PANP360 Hub

Your One-Stop Shop for DermatologyEducation

Welcome to the PANP360 Hub, space designed for PAs and NPs to connect, learn from one another, and bring the best of dermatology education into everyday practice.

A 360-degree, year-round home for specialized education

The PANP360 Hub is designed for PAs and NPs to connect, learn from one another, and bring the best of dermatology education into everyday practice on-demand, 24/7. With expert-led experiences, in-person conferences, live virtual discussions, and always-on resources, PANP360 gives us the tools and community to sharpen our skills, strengthen our expertise, and grow as leaders.

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Conferences

2025 Masters of Aesthetics Symposium East

Dec 05, 2025 | Miami, FL

2026 Winter Clinical - Hawaii®

Jan 16, 2026 | Hyatt Regency Maui, HI

2026 Winter Clinical™ Miami

Feb 27, 2026 | Aventura, FL

PANP360 Scottsdale

May 29, 2026 | Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, Scottsdale, AZ

2026 Masters of Aesthetics Symposium West

Aug 27, 2026 | San Diego, CA

2026 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference

Oct 08, 2026 | Wynn Las Vegas, NV

News &
Case Studies

Online Education& Certificate Program

PA/NP EMERGE

EMERGE is an educational platform for advancing the careers of dermatology PAs & NPs that features engaging video and written content on today's most important topics in dermatology presented by top dermatology key opinion leaders.

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Optimizing Treatment Outcomes on Oral Isotretinoin Part I

Medically Reviewed by Nick Brownstone, MD

Should we push our isotretinoin patients to a higher cumulative dose closer to 220mg?

Medically Reviewed by Nick Brownstone, MD Isotretinoin is the most effective treatment for severe nodulocystic acne vulgaris, and it is the only treatment option for acne that offers the potential for remission or permanent cure. I am quick to offer it to my patients when I see scarring. But the current literature is divided on the ideal dosing of isotretinoin to optimize treatment response. Many studies support a cumulative dose of 120 to 150mg/kg to decrease the risk of relapse and retrial. But could pushing patients closer to 220mg/kg further reduce the number of patients who have to undergo a second course down the road? In a prospective, unblinded, observational study, 180 patients with severe, unresponsive, nodulocystic acne received isotretinoin until 1 month after new lesions stopped developing. Mean age of participants was 19.3 years and 51.9% were female; 74.1% were white and 25.9% were defined as non-white. After treatment ended, patients were divided into a high cumulative dose group (≥220 mg/kg) and a low cumulative dose group (< 220mg/kg). Patients were monitored for 12 months after their last day of isotretinoin because previous studies have found that 80-90% of patients experienced relapse (defined as the need for prescription acne medication) within 12 to 24 months after finishing a course of isotretinoin. At 12-month follow up in the study above, the relapse rate was 47.4% in the lower-dose treatment group (<220mg/kg) compared with just 26.9% in the ≥220mg/kg group. Laboratory abnormalities (which included liver enzymes, cholesterol and triglycerides) during the treatment period were uncommon and not significantly different between the 2 dosing groups. Retinoid dermatitis was significantly more common in the high-dose treatment group (53.8 vs 31.6%), however. I personally now will push many of my severe acne patients to a cumulative dosage of 180mg/kg-220mg/kg before completing isotretinoin treatment. I also treat one month past the patient’s last pimple even if they’ve already hit their target cumulative dosage. I find in these patients that if their acne does come back after their isotretinoin course is finished, it’s usually mild and I’m able to manage it with a prescription tretinoin cream for maintenance. I always warn patients at the start of isotretinoin treatment, however, that they may need to undergo a second course down the road so they are aware of the risk that their acne may return. References: Blasiak R, Burkhart, C. High-Dose Isotretinoin Treatment and the Rate of Retrial, Relapse, and Adverse Effects in Patients with Acne Vulgaris. JAMA Dermatol. 2013; 149; (12):1392-1398. Doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.6746 Coloe J, Du H, Morrell DS. Could higher doses of isotretinoin reduce the frequency of treatment failure in patients with acne? J Am Acad Dermatol. 2011;65(2):422-423

Sweating the Details: A Deep Dive into Hyperhidrosis

Medically Reviewed by Nick Brownstone, MD

What’s New in Atopic Dermatitis

Medically Reviewed by Nick Brownstone, MD

Can L-carnitine help to relieve muscle cramps in patients taking hedgehog pathway inhibitors?

Medically reviewed by Nick Brownstone, MD Oral hedgehog inhibitors (HHI) like vismodegib and sonidegib are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of locally advanced basal cell carcinoma in cases where surgery and radiation are inappropriate.1 Significant therapeutic response can be achieved using these molecules, however many clinicians are hesitant to deploy them due to their vast side effect profiles.1,2 Muscle cramps are the most frequently reported side effect, affecting approximately 60–70% of patients. These cramps can significantly impact quality of life, lead to treatment interruptions or discontinuation, and negatively affect both patient adherence and therapeutic outcomes..2 For this reason, it is imperative that practitioners counsel patients adequately on the potential adverse events (AE) prior to initiating therapy and reassure patients that measures can be taken to alleviate some of these burdensome side effects.1,2 In addition to several off label dosing regimens or drug holidays, clinicians can initiate supplementation with levocarnitine (L carnitine) concomitant with HHI therapy to reduce the severity of muscle cramps. L-carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that plays an essential role in energy production. By enhancing energy supply to muscles, these cells can more readily pump out the calcium that has flooded the cell due to HHI use.2,3 Exogenous supplementation has been demonstrated to substantially decrease muscle cramps, thereby enhancing patient quality of life, treatment compliance, and overall clinical outcomes. Optimal dosage for HHI related cramps has yet to be established, however many authorities on the subject matter recommend dosing anywhere from 1000-2000 mg daily.2 Dr. Scott Dinehart, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon recommends initiating patients on 1500 mg once daily two weeks prior to starting HHI therapy and continues this for the duration of treatment. Dr. Dinehart recommends patients procure L-carnitine 3000 mg liquid shots on Amazon and instructs patients to take one half teaspoon daily. Precautions with this supplement include avoiding use in patients with significant renal impairment unless under the direction of a nephrologist, as it is primarily excreted by the kidneys. Mild to moderate drug interactions have been reported with warfarin and thyroid medications, the latter potentially reducing the efficacy of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Caution is also advised in individuals with a history of seizures.2 Muscle cramps often develop early in the course of HHI therapy and may worsen with ongoing treatment.2 This AE can disrupt patients’ quality of life and can result in both the interruption and discontinuation of therapy. L-carnitine supplementation can help to make muscle spasms palatable for patients and can improve patient outcomes. References: Dummer R, Ascierto PA, Basset‐Seguin N, et al. Sonidegib and vismodegib in the treatment of patients with locally advanced basal cell carcinoma: a joint expert opinion. Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2020;34(9):1944-1956. doi:10.1111/jdv.16230 Dinehart MS, McMurray S, Dinehart SM, Lebwohl M. L-Carnitine Reduces Muscle Cramps in Patients taking Vismodegib. J of Skin. 2018;2(2):90-95. doi:10.25251/skin.2.2.1 Sivandzadeh GR, Shahsavari A, Meftah E, Niknam R, Safarpour AR. Effect of L-carnitine supplementation on muscle cramps in liver cirrhosis: results from a retrospective cohort study. BMC Gastroenterol. 2025;25(1):150. doi:10.1186/s12876-025-03730-4

The Intersection of Dermatology and Psychiatry (Part Three)

Medically Reviewed by Nick Brownstone, MD

LEAP: Learning and Engagement to Accelerate Proficiency

LEAP is the ultimate educational resource and certificate program designed exclusively for dermatology, offering a comprehensive review of complex inflammatory diseases and significant dermatologic procedures with detailed presentations by leading experts.

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Acne

Understanding the 4 Pillars and Their Clinical Implications

Alopecia Areata

Pathology and Mechanism of Disease

Atopic Dermatitis

A Look into the Pathophysiology

Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Pathology and Mechanism of Disease

Psoriasis

Pathology And Mechanism Of Disease In Plaque Psoriasis

Vitiligo

Pathology and Mechanism of Action

Aesthetics

Neurotoxins 101: MOA, History, Products, Reconstitution

Biopsies

Skin Biopsy Techniques and Pearls

Sutures

Surgical Pearls To Help Dermatology NPs/PAs

Latest Podcast
Episodes

Episode 9

Old Dog, New Tricks: Rethinking Phototherapy for Psoriasis and Beyond

Featuring Lawrence Green, MD | Release Date: November 21, 2025

Episode 8

Let There Be Light: Integrating PDT into Clinical Practice for Actinic Keratoses

Featuring Fabrizio Galimberti, MD, PhD | Release Date: November 7, 2025

Episode 7

Cracking the Code: OX40/OX40L and the Future of Atopic Dermatitis

Featuring Benjamin Lockshin, MD, FAAD | Release Date: October 17, 2025

DermToolkit

Biologic Medications for Psoriasis, HS, AD, PN, CSU, and BP

Download our free biologics Quick Reference Chart for dermatology

Learn More

Generalized Idiopathic Pruritus Questionnaire

Check out our free Generalized Idiopathic Pruritus Questionnaire

Learn More

JAK 1–3 & TYK2 Inhibitors in Dermatology

Download our free JAK/TYK2 Inhibitors for Dermatology Quick Reference Charts

Learn More

Topical Non-steroidal Therapies

Download our free Quick Reference Chart for Topical Non-steroidal and Fixed Combination Therapies

Learn More

Vaccines and Systemic Therapies

Download our free Quick Reference Chart for Vaccines and Systemic Therapies Chart

Learn More

Latest
Videos

Topic

Managing Partial Responders in Atopic Dermatitis: When to Optimize, Switch, or Combine Treatments

Featuring Managing Partial Responders in Atopic Dermatitis: When to Optimize, Switch, or Combine Treatments

Topic

Decoding the Bimekizumab SI/B Warning: What Dermatologists Should Know

Featuring Decoding the Bimekizumab SI/B Warning: What Dermatologists Should Know

Topic

Part 3: Psoriasis and Mental Health: How to Navigate SI/B Warnings With Patients

Featuring Part 3: Psoriasis and Mental Health: How to Navigate SI/B Warnings With Patients

Topic

Part 2: Psoriasis and Mental Health: The Inflammatory and Biochemical Pathways

Featuring Part 2: Psoriasis and Mental Health: The Inflammatory and Biochemical Pathways

Topic

Part 1: Psoriasis and Mental Health: Understanding Depression and Suicidality Risk

Featuring Part 1: Psoriasis and Mental Health: Understanding Depression and Suicidality Risk

Topic

Photodynamic Therapy in Actinic Keratosis: Evolving Approaches and Combination Strategies

Featuring Photodynamic Therapy in Actinic Keratosis: Evolving Approaches and Combination Strategies

Topic

Which common medications increase photosensitivity, and how should this shape your counseling?

Featuring Which common medications increase photosensitivity, and how should this shape your counseling?

Topic

Are there any patient groups you feel are undercounseled when it comes to the risks of photodamage?

Featuring Are there any patient groups you feel are undercounseled when it comes to the risks of photodamage?

Topic

What are your go-to strategies for improving sunscreen adherence in daily life?

Featuring What are your go-to strategies for improving sunscreen adherence in daily life?

Topic

What is your take on the role of antioxidants in photoprotection?

Featuring What is your take on the role of antioxidants in photoprotection?

Topic

Why does a higher SPF still matter in real-world use?

Featuring Why does a higher SPF still matter in real-world use?

Topic

What is Helioplex technology, and how does it improve stability and UV coverage?

Featuring What is Helioplex technology, and how does it improve stability and UV coverage?

Drug Detail
Pages

Adbry (tralokinumab-ldrm)

Ebglyss (lebrikizumab)

Rinvoq (upadacitinib)

VTAMA (tapinarof) cream 1%

Bimzelx (bimekizumab-bkzx)

Opzelura (ruxolitinib) cream 1.5%

Taltz (ixekizumab)

E-Newsletters

The Skin Scoop

The Skin Scoop is a PA/NP exclusive eNewsletter that covers dermatology trends, latest content, professional opportunities, and more.

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Test your knowledge and compete with peers with our weekly email series. The first to correctly answer the most challenging questions in dermatology have the chance to be featured on our leaderboard and win a prize!