Mark Lebwohl, MD, opened with updates on ritlecitinib, highlighting sustained scalp and brow regrowth in patients with alopecia areata over 24 to 48 weeks, and described a five-year follow-up case showing the need for ongoing intralesional triamcinolone for brow maintenance. Adelaide A. Hebert, MD, shared emerging evidence on topical ruxolitinib’s benefit in lichen planus and presented data on high-dose oral vitamin D rapidly attenuating inflammatory responses in sunburn and radiation dermatitis. David M. Pariser, MD, emphasized the practical role of medical scribes—whether in-person, virtual, or “on a stick”—in improving workflow, patient interaction, and the “Dermatologist Life Quality Index,” noting that the financial return often outweighs the cost. Neal D. Bhatia, MD, cautioned clinicians about the increasing ease with which patients file medical board complaints, urging vigilance in documentation, communication, and early legal consultation to mitigate risk.
Later segments covered innovations in disease management and procedural dermatology. Dr Bhatia spotlighted SGX301 (topical hypericin photodynamic therapy) as an effective, non-mutagenic treatment for early-stage mycosis fungoides, achieving lesion responses up to 49% by week 24 with minimal local adverse effects. Dr Pariser discussed glycopyrronium cloth and sofpironium bromide gel as promising topical options for hyperhidrosis, while Dr Hebert highlighted updates in birth control pill use under the isotretinoin REMS program. Dr Lebwohl added that zoster and influenza vaccination may reduce dementia risk, underscoring the broader systemic value of preventive care. The panel concluded by encouraging clinicians to stay alert to emerging intralesional options—such as methotrexate, 5-FU, and cemiplimab—for keratinocyte carcinomas, reminding attendees that innovation continues across every corner of dermatology practice.