Desert Gems in Dermatology: Insights from Elevate-Derm West 2024

Elevate-Derm West 2024 brought together the brightest advanced practice providers (APPs) in dermatology against the scenic backdrop of Scottsdale, Arizona. This year’s conference was filled with fresh insights, cutting-edge treatments, and key pearls designed to elevate clinical practice.

Experts including Eileen Cheever, MPAS, PA-C; Jennifer Hsiao, MD; Suneel Chilukuri, MD, FAAD, FACMS; Ashfaq Marghoob, MD; Lisa Swanson, MD; and Jenny Murase, MD, shared their expertise on emerging therapies, patient care strategies, and the latest research findings.

Eileen Cheever, MPAS, PA-C

Eileen Cheever, MPAS, PA-C, presented a session on “AI in Dermatology,” highlighting both the potential and limitations of AI applications in dermatology practice. Cheever discussed how AI tools, like chatbots, could simplify complex dermatopathology reports into patient-friendly language, referencing a study where ChatGPT was used to translate biopsy reports into accessible terms. Feedback from dermatologists indicated that the AI-generated translations were generally accurate, understandable, and safe for patient communication, suggesting a promising tool for enhancing doctor-patient interactions.

Cheever also addressed the challenges of AI in accurately diagnosing skin of color, noting that current AI systems are often trained on lighter skin tones, limiting their effectiveness for diverse populations. A recent literature review emphasized the need for diverse image datasets to improve diagnostic accuracy in skin of color. Cheever stressed that enhancing AI tools for broader representation and transparency in training data could mitigate biases, ultimately making AI a more equitable and useful tool in dermatology.

Jennifer Hsiao, MD

Jennifer Hsiao, MD, shared key insights on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in her sessions “Diet in HS” and “HS: Unroofing the Possibilities.” She noted that while evidence on diet's impact on HS remains limited, a Mediterranean diet with low glycemic foods may be beneficial, though dietary changes alone are often insufficient. Hsiao also discussed current treatment approaches, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and a multimodal approach that includes biologics, surgical interventions, and potentially combining therapies like spironolactone with biologics.

Hsiao highlighted promising new therapies for HS, including bimekizumab, JAK inhibitors, and BTK inhibitors, and expressed hope for greater precision medicine in HS care. She envisions earlier intervention with targeted treatments to prevent severe disease progression, ultimately improving quality of life and reducing the need for extensive surgeries. With a growing therapeutic pipeline, she hopes to see expanded, safe treatment options that could bring renewed hope for patients with HS.

Suneel Chilukuri, MD, FAAD, FACMS

Suneel Chilukuri, MD, FAAD, FACMS, discussed practical cosmetic tools for medical dermatology providers. He highlighted accessible at-home treatments, such as 0.25 mm dermal rollers for skin texture and acne scars, and affordable over-the-counter options like benzoyl peroxide washes and adapalene for acne management. He also explored advanced techniques like microneedling with radiofrequency for scar improvement.

Chilukuri also expressed enthusiasm for the potential of regenerative medicine in dermatology, particularly in wound healing and scar treatment. He discussed emerging therapies, including exosomes, polynucleotides, and polydeoxyribonucleotides, noting their promising effects when applied topically after procedures like microneedling. Chilukuri anticipates significant advancements in patient care through regenerative techniques, envisioning future applications that impact health at the cellular level rather than solely focusing on cosmetics.

View more insights from Dr Chilukuri.

Ashfaq Marghoob, MD

Ashfaq Marghoob, MD, shared advanced insights into evaluating lesions in challenging anatomical areas, outlining specific dermoscopic markers essential for assessing lesions on the face, palms and soles, nails, and mucous membranes.

Marghoob highlighted key diagnostic features, such as folliculocentric patterns seen in lentigo maligna on facial skin, ridge versus furrow pigmentation patterns for palmoplantar nevi and melanoma, and distinctive striations in nail lesions. For mucosal areas, he noted that melanoma often shows multicomponent patterns and colors such as blue, gray, or white, which have high sensitivity for malignancy.

Lisa Swanson, MD

Lisa Swanson, MD, presented 3 key sessions that provided practical insights for clinicians treating pediatric dermatology patients. She shared real-life cases and advice on common pediatric conditions such as eczema, guttate psoriasis, and perioral dermatitis. She also focused on managing vascular conditions like hemangiomas, molluscum, and warts, and discussed inflammatory skin diseases in children, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, alopecia areata, and vitiligo, emphasizing the importance of early and effective treatment.

Swanson highlighted the need for high-quality treatments for pediatric patients, stressing that their small size does not diminish their need for effective care. She encouraged attendees to adopt modern therapies, including JAK inhibitors, and to prioritize the management of chronic conditions like atopic dermatitis to prevent long-term complications.

Jenny Murase, MD

Jenny Murase, MD, presented 3 sessions focused on women’s health in dermatology, including one titled “Fulfilling Great Expectations: Safe Medical Management of Skin Disease in Pregnancy.” In this session, she discussed the safety of various treatments during pregnancy, emphasizing the growing evidence supporting the use of biologics, which are generally safe after the first trimester.

Murase also highlighted the risks of small molecule medications, like JAK inhibitors, which are not recommended during pregnancy. She stressed the importance of discussing treatment options with women of childbearing age, especially since many pregnancies occur without prior consultation with a healthcare provider.

Murase also addressed the implications of untreated skin conditions during pregnancy, explaining that some conditions, like psoriasis, may improve naturally due to hormonal changes. She advocated for a tailored approach to treatment, considering the potential benefits and risks of medication, and encouraged clinicians to have proactive conversations with patients to ensure proper care and control of dermatologic conditions during pregnancy.

View more insights from Dr Murase.

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