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AAD 2023 Conference Highlights: New Treatments for Skin Conditions and Trends in Dermatology
Are you curious about the latest advances in dermatology? Do you want to know what topics people enjoyed the most at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) 2023 conference? Here are some highlights from the event, along with insights from experts in the field.
One of the notable announcements at the AAD 2023 conference was the naming of lanolin as the allergen of the year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS). Although lanolin is a common ingredient in skincare products, it can cause contact allergy in some people, especially those with a history of eczema, psoriasis or other types of skin inflammation. According to the ACDS, patch testing for lanolin contact allergy should be done cautiously and comprehensively, taking into account factors such as concentration, vehicle, and duration of exposure. The good news is that there are alternatives to lanolin, such as plant-based oils and glycerin, that can provide similar benefits without the risk of allergy.
Another positive development for psoriasis patients was the efficacy of Risankizumab, a new biologic medication that targets interleukin-23, a cytokine that plays a key role in psoriatic inflammation. AbbVie, the maker of Risankizumab, reported promising results from a study that showed significant improvement in both plaques and symptoms in patients who had previously failed to respond to other interleukin-17 inhibitors, such as Secukinumab and Ixekizumab.
For patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), there was also encouraging news from LEO Pharma, which presented late-breaking phase 2a results of an investigational IL-22 receptor antibody that improved Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores in adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD. IL-22 is a cytokine that is involved in the pathogenesis of AD, and blocking its receptor may help reduce skin inflammation and restore skin barrier function.
In the field of alopecia, a study showed that male patients who underwent hair transplantation reported a statistically significant improvement in self-esteem and quality of life. While hair transplantation may not be suitable for all types of alopecia or all patients, it can be a valuable option for those who want to restore hair growth in a natural-looking way. Other approaches to hair loss management, such as topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, can also complement hair transplantation or work well on their own.
Vitiligo patients may also benefit from a new oral JAK1 inhibitor called Povorcitinib, which showed improved repigmentation in a phase 2b study. Vitiligo is an autoimmune skin condition that causes loss of pigment cells and can lead to white patches on various parts of the body. While there is no cure for vitiligo, some medications, such as topical calcineurin inhibitors, narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy, and JAK inhibitors, can help reduce inflammation and stimulate melanocyte activity.
Aside from specific treatments for skin conditions, there were also interesting discussions about the role of environment, genetics, and metabolism in dermatology. Jonathan Silverberg, MD, PhD, a renowned expert in atopic dermatitis, shared his insights on how irritants, allergens, stress, and microbiome can trigger or worsen AD flares, and how personalized medicine and prevention can help manage the disease. Adel Haque, MD, a practicing dermatologist, offered his best advice for new dermatologists, such as staying curious, open-minded, and humble, and keeping up with the latest research and technology.
Speaking of technology, there were also some innovative devices and products showcased at the AAD 2023 conference, such as a cloud-based practice management system that uses artificial intelligence, a robotic device that can treat multiple areas of the body for fat reduction, and a new fruit extract-based dermocosmetic product that showed good results for acne-prone skin. While not all new technologies are created equal or suitable for all patients or practices, it’s worth keeping an eye on the ones that can enhance patient experience, outcomes, and safety.
Last but not least, there were some interesting trends in skin care that emerged from the AAD 2023 conference, according to Dermatology Times. For example, CBD, or cannabidiol, has gained popularity as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent, although its legal status and efficacy are still being debated. Another trend is the use of botanical or marine extracts, such as silybum marianum, to provide antioxidant and soothing effects to the skin. Sun protection is also a hot topic, as more evidence supports the link between sun exposure and skin aging, cancer, and hyperpigmentation.
Whether you are a dermatologist, a patient, or a skin care enthusiast, the AAD 2023 conference offers a wealth of information, inspiration and innovation that can shape the future of dermatology. By keeping abreast of the latest developments in research, technology, and clinical practice, we can all benefit from better skin health and beauty.
