economic, and epidemiology studies to identify the best approaches to care for patients with acne. He also focuses on exploring the role of patient-reported outcomes to ensure we are capturing the patient’s voice and perspective on their care. 

Dr. Barbieri has received consulting fees from Honeydew Care.


Michelle Wong

Michelle Wong is a science educator and chemistry PhD. In 2011 she started the website Lab Muffin Beauty Science, where she explains the science behind beauty products for a general audience. She has since expanded to YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, and is known for her work debunking myths. Her book The Science of Beauty was released in June 2024, and she is the cofounder of BeautySciComm. Through her science communication work, Michelle has worked with many brands on campaigns, and delivered invited talks at international conferences. Her work has been featured in Wired, The New York Times, ABC News, and Chemistry & Engineering News.

Social media handles:

YouTube, IG, Threads, TikTok: @labmuffinbeautyscience

Bluesky: labmuffin.com

Website: labmuffin.com

Substack: labmuffin.substack.com


Resources:

1.   Evaluation of Benzene Presence and Formation in Benzoyl Peroxide Drug Products

 PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39384016/

Full Text Link: www.jidonline.org/action/showPdf?

 

2.   No evidence for an association between benzoyl peroxide use and increased blood benzene levels in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38950699/

Full Text: https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(24)00980-0/fulltext

 

3.   Benzoyl peroxide for acne treatment is not associated with an increased risk of malignancy: A retrospective cohort study

PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39002561/

Full Text: https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(24)01051-X/fulltext

 

4: Benzene in your products, Part 2: The story of Valisure. Lab Muffin Beauty Science.

 https://labmuffin.com/benzene-in-your-products-part-2-the-story-of-valisure/


5: Shelf-stable formulations of benzoyl peroxide and methods of producing same https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2023177625A1/en


6. A Legal Shakedown Exposed: How Valisure tried to cash in on its dubious claims about cancer. https://www.wsj.com/articles/valisure-cancer-claims-zantac-dry-shampoo-david-Iight-11675806424

Psoriasiform Dermatitis and Idiopathic Erythroderma - The Derms on Drugs Clear Up Some Murky Topics21 Feb 202500:43:14

Psoriasiform Dermatitis - the Derms on Drugs take on your worst nightmare when it comes to path reports.  Dermatitis?  Psoriasis?  Both?  Neither?  We'll get into the weeds with Amber Atwater, who looked at what the final diagnoses ended up being in hundreds of patients with psoriasiform dermatitis that gives us some clues on how to approach these patients. We also review the latest work on idiopathic erythroderma - not so idiopathic anymore, thanks to the hard work and genius of Shawn Kwatra at the University of Maryland. And, stick around to the end for some hard hitting trivia on the American Contact Dermatitis Society's last 25 years of Allergens of the Year.

Join us for another episode of Derms on Drugs, brought to you by Scholars in Medicine.

1.  Targeted dual biologic therapy for erythroderma of unknown etiology guided by high-parameter peripheral blood immunophenotyping
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39809837/

2.  Molecular Structure and Function of Janus Kinases: Implications for the Development of Inhibitors
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32083640/

3.  Final clinical diagnosis in cases of histopathologic psoriasiform dermatitis: retrospective cross-sectional analysis of a Southeastern United States population, 2004-2017
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39792248/

4.  Epidermal spongiotic Langerhans cell collections, but not eosinophils, are a clue to the diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis: A series of 170 clinically- and patch test-confirmed cases
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39709083/

5.  The 2023 Annual Report of DataDerm: The database of the American Academy of Dermatology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38936667/

6.  Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis: section 1. Diagnosis and assessment of atopic dermatitis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24290431/

7.  The atopic dermatitis spectrum disorder. Recognizing the clinical heterogeneity in patients with atopic related skin conditions in order to improve therapeutic decision-making and outcomes: an expert panel consensus statement
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34365875/

8.  Toluene-2,5-Diamine Sulfate: Allergen of the Year 2025
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39862176/

The Derms on Drugs Take on Big Questions  28 Feb 202500:34:03

-Big BCCs – Debulk First or Chemo First?; 

-Do Covid or the Covid Vaccine Affect the Risk of Getting a Bullous Disease?

-Does Drinking Drive Melasma?

But of course that’s not all: Should we be treating Strep to help our psoriasis patients get better faster? What Biologics are new on the horizon for treating linear morphea? And just how well does oral roflumilast work for psoriasis?

Join us this week for more dermatology takes that you won’t get anywhere else!

Derms on Drugs is brought to you by ⁠Scholars in Medicine.


Resource links for this episode are available at Scholars in Medicine.

  1. Surgical Debulking Modifies Notch Signaling and May Improve Vismodegib Effectiveness for Locally Advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma
  2. COVID-19 infection is associated with an elevated risk for autoimmune blistering diseases while COVID-19 vaccination decreases the risk: A large-scale population-based cohort study of 112 million individuals
  3. Diet and Living Environment as Novel Etiological Factors for Melasma: The Results Form a Retrospective Case-Control Study of 150 Chinese Patients
  4. The impact of antibiotic therapy in psoriasis patients with active streptococcal infection: A prospective study
  5. Use of biologic drug in the treatment of localized scleroderma and systemic sclerosis in children: A scoping review
  6. Oral roflumilast for psoriasis: a real-world 24-week prospective cohort study
  7. A randomized, controlled pilot study of oral roflumilast compared with intramuscular methotrexate for plaque and scalp psoriasis
  8. Roflumilast and cognition enhancement: A translational perspective
  9. Acute treatment with the PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast improves verbal word memory in healthy old individuals: a double-blind placebo-controlled study
  10. Acute administration of roflumilast enhances immediate recall of verbal word memory in healthy young adults
Compliance, Adherence - Whatever, Just Put the D*mn Cream On...07 Mar 202500:46:12

The Captain of Compliance, The Admiral of Adherence... Whatever you want to call him, you're going to love this week's episode as the Derms on Drugs dig deep with Dr. Steve Feldman on how to help our patients actually follow through with our recommendations. Trust us, even if you've heard Dr. Feldman talk about this before, you're still not going to want to miss this.

As part of our dive into the nitty gritty of adherence we'll also talk about:
-The first "Oral Biologic" on the way from Janssen - is this oral peptide that inhibits IL-23 a real game changer?
-How a drug like VTAMA is a game changer for pediatric atopic dermatitis, both because of how well it works and because it's so easy for patients to use
-If Cabtreo, the new triple combo cream for acne, works so fast that it actually helps patients stick with using it 


Derms on Drugs is brought to you by ⁠⁠⁠Scholars in Medicine.⁠⁠


Guest: 

Dr. Steven R. Feldman, MD, PhD is a Professor of Dermatology, Pathology, and Social Sciences & Health Policy at the Wake Forest School of Medicine. His chief clinical interest is psoriasis.  Feldman has done groundbreaking research on addiction to tanning beds, patients’ adherence to their medication treatment regimens, and patients’ satisfaction with their medical care.  Feldman’s experiences in medicine have led him to try to see how others perceive things, leading to his book Compartments and his recent novella Bent Toward Justice.  His research has been published in over 1,000 peer reviewed, Medline-referenced articles.  Expertscape.com ranks Feldman among the top experts in the world on psoriasis, acne, dermatology, and treatment adherence. Feldman also serves as the editor of the Journal of Dermatological Treatment and the Journal of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery and as chief medical editor of The Dermatologist.  


Resource links for this episode available at Scholars in Medicine:

1.  FRONTIER-2: A phase 2b, long-term extension, dose-ranging study of oral JNJ-77242113 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis
2. Tapinarof cream 1% once daily: Significant efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children down to 2 years of age in the pivotal phase 3 ADORING trials
3.  Efficacy and Safety of a Fixed-Dose Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%, and Adapalene 0.15% Gel for Moderate-to-Severe Acne: A Randomized Phase II Study of the First Triple-Combination Drug
4.  An exploratory study of adherence to topical benzoyl peroxide in patients with acne vulgaris
5.  Effects of ruxolitinib cream on pruritus and quality of life in atopic dermatitis: Results from a phase 2, randomized, dose-ranging, vehicle- and active-controlled study
6.  Long-term adherence to topical psoriasis treatment can be abysmal: a 1-year randomized intervention study using objective electronic adherence monitoring

To Scratch or Not to Scratch, That Is the Question14 Mar 202500:36:06

The Derms on Drugs enlist the Sultan of Scratching, Dan Kaplan from the University of Pittsburgh, to answer the age- old question - should you scratch an itch or not? 

Believe it or not, some of the most cutting-edge science on the planet is focusing on this question (you think they'd have better stuff to work on, but who are we to judge). The answer(s) are going to surprise you - turns out scratching does a lot more than just get bugs off our skin (although that part is important too).

Derms on Drugs is brought to you by Scholars in Medicine.


Guest: Daniel H. Kaplan, MD, PhD

Daniel H. Kaplan, MD, PhD is a Professor within the Department of Dermatology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh. His research is dedicated to understanding the mechanisms that underlie skin immunity and the interplay of different immune cells types that reside in the skin.  As a graduate student at Washington University, St Louis he participated in the re-invigoration of the concept of tumor immunosurveillance by observing an increased frequency of skin tumors in immunodeficient mice. During his post-doc at Yale University, he developed a number of mouse lines with a selective deficiency of Langerhans cells (LC) and showed that these cells have the unexpected capacity to suppress tissue immune. As an Assistant and later Associate professor at the University of Minnesota, he found that LC and dermal dendritic cells have unique functions in the development of anti-pathogen responses. In 2015 he moved to the University of Pittsburgh. His laboratory is currently focused on understanding how intracellular communication mechanisms between immune cells and non-hematopoietic cells in the skin with a particular emphasis on sensory afferents modulate cutaneous immunity and skin disease. 


Resource links for this episode are available at Scholars in Medicine.

  1. Brain's reward circuits mediate itch relief. a functional MRI study of active scratching
  2. Epidermal Mechanical Scratching-Induced ROS Exacerbates the Itch-Scratch Cycle via TRPA1 Activation on Mast Cells in Atopic Dermatitis
  3. Scratching promotes allergic inflammation and host defense via neurogenic mast cell activation
  4. Activation of Mast-Cell-Expressed Mas-Related G-Protein-Coupled Receptors Drives Non-histaminergic Itch
  5. Mast-Cell-Derived TNF Amplifies CD8(+) Dendritic Cell Functionality and CD8(+) T Cell Priming
  6. Mast Cells Initiate Type 2 Inflammation through Tryptase Released by MRGPRX2/MRGPRB2 Activation in Atopic Dermatitis
Dermatology Fact or Fiction - The Derms on Drugs Find Some Serious Fiction in the Latest Articles in the Literature21 Mar 202500:40:42

New Articles on causes and treatments for AKs, Melasma, Atopic Derm, Acne, Grover's and Contact Derm.  But you can't always believe what you read in a journal, and even when you can it doesn't mean it's going to help your patients.  So, sit back, relax and join the Derms on Drugs to separate fact from fiction.

  • A systemic option for patients with tons of actinic keratoses all over their body?  If it sounds too good to be true it probably is, right?
  • Botox for melasma.  Can you see the difference?  Can the Derms on Drugs?
  • New "Real World" data says Dupixent doesn't help 85% of patients.  Are the authors living in the "Real World"?
  • Hormonal IUDs cause acne - Fact, fiction or the jury is still out?
  • Grover's Disease (aka transient acantholytic dermatosis) isn't always so transient.  Do we finally have a breakthrough?
  • Positive Patch Tests in Kids - do they actually get better or is it just sending us down a rabbit hole?


Derms on Drugs is brought to you by Scholars in Medicine.


Resource links for this episode available at Scholars in Medicine.

  1. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Field Cancerization and Keratinocyte Cancer Prevention
  2. Intradermal Botulinum Toxin A for Melasma: A Randomized Split-Face Study Trial and In Vitro Study of Its Antimelanogenic Effect
  3. Unmet Needs of Effective Advanced Systemic Therapies in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis Patients in the TARGET-DERM AD Registry
  4. Frequency of androgenic cutaneous adverse events associated with levonorgestrel intrauterine devices: An analysis of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database
  5. Efficacy of Dupilumab for Treatment-Resistant Grover's Disease: A Retrospective Study
  6. Association of Somatic ATP2A2 Damaging Variants With Grover Disease
  7. Discrepancies in patch testing timing and outcomes: A retrospective analysis of the Pediatric Allergic Contact Dermatitis Registry
Best of AAD 2025: The Hottest of the Hot Dermatology Data28 Mar 202500:33:21

Late-breaking abstracts from the AAD Meeting offer a sneak peek into dermatology’s future—and we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Derms on Drugs uncovers the hottest data that will dominate the top journals and meetings in 2025: the cutting-edge for psoriasis, new Tyk2 inhibitors, new treatment for cutaneous lupus, dupilumab’s possible role in bullous pemphigoid, patient-led patch testing innovations, plus fresh approaches to skin cancer and alopecia areata. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve!


This podcast is brought to you by Scholars in Medicine.

Why Are Dermatology Drugs So Expensive?16 May 202501:06:40

 Skyrocketing drug prices are hitting dermatology hard. Why are Americans paying more than other countries? Are Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) or pharmaceutical companies to blame? Join Derms on Drugs as our experts pull back the curtain on the broken system driving costs. Get insider insights, practical takeaways, and our trademark banter to navigate this mess as a clinician.

Derms on Drugs is a production of Scholarsinmedicine.com



1.  Use and Cost of First-Line Biologic Medications to Treat Plaque Psoriasis in the US
2.  Systematic review and estimated cost-efficacy of biologics compared with narrowband ultraviolet B light for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
3.  AI Description and Answers About How Drug Pricing Works

Scholarsinmedicine.com

Man vs Machine - Are computers and AI going to replace dermatologists?09 May 202500:56:16

Join Derms on Drugs for a riveting dive into artificial intelligence and automated skin cancer detection.

World-renowned expert Dr. Laura Ferris, with 20 years in the field, breaks down cutting-edge research and predicts the future of dermatology. Will AI "terminate" dermatologists or empower us to focus on complex cases and patient care? Expect fresh insights, practical takeaways, and lively banter that’ll make you a smarter clinician. Don’t miss this chance to stay ahead in the AI revolution!

Derms on Drugs is produced by ⁠Scholars In Medicine


For Resources links visit: ⁠Scholars In Medicine⁠
1.  Diagnostic performance of augmented intelligence with 2D and 3D total body photography and convolutional neural networks in a high-risk population for melanoma under real-world conditions: A new era of skin cancer screening?
2.  3D Total-Body Photography in Patients at High Risk for Melanoma
3.  Promises and Pitfalls of 3D Total-Body Photography for Melanoma Early Detection
4.  Real-world post-deployment performance of a novel machine learning-based digital health technology for skin lesion assessment and suggestions for post-market surveillance
5.  Standard Dermatoscope Images vs an Autonomous Total Body Photography and Dermoscopic Imaging Device

Melanoma, Pre-Menstrual Rashes, Dermatomyositis and more02 May 202500:52:01

Tune in to Derms on Drugs for a the most fun you can have while diving into the hottest dermatology topics! This week, we unpack cutting-edge insights from the latest literature to make you a sharper clinician. Explore adjuvant therapy for Stage 3A melanoma, the pitfalls of dermatomyositis misdiagnosis, and a surprising finding: is hydroxychloroquine outperforming NBUVB for vitiligo?

Plus, discover new skin-gut-immune connections, tackle cancer immunotherapy-induced pemphigoid, and learn how to manage premenstrual rash flares in atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and autoimmune progesterone dermatitis. Join our fun, banter-filled discussion to stay ahead in dermatology!

In This Episode:
Stage 3A Melanoma: Is adjuvant therapy worth it, and what’s the best option?
Dermatomyositis: Consequences of misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis
Vitiligo: Could hydroxychloroquine be a game-changer over NBUVB?
Skin Inflammation: A key driver of food allergy
Pemphigoid: Insights into immunotherapy-induced cases
Premenstrual Rashes: Managing flares in atopic


1.  Efficacy of adjuvant therapy in patients with stage IIIA cutaneous melanoma.
2.  Patterns and Clinical Implications of Misdiagnosis in Dermatomyositis
3.  Effectiveness, Tolerability and Safety of Topical Clobetasol with Oral Hydroxychloroquine versus Topical Clobetasol with NBUVB Phototherapy in Unstable Vitiligo: Investigator Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
4.  Skin damage signals mediate allergic sensitization to spatially unlinked antigen
5.  Epitope Spreading in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor–Associated Bullous Pemphigoid
6.  The impact of the menstrual cycle on exacerbations of atopic dermatitis: a systematic review
7.  Nickel contact allergy and menstrual cycle
8.  Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis: Update and insights

Derms on Drugs is produced by ⁠⁠Scholars in Medicine.com

Radiation Therapy for Skin Cancer - Dermatology Office Appropriate or Too Hot to Handle?25 Apr 202500:53:53

Should dermatologists offer Image Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy (IGSRT) in-office or refer radiation oncologists when radiation is appropriate? Join Derms on Drugs as we tackle this "burning" question with two expert radiation oncologists. While dermatologists are THE skin cancer experts, radiation therapy isn't our usual domain— so is IGSRT a game-changer for your practice or too far outside our realm? Explore clinical insights, practical considerations, and the latest evidence to guide your decision-making. Perfect for dermatologists, PAs, NPs, residents, medical students, and pharma professionals in dermatology seeking to stay ahead of the curve. Tune in to discover if IGSRT could light up your approach to patient care—or leave you glowing in the dark.


#Dermatology #SkinCancer #IGSRT #RadiationTherapy #DermEducation
1.  Updated results of 3,050 non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) lesions in 1725 patients treated with high resolution dermal ultrasoundguided superficial radiotherapy, a multiinstitutional study

ScholarsInMedicine.com


2.  The Role of Image-Guided Superficial Radiation Therapy in the Treatment of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer
3.  Effectiveness and Patient Experiences of Rhenium Skin Cancer Therapy for Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer: Interim Results from the EPIC-Skin Study

SCC Scares, Lichen Planus Cancer Risks, CSU Breakthroughs, Psoriasis Wins, Chemo Hacks, and HS Itch Relief18 Apr 202500:50:07

Buckle up for a whirlwind tour of the hottest dermatology literature. This week, we’ve got the deets on:

  • Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma: What predicts when it'll go rogue and metastasize? Spoiler: It’s not just bad vibes.
  • Oral lichen planus: Turns out, its cancer risk is sneakier than a derm resident dodging clinic.
  • Remibrutinib for CSU: The first oral game-changer for chronic spontaneous urticaria. Hives, meet your match!
  • Psoriasis biologics: Which systemic treatments keep infections at bay? We’ve got the lowdown.
  • Chemo’s conundrum: One bizarre trick to stop a cutaneous side effects


Hidradenitis suppurativa itch: Dermeleve’s here to make HS patients stop scratching and start living.
Join us for laughs, learning, and maybe a few gasps as we unpack the science that’s got the derm world buzzing. Perfect for dermatologists, PAs, NPs, pharma folks, and students who live for skin-deep insights. Subscribe, share, and let’s make dermatology lit!  #DermatologyPodcast #DermLife



ScholarsinMedicine.com⁠

Deep Dive into Gene Expression Profiling11 Apr 202500:47:55

When a pathology report says 'melanoma,' the stakes are high. How confident are you in the diagnosis? Should you order gene expression profiling for better prognostic insights—or is it overrated?

Join the Derms on Drugs as we dig into the challenges of melanoma diagnosis and management. This week, we’re thrilled to feature Dr. Whitney High from the University of Colorado, the best-of-the-best dermatopathology expert, to share evidence-based answers with the Derms on Drugs flare our listeners expect.  

Derms on Drugs is brought to you by ⁠⁠Scholars in Medicine.⁠


Resource links for this episode are available at Scholars in Medicine.
1.  Society of Surgical Oncology Consensus Statement: Assessing the Evidence for and Utility of Gene Expression Profiling of Primary Cutaneous Melanoma


2.  31-GEP (DecisionDx): a review of clinical utility and performance in a Mayo Clinic cohort


3.  CLO25-055: Metastasis-Free Survival Prediction With the 40-Gene Expression Profile Test in Patients With Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Risk Stratified According to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines


4.  CGE25-104: The 31-GEP Identifies Patients With Early-Stage I-IIA Cutaneous Melanoma at High Risk of Melanoma-Specific and Overall Mortality

Dupixent and CTCL Risk: What Dermatologists Need to Know04 Apr 202500:42:04

Does Dupixent raise the risk of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in atopic dermatitis patients? It’s the burning question gripping dermatology—and we’ve got answers.

Join the Derms on Drugs team as we unpack the latest with Dr. Shamir Geller, who runs a CTCL clinic at Memorial Sloan Kettering and published the first data that truly helps us understand if there is a Dupixent - CTCL link.

Plus, we dive into CTCL survival stats and must-know updates for practicing dermatologists. Essential listening for anyone who is taking care of dermatology patients.

Derms on Drugs is brought to you by Scholars in Medicine.


Guest: Shamir Geller, MD 

Associate Attending Physician Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 

Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 

I’m a dermatologist interested mainly in cutaneous lymphoma. During my cutaneous oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) between the years 2016-2019, I became a cutaneous lymphoma enthusiast, working at MSK multi-disciplinary cutaneous lymphoma clinic. Under the mentorship of expert faculty in dermatology, oncology, and pathology, I was able to master the art of integrating clinical findings, histopathologic features, clinical laboratory data, and molecular characteristics to reach to the diagnosis and most suitable treatment. After my fellowship I was appointed as an attending physician in the cutaneous lymphoma clinic at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Israel and provided care for patients with cutaneous lymphomas while continuing to pursue research in the field. 

In early 2023 I returned to New York to the cutaneous lymphoma clinic at MSKCC as an associate attending. Other than clinical work and research, I dedicate a large portion of my time and effort to teaching and mentoring students, residents, fellows and visiting physicians. My research projects have been published in the leading dermatology, hematology and oncology journals and I’ve been invited and chosen to present my works in numerous regional, national and international conferences (ASH, USCLC, WCCL, EORTC, SID, AAD, EADV and others). I’m frequently asked to peer-review manuscripts on lymphomas of the skin and I also assist the cutaneous lymphoma foundation (CLF) with the preparation of patients’ education materials and lectures. 


Resource links for this episode available at Scholars in Medicine.

  1. Integrative epidemiology and immunotranscriptomics uncover a risk and potential mechanism for cutaneous lymphoma unmasking or progression with dupilumab therapy
  2. Overall and Cause-Specific Mortality Among Patients With Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in the United States
  3. Diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma following exposure to biologic agents for atopic dermatitis: A retrospective cohort study from a single tertiary cancer center
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow? Supplements you haven't heard of, lab testing for telogen effluvium and managing folliculitis decalvans30 May 202500:27:12

Hair loss is common and devastating, both to the person losing their hair and the dermatology provider taking care of them.  Derms on Drugs to the rescue.  In part one of our deep dive into hair loss we cover three big topics:  1) What supplements for hair loss actually work?  You'll have heard (ad nauseum) about some of them, but we'll also bring you some ideas for cheap supplements you haven't heard of that actually work; 2) Do we really need to do lab work-ups in patients with telogen effluvium? and 3) What's the state of the art when it comes to diagnosing and managing folliculitis decalvans?  Join us for another episode with our trademark mix of evidence and banter!  #DermatologyPodcast #HairLoss #DermsOnDrugs #Alopecia

Produced by ScholarsinMedicine.com



ScholarsinMedicine.com⁠


1.  Management of folliculitis decalvans: The EADV task force on hair diseases position statement
2.  Retrospective Review of 2851 Female Patients With Telogen Effluvium: A Single-Center Experience
3.  Impact of Laboratory Work Up and Supplementation on Alopecia Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Chart Review
4.  Evaluation of the Safety and Effectiveness of Nutritional Supplements for Treating Hair Loss A Systematic Review

Nutrafol for Acne, Top Skin Care Ingredients, Hand Eczema Advances & More23 May 202500:46:12

Join Derms on Drugs for a must-hear episode packed with practical dermatology updates!

Discover if Nutrafol Acne delivers, which skin care ingredients top cosmetic dermatologists swear by, and the latest breakthroughs for hand eczema. Plus, is Zoryve Foam a game-changer for psoriasis? And what’s the deal with PRAME staining for benign nevi? Get actionable insights to elevate your practice along with our usual banter. 

Derms on Drugs is produced by Scholars in Medicine.

Resource links can be found at: Scholarsinmedicine.com
1.  A 12-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial for the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Nutraceutical for Mild-to-Moderate Acne
2.  Skincare Ingredients Recommended by Cosmetic Dermatologists: A Delphi Consensus Study
3.  Efficacy and safety of topical delgocitinib cream versus oral alitretinoin capsules in adults with severe chronic hand eczema (DELTA FORCE): a 24-week, randomised, head-to-head, phase 3 trial
4.  Oral roflumilast for the treatment of chronic hand eczema: a retrospective case series
5.  Roflumilast Foam, 0.3%, for Psoriasis of the Scalp and Body
6.  Clinicopathologic Features of PRAME-Positive Common Melanocytic Nevi: A Case-Control Study

Alopecia, Alopecia and More Alopecia: Practical Tips for Dermatology Providers with Dr. Michelle Tarbox06 Jun 202500:43:05

Ever feel overwhelmed by the flood of alopecia treatments and supplements?

Join the Derms on Drugs as we cut through the noise with Dr. Michelle Tarbox, diving deep into the practical side of managing alopecia for dermatology providers.

In this episode, we tackle:

  • Which labs to order for telogen effluvium
  • Which hair loss supplements are actually worth recommending
  • The truth about red light helmets
  • How and when to use prescription therapies for hair loss
  • Can shampoo really help with alopecia?


Tune in for expert insights, practical tips, and a healthy dose of humor—perfect for medical providers who want to stay ahead in dermatology without getting lost in the latest hype.

Listen now for all the answers—and maybe a few laughs!

The Cutting Edge of Dermatology: New Data, Hot Topics, and Clinical Pearls13 Jun 202500:54:01

Ready to stay ahead in dermatology? Join the Derms on Drugs for a fast-paced, practical dive into the hottest new research and trends shaping our specialty.

This week, we break down:

  • Surprising long-term data comparing Dupixent and Rinvoq for atopic dermatitis

  • The future of autoimmune disease treatment: genetically modified T cells

  • What policies people actually support (and will pay for) to reduce skin cancer rates

  • JAK inhibitors for mucosal pemphigoid—what’s new, what works, and what to watch for

  • The latest on rising contact allergens: which ones are on the move and why

Packed with clinical pearls, practical tips, and a dash of humor, this episode is your shortcut to what’s new, what’s changing, and what you can use in practice right now.

Don’t miss out—hit play for your weekly dose of dermatology insights!

For links to all articles visit ScholarsinMedicine.com

1.  Local immune effector cell-associated toxicity syndrome in CAR T-cell treated patients with autoimmune disease: an observational study
2.  Janus Kinase Inhibitors in the Treatment of Refractory Cicatrizing Conjunctivitis in Pemphigoid
3.  Long-Term Real-World Effectiveness of Dupilumab vs. Upadacitinib in early Treatment Responders with Atopic Dermatitis: Results from Central European Health Fund Registry
4.  Mid-term effectiveness, safety, and potential predictors of response of upadacitinib in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: a multicenter observational retrospective study
5.  Ivarmacitinib for Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Adults and Adolescents
6.  Public preferences for skin cancer prevention policies: a discrete choice experiment in three European countries
7. North American Contact Dermatitis Group Patch Test Results: 2021–2022

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: New Trials, Hot Treatments, and Patient Pearls with Dr. Jason Hawkes20 Jun 202500:54:57

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU) is back in the dermatology spotlight—and for good reason. Join the Derms on Drugs as we break down the latest clinical trial data on Dupixent (dupilumab) and the buzzworthy new oral BTK inhibitor, remibrutinib, both showing real promise for CSU patients who’ve hit a wall with antihistamines.
We’re joined by CSU expert Dr. Jason Hawkes to discuss:


-How Dupixent is changing the game for CSU and why dermatologists are leading the charge


-What makes remibrutinib “fast, sexy, and safe”—plus what the new Phase III data means for your patients


-How we explain to CSU patients that they don’t need allergy testing!


-Clinical pearls for work-up, navigating treatment guidelines, safety, and access


Perfect for derm providers who want the latest on CSU pathophysiology, emerging therapies, and patient communication. Tune in for actionable insights, expert commentary, and a dose of Derms on Drugs humor—because managing hives shouldn’t be a headache.


Hit play and stay ahead on the cutting edge of CSU care!





1.  Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: The Role of Hormones, Anti-Thyroid Antibodies, and Ultrasound


2.  Remibrutinib in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria


3.  Dupilumab in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (LIBERTY-CSU CUPID): Two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trials

Serious Medical Derm: Hot Topics & Clinical Controversies—Derms on Drugs Style27 Jun 202500:46:14

Ready to level up your medical dermatology game? This week, Derms on Drugs tackles the toughest questions and latest controversies in serious derm—served with our signature practical, no-nonsense style with a big dose of humor.
We break down the newest literature and answer:
Does immunotherapy really help with high-risk squamous cell carcinoma?
Are pemphigus patients getting more rituximab than they need?
Why don’t JAK inhibitors increase cardiovascular risk in atopic dermatitis?
Is the Mind.Px test actually helpful for picking a psoriasis biologic?
What does drug level monitoring tell us about adalimumab in hidradenitis suppurativa?
Which treatment factors predict scabies cure?
Perfect for dermatology providers and industry pros who want clinical pearls, evidence-based answers, and a few laughs along the way. Tune in for the most fun you’ll have while getting smarter about serious medical derm!
Hit play and stay on the cutting edge of medical dermatology!





1.  Adjuvant Cemiplimab or Placebo in HighRisk Cutaneous Squamous-Cell Carcinoma
2.  Efficacy, safety, and B-cell depletion capacity of three rituximab dosing regimens in the treatment of moderate-to-severe pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus foliaceus: a 52-week clinical trial
3.  Understanding Cardiovascular Events With JAK Inhibitors: Tofacitinib Reduces Synovial and Vascular Inflammation but not the Prothrombotic Effects of Inflammatory Cytokines on Endothelium
4.  Is Upadacitinib Cardioprotective in Chronic Inflammatory Diseases? A Review of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events and Venous Thromboembolism in Atopic Dermatitis
5.  Clinical Utility Findings of a Transcriptomic Psoriasis Biologic Test Demonstrate Altered Physician Prescribing Behavior and Improved Patient Outcomes
6.  Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients With Suboptimal Treatment Response to Adalimumab
7.  Scabies Management Outcomes: Identification of Risk Factors for Treatment Success or Failure

Genes, Vaccines, Homemade Sunscreens, and More!18 Jul 202500:38:44

Welcome back to another episode of Derms on Drugs—where we prescribe only the highest yield practical pearls (and zero prior authorizations are ever required). If dermatology conferences make you yawn but a six-pack of journal articles gets your heart racing, you’re definitely in the right clinic!

What’s on Tap in Our 6 Pack Episode?

Today, we’re serving up a refreshing six-pack—no ice needed, but plenty of cool research to keep you hydrated with knowledge:

  • New Therapy for Recessive Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa: We’re walking through the latest clinical trial that could be a real gamechanger.
  • Homemade vs. Commercial Sunscreens: Should your patients blend SPF cocktails in the kitchen, or is that a recipe for disaster?
  • Immunosuppressives and Patch Testing: Just how “immunosuppressed” can your patients be and still get valid patch testing results? We’ve got the hottest updates from the experts—no immuno-anxiety required.
  • HPV Vaccine vs. Actinic Keratoses: A blockbuster therapy for warty issues? This clinical trial investigates the HPV vax as a new weapon in the fight against actinic keratoses.
  • Hailey-Hailey Disease Treatment Algorithms: Confused by this rare disease? We’re breaking down shiny new algorithms so you can manage it like a pro.
  • JAK Inhibitor Discontinuation and Heart Risks: Why do patients sometimes trade clear skin for cardiac drama after stopping a JAK inhibitor? The science just got spicier, and we’ve got the scoop.


So scrub in, sit back, and let us put the “fun” in fundamentals as we break down the latest, greatest (and occasionally weirdest) in the world of clinical dermatology. Let’s pop open that six-pack and get started.


And for links to all of the articles we discussed in this episode, visit ScholarsInMedicine.com

Blistering Breakthroughs: Dupilumab’s Big Debut11 Jul 202500:51:20

Welcome to another episode of Derms on Drugs, where we peel back the layers on the latest in dermatology therapeutics. Today, we’re thrilled to have Dr. Donna Culton join us for a deep dive into the world of bullous pemphigoidIn this episode we:

  • Review three of the hottest papers on bullous pemphigoid, dissecting the latest evidence with our signature blend of rigor and irreverence.
  • Break down the recent FDA approval of dupilumab for bullous pemphigoid—a new kid on the blister block!
  • Unpack the pivotal dupilumab study results, then pit them against real-world evidence. Does the hype hold up outside the ivory tower?
  • Debate how we’ll actually integrate dupilumab into our clinical arsenal. Is this a game-changer or just another tool in the kit?
  • Explore the real impact on patient care: Will this approval mean fewer steroids, better outcomes, or simply more options for those tough-to-treat cases?
  • Refresher course in bullous pemphigoid - diagnosis and practical treatment pearls

So, whether you’re a seasoned derm or just here for the laughs, tune in as we blister through the data and get under the skin of bullous pemphigoid’s newest treatment frontier.

For Links to articles please go to ScholarsinMedicine.com

1. Bullous pemphigoid: A practical approach to diagnosis and management in the modern era

2. Effectiveness of Dupilumab and Omalizumab in Bullous Pemphigoid: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study

3. Study Design of a Phase 2/3 Randomized Controlled Trial of Dupilumab in Adults with Bullous Pemphigoid: LIBERTY-BP ADEPT

Dermatology Debates: The Derms on Drugs Try to Change Minds04 Jul 202500:44:24

Welcome to the first-ever Derms on Drugs Debate! Our brave hosts tackle three of the hottest—and most controversial—questions in the field:

  • Castle Gene Expression Profile in Melanoma: Should dermatologists use it for almost every melanoma, just those “close to 1 mm,” or leave it to the oncologists?

  • Zoryve, VTAMA and Opzelura: All great drugs, but if you could only keep one, which would it be? Our hosts go head-to-head to defend their picks.

  • The Next Game Changer in Dermatology: Will it be AI-powered skin cancer diagnosis, BTK inhibitors, or the first generic oral JAK? Hear our predictions and the cases for each.

Whether you’re a dermatology provider, researcher, or pharma professional, you’ll get expert insights, practical takeaways, and plenty of lively debate—Derms on Drugs style.

Tune in for clinical pearls, bold opinions, and a fresh look at the future of dermatology. Don’t miss out—hit play and join the debate!


Hidden Gems, Part 2: How Generic Systemics Still Shine in Dermatology05 Sep 202500:37:09

Older systemic drugs aren’t just relics—they’re critical tools for dermatologists tackling all kinds of medical diseases - whether we're talking about patients who can't access (or don't respond adequately) to our highly effective FDA approved drugs for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, hidradenitis or about patients with diseases that don't have an extremely effective FDA approved drug - things like lichen planus, granuloma annulare, dermatitis herpetiformis and many, many more.  This week, we talk through dapsone, roflumilast, and acitretin.
In this episode, you’ll learn:

Perfect for dermatology providers who want up-to-date, actionable advice on systemic therapy selection, risk monitoring, and patient communication. Whether you’re managing recalcitrant inflammatory disorders or optimizing care for common skin diseases, these “oldies but goodies” might be your next best move.
Tune in for clinical pearls and expert insights you can put to work in your practice!

Hidden Gems: How Generic Systemics Still Shine in Dermatology29 Aug 202500:59:09

Older systemic drugs aren’t just relics—they’re critical tools for dermatologists tackling tough diseases like lichen planus, granuloma annulare, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and alopecia areata, especially when FDA-approved options fall short or are inaccessible. Join Derms on Drugs and guest expert Dr. Scott Drew as we share practical pearls for using methotrexate, mycophenolate, cyclosporine, dapsone, roflumilast, and more.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
--When and why to reach for these time-tested therapies in real-world practice
--How to monitor labs and counsel patients for safety and success
--Tips for discussing off-label treatments and navigating complex cases
Perfect for dermatology providers who want up-to-date, actionable advice on systemic therapy selection, risk monitoring, and patient communication. Whether you’re managing recalcitrant inflammatory disorders or optimizing care for common skin diseases, these “oldies but goodies” might be your next best move.
Tune in for clinical pearls and expert insights you can put to work in your practice!
Article titles:
1.  Pulse azathioprine and low-dose methotrexate vs. standard-dose methotrexate in treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis: a randomized controlled trial
2.  Lower Oncogenic Risk with Dermatologic Use of Mycophenolate Mofetil Compared to Transplant Prophylaxis: A Retrospective Study
3.  Drug Survival of Dupilumab, Methotrexate, and Cyclosporine A in Children With Atopic Dermatitis

Tinted, Tested, and...Optional?22 Aug 202500:46:42

Today on Derms on Drugs we’ve got the fabulous Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd with us, and yes—we’re talking sunscreens. Don’t roll your eyes, because we’re going way past “SPF 30 or 50?” into the good stuff: how these lotions and potions actually work, which myths need to finally get buried, and why tinted sunscreens aren’t just makeup but legit medicine for skin of color.

We’ll also dish on the brand-new Aussie rules for UV protection and spill which brands actually look good on darker skin without turning you into a ghost.

And because no episode is complete without it, we’ll detour into lifestyle hacks, chat a little nutrition, and finish with our usual trivia shenanigans.

So, grab your SPF (tinted or not, we don’t judge), and let’s dive in"

Dermatology Update: The New, The Old, The Common and The Rare17 Oct 202500:40:50

Join the Derms on Drugs as we slice and dice the latest dermatology literature.  We've got stuff that will change what you do next week, answers for uncommon but challenging diseases and the latest updates on the pharma pipeline.  We'll answer burning questions, like:
-When is the best time to start niacinamide for skin cancer prevention?
-Which drugs work the best for the itch of atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis?
-Is minoxidil 5 mg actually better than minoxidil 2.5 mg?
-What can do when for PLEVA that's not responding to the usual treatments?
-Is icotrokinra (the new oral IL-23 inhibitor) more effective than Sotyktu?
-What can you do for patients with skin involvement of systemic mastocytosis?
-Are there patients who really have both atopic dermatitis AND psoriasis?
-Opzelura just got approved down to age 2 - how well does it work in that age range? 

Network Meta-Analyses in Dermatology: Can You Trust the Data? Expert Insights with Dr. Aaron Drucker10 Oct 202500:46:03

Ever wonder if you can trust those network meta-analyses (NMAs) flooding dermatology journals? Join the Derms on Drugs and University of Toronto expert Dr. Aaron Drucker for a critical deep dive into NMAs—what they are, how they work, and whether dermatologists should rely on them for treatment decisions.


NMAs promise head-to-head comparisons for drugs without having to do a head-to-head trial, especially in psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, atopic dermatitis, and soon alopecia areata. But here's the catch: different NMAs on the same topic can give conflicting results about which treatments work best.

In this episode, we tackle:
-What network meta-analyses actually measure and how they're conducted
-Why two NMAs can reach opposite conclusions about drug effectiveness
-Red flags to watch for when evaluating NMA quality and reliability
-Practical guidance for incorporating NMA findings into clinical practice

Perfect for dermatology providers, researchers, and pharma professionals who want to critically evaluate the evidence behind treatment guidelines. Tune in for expert analysis that might surprise you about this increasingly common research methodology.


Listen now to become a smarter consumer of dermatology research! 

And be sure to discover more at Scholars In Medicine!

Rashes, Pre-cancers, and Cancers – we've got the answers!03 Oct 202500:53:54

Welcome back to Derms on Drugs! Today we’re cracking open a six-pack—not IPAs, but papers.

We’ve got polyomavirus antibodies sneaking in as early markers for Merkel cell recurrence, collagen supplements promising to smooth wrinkles or just make your bank accounts smaller, and ruxolitinib cream stepping up for the disaster that is chronic hand eczema.

But wait—there’s more! Isotretinoin is back, this time for seb derm instead of acne, actinic cheilitis gets the meta-analysis glow-up, lentigo maligna sees radiation face off against imiquimod, and atopic dermatitis therapies can shake up the skin microbiome, but which ones do it better?

Six papers, one podcast, and probably at least three things you’ll be telling your colleagues about tomorrow. Let’s crack into it!

The Causes of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria26 Sep 202500:45:42

Join the Derms on Drugs and Dr. Marc Serota (who is triple boarded in dermatology, allergy and pediatrics) to find out the latest on how to think about the causes of chronic spontaneous urticaria - it can be autoimmune, it can literally be an "allergy to yourself" or it can be neither of the above.  Crucially, there are clinical clues to which one it is, and if you can figure out which one it is, it helps predict the response to therapy!
So join us for a deep dive into CSU, and yes, there will be trivia at the end!

Visit the ⁠Scholars In Medicine⁠ website for more.

Breaking Dermatology Literature: A Probiotic for AD, A JAK Inhibitor for Pemphigoid & IL-23 Inhibitors for Guttate Psoriasis19 Sep 202501:00:33

Get ahead of the curve with Derms on Drugs as we break down the most exciting new dermatology research! This week features game-changing studies including an oral probiotic with stunning results for atopic dermatitis, JAK inhibitors for bullous pemphigoid, and IL-23 inhibitors tackling guttate psoriasis.

Plus, we dive deep into:

  • Dermoscopy advances for managing longitudinal melanonychia

  • If failing an IL-13 inhibitor affects the chances of doing well on another IL-13 inhibitor

  • New data on IL-13 inhibitor induced conjunctivitis

  • Red light PDT efficacy for superficial basal cell carcinoma

  • Early systemic PDE4 inhibition strategies in psoriasis

  • Follicular event insights from tapinarof studies

  • PDE4 inhibition potential for vitiligo treatment

Perfect for dermatology providers who want cutting-edge clinical pearls they can apply immediately. Tune in for evidence-based insights, practical takeaways, and the signature Derms on Drugs commentary that keeps you engaged while staying current.

See more at ScholarsInMedicine.com

Derm Literature Lightning Round: New Insights, Big Impact12 Sep 202500:36:57

Stay at the forefront of dermatology with the Derms on Drugs and their special guest Dr. Scott Drew! This episode is a rapid-fire roundup of the latest journal pearls-perfect for busy practitioners looking to keep up with the latest evidence in the literature.

We cover:

  • Can moisturizing infants prevent atopic dermatitis?
  • New sunscreen ingredients headed for the US market
  • Insights from lichenoid eruptions linked to immune checkpoint inhibitors
  • What to do if oral JAKs fail in alopecia areata
  • Does CeraVe outperform other moisturizers?
  • The real risk of cardiovascular and thromboembolic events with JAK inhibitors
  • Why IL-13 inhibitors differ in likelihood of causing arthralgias
  • Advances in autologous skin cell transplantation for vitiligo
  • The safety of patients self-injecting triamcinolone for acne
  • New findings on hypersensitivity reactions after sentinel lymph node biopsy
  • Can patch testing help with burning mouth syndrome?
  • A drug that reduces cardiovascular mortality in hidradenitis suppurativa
  • Novel approaches for chronic erythema nodosum, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and cheilitis granulomatosis

Join us for concise, actionable updates and real-world pearls you can apply in clinic today. Whether you’re managing complex cases or keeping up with the literature, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.
Listen now and stay ahead in dermatology!

Dermatology Update: The New, The Old, The Common and The Rare17 Oct 202500:40:50

Join the Derms on Drugs as we slice and dice the latest dermatology literature.  We've got stuff that will change what you do next week, answers for uncommon but challenging diseases and the latest updates on the pharma pipeline.  We'll answer burning questions, like:
-When is the best time to start niacinamide for skin cancer prevention?
-Which drugs work the best for the itch of atopic dermatitis and prurigo nodularis?
-Is minoxidil 5 mg actually better than minoxidil 2.5 mg?
-What can do when for PLEVA that's not responding to the usual treatments?
-Is icotrokinra (the new oral IL-23 inhibitor) more effective than Sotyktu?
-What can you do for patients with skin involvement of systemic mastocytosis?
-Are there patients who really have both atopic dermatitis AND psoriasis?
-Opzelura just got approved down to age 2 - how well does it work in that age range? 

Obesity, GLP-1s and Dermatology24 Oct 202500:45:29

Join the Derms on Drugs and Dr. Shanthi Narla as we dive into the world of obesity, GLP-1s and dermatology.  Whatever you think about all of these topics, we promise that your patients are hearing about them, reading about them and will be asking about them.  Specifically, we'll get into the latest data about how GLP-1s affect diseases like psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa and atopic dermatitis and we'll even touch on if dermatologists should be prescribing GLP-1s.  So, while there aren't any definite answers out there yet, tune in this week and you'll be ready when these hot topics come up!

From Blood Vessels to Mighty Mites: What’s Hot (and maybe not) in Dermatology Right Now14 Nov 202500:51:35

Join us this week as the Derms on Drugs crew discusses the latest in the Dermatology literature.  Topics for this episode include:

 

- Cutaneous vasculitis of the skin (it’s a Chapel Hill thing)

- Ozempic face, butt, and body

- TAC injections for AA – what concentration do you use?

- Does the MERLIN study deserve its magical name?

- Are systemic JAK inhibitors the answer for vitiligo?

- And everyone’s favorite – Demodex mites!

Pediatric Psoriasis07 Nov 202500:47:04

You don't see a lot of kids with psoriasis, but when you do it can be a big challenge, especially if it's bad and they need a systemic.  The Derms on Drugs are coming to the rescue!  We'll have a special guest - Dr. Doug Kress (who was heavily involved in training all three of the Derms on Drugs) who has enormous experience treating pediatric psoriasis.  We'll get into all the stuff you really need to know:
-What systemic drugs are approved for psoriasis under the age of 18?
-What does the data say about which ones work the best?
-How good is Tremfya, the first IL-23 inhibitor approved in kids, and where will it fit?
-How is psoriasis in kids different from psoriasis in adults?
-What are the roles of the different topicals approved for psoriasis in kids?
-How do we think about therapy selection differently in kids vs adults?
-Do kids get psoriatic arthritis?
-What about shots vs pills in kids?
-How do you talk to parents about the different biologics for kids?
-How do you handle vaccines in kids who are psoriasis biologics?
-Do you ever use methotrexate in kids?

Are You Serious? Tattoos Prevent Melanoma and More Curiosities from the Literature04 Nov 202500:47:31

Brought to you by Scholars In Medicine

 The Derms on Drugs take on the latest, greatest and coolest stuff from the Derm literature.  Quite honestly, there was some stuff this week that just seems crazy and that you won't want to miss.  Join us as we discuss questions like: 
 
-Do tattoos protect people against melanoma? 
-What cheap, easy topical works great for fissures in hand eczema? 
-Is Dupixent safe in pregnancy? 
-Are tinted sunscreens actually better than regular mineral sunscreens for melasma? 
-If an alopecia areata patient has failed two or three JAKs, is it worth trying another one? 
-What does the early data show for systemic JAK efficacy in vitiligo? 
-Is there anything better than triamcinolone to inject keloids with? 
-Does some crazy drug Patton found an article about work for hemodialysis associated itch? 
 
So, join us for another episode that'll make you better at what you do while you're having fun listening! 

Are You Serious? Tattoos Prevent Melanoma and More Curiosities from the Literature04 Sep 202500:47:31

The Derms on Drugs take on the latest, greatest and coolest stuff from the Derm literature.  Quite honestly, there was some stuff this week that just seems crazy and that you won't want to miss.  Join us as we discuss questions like:
-Do tattoos protect people against melanoma?
-What cheap, easy topical works great for fissures in hand eczema?
-Is Dupixent safe in pregnancy?
-Are tinted sunscreens actually better than regular mineral sunscreens for melasma?
-If an alopecia areata patient has failed two or three JAKs, is it worth trying another one?
-What does the early data show for systemic JAK efficacy in vitiligo?
-Is there anything better than triamcinolone to inject keloids with?
-Does some crazy drug Patton found an article about work for hemodialysis associated itch?
So, join us for another episode that'll make you better at what you do while you're having fun listening!

What Do Kidney Failure, Short Kids and the Vagus Nerve Have in Common?19 Dec 202500:54:42

Listening this week could save your life (well, at least your kidneys).  Find out what common ingredient in keratin treatments you (and your friends, family and patients) NEED to avoid.  But there's a lot more than that packed into this week's episode.  As always, the Derms on Drugs bring the goods on the latest questions that the literature is answering:
-Is isotretinoin making kids short?  
-Is Dupixent making them tall?  
-What is "transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation" and which common but difficult derm disease does it help with?  
-What OTC supplement makes NBUVB work better for vitiligo?  
-What oral drug can you add to isotretinoin to make it work even better?  
-Does oral tranexamic acid increase the risk of blood clots when used in dermatology?
-How well does Opzelura work for hidradenitis suppurativa?
-Do Humira biosimilars work as well as Humira in hidradenitis suppurativa?
-What common statistical technique used by pharma is total BS?
-Which ingredient in 'keratin treatments" is causing kidney failure and kidney stones? 

What If Every Day Was a Bad Hair Day?12 Dec 202500:51:48

Admit it—bad hair days are the worst. Now imagine every day is one. Alopecia’s psychological impact is way deeper (and more surprising) than most people think. This week, the Derms on Drugs sit down with Harvard’s Dr. Maryanne Makredes Senna to unpack the mental side of AA—and then dive into what to do when a JAK inhibitor just… doesn’t JAK. As always, we’re answering the questions you didn’t even know you had.

Here’s what we’re tackling:

  • What hits harder on anxiety and depression—scarring or non-scarring alopecia?

  • How tightly does AA severity track with psychological burden?

  • How should you approach the mental health effects of AA?
    (Yes, you should ask. No, you shouldn’t be the one treating—here’s how to bridge patients to the right therapists.)

  • And what do you do when a JAK Inhibitor isn’t giving you the results you hoped for?

Boosting Isotretinoin, Outsmarting Botox Resistance & Other Plot Twists05 Dec 202500:49:09

This week, the Derms on Drugs are back with another literature speed-run—think 3D chess meets derm nerd nirvana. We’re answering questions you didn’t even know you had (and a few you wish you didn’t).

Here’s what we’re tackling:

  • Do herbal supplements turn up dermatomyositis?

  • Can biologics cut down on blood clots in HS?

  • Wait… does Claritin supercharge isotretinoin?

  • Is Sotyktu stirring up rosacea?

  • How good is the new oral IL-23 inhibitor icotrokinra for psoriasis?

  • Any fresh weapons against demodex?

  • Anything new for those stubborn pemphigus oral lesions?

  • What to do when your patient is resistant to multiple botulinum toxins?

  • And—holy grail alert—can we actually prevent chemo-induced alopecia in breast cancer?

The Best Central Centrifugal Scarring Alopecia Discussion You've Ever Heard21 Nov 202500:54:47

The Derms on Drugs are joined by Dr. Crystal Aguh from Johns Hopkins for an AMAZING discussion on central centrifugal scarring alopecia.  From uber practical, cheap, safe, effective treatment approaches to deep science on what is happening in this disease, listen this week and you'll be an expert - how to talk to these patients, the baseline treatments everybody should be on, when to get more aggressive, when to step therapy back - the whole enchilada.  We even throw in a little frontal fibrosing alopecia.  Quite honestly one of the best episodes we've ever done.  The Derms on Drugs learned new approaches to this disease and we promise, you will too!

Drugs, Drugs and More Drugs09 Jan 202600:53:44

Get ready for a no-nonsense tour-de-force of practical application in the latest derm literature. Pipeline drugs, new approvals, brand names, generics—and HS data you’re better off ignoring (we’ll tell you why).

 

In this episode:

·       Leqselvi: the newest JAK for alopecia areata—actually different, or more of the same?

·       HS & spondyloarthritis: are you screening… should you be?

·       JAKs and the heart: are all cardiovascular risks created equal?

·       “2/3 HS remission” headlines: why this data shouldn’t change your practice

·       Tirbanibulin + cryo for AKs: combo win or marketing math?

·       Hydrochlorothiazide & skin cancer: do you really need that conversation?

·       Oral minoxidil + Olumiant: synergy or wishful thinking in AA?

·       OX40/OX40L blockers: exciting pathway—new hope or new hype?

 

Fast. Practical. Slightly skeptical (for good reason).

If you prescribe, counsel, or roll your eyes at bad data—this one’s for you.

More Answers for Tough Questions16 Jan 202600:44:35

The Derms on Drugs give the definitive answer to the age old question:  What came first, the chicken or the egg?  You'll have to listen to find out.  


  • What's a Mazotti Reaction and why do you care?
  • How do JAK inhibitors compare to dupilumab for treating prurigo nodularis?
  • What's a cheap, easy, safe, effective treatment for palmoplantar pustulosis?
  • Can a steroid nasal spray help for Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria?
  • Do biologics reduce infection risk in AD more than JAK Inhibitors and why?
  • How does superficial radiation therapy compare to Mohs for skin cancer?
  • Dermal hyperpigmentation is impossible to treat - can isotretinoin help?
  • Cheilitis drives derms and patients nuts - what's the new, cheap, easy way to help?
Will AI Take Your Job?23 Jan 202600:56:43

The Derms on Drugs bring in a heavy hitter straight out of silicon valley to talk AI and the future of dermatology.  Dr. Faranak Kamangar is a Board Certified Dermatologist who founded, built and continues to improve DermGPT - a derm specific LLM that just outperformed ChatGPT in a head-to-head contest judged by dermatologists!  As usual, we'll answer the questions you didn't know you had (well, maybe you knew you had some of these):

  • Is AI going to make our lives easier or is it going to replace us?
  • How good is AI at answering patient questions?
  • Will patients accept "AI Providers"?
  • How can you start levering AI now to make your life better?
  • What AI tools are out there to start using right now?
  • Are AI scribes all that great?
Why you shouldn't ever use Bactrim for acne (and other new info you don't want to miss)30 Jan 202600:50:27

This week's episode will help you not get sued, talk to psoriasis patients about diet, manage transplant patients with skin cancer and more.  Join us again this week to get the answers to burning dermatology questions you didn't know you had.   
Can the Mediterranean diet help with psoriasis?  And why do people get 'gluten sensitivity' from US wheat but not Mediterranean wheat?

When do you recommend changing immunosuppression in transplant patients with skin cancer?

Are people with atopic dermatitis more or less likely to have contact derm than other people?

Hailey Hailey is an awful disease that's hard to treat - can dupilumab help?  What other 'off the beaten path' therapies are there?

Cosibelimab is the new kid on the block for bad squamous cell carcinoma - is it any better than existing treatments?

When do you need to be worried about underlying malignancy in dermatomyositis patients?

Oral minoxidil causes hairy arms in men.  But do they care?

You know Bactrim can cause SJS and TEN, but do you know about the other life threatening side effect that specifically affects young healthy people with acne?

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