American Academy of Dermatology, March 4-8

The 74th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology

The annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology was held from March 4 to 8 in Washington, D.C., and attracted more than 15,000 participants from around the world, including clinicians, academicians, allied health professionals, and others interested in dermatology. The conference highlighted recent advances in the diagnosis and management of dermatological conditions.

During one presentation, Tina Alster, M.D., of the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery and Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., discussed the use of lasers for multiple dermatologic conditions.

“Lasers have been used for decades to effectively treat a variety of dermatologic conditions, including birthmarks, scars, unwanted hair, tattoos, and aging skin. Laser systems have become so specialized that each device can be used for a particular condition, making the procedures highly effective,” Alster said. “With the introduction of additional technologies such as radiofrequency, microfocused ultrasound, and microneedling, patients have been able to pursue multi-combination treatments in order to achieve enhanced clinical effects without increased post-treatment side effects or complications.”

According to Alster, currently available treatments can be performed singly or in combination to achieve better cosmetic outcomes with a lower risk of complications and a shorter recovery time.

“It is important that physicians be experienced with multiple laser treatments and devices in order to enhance clinical outcomes,” Alster said. “Newer treatment technologies are always being developed. It is important to keep abreast of these technologies so that patient care is optimized. A deep understanding of treatments and a healthy respect for their potential side effects and complications are essential to drive further innovations in the field.”

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During another presentation, Carrie Kovarik, M.D., of the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, discussed how patients should be cautious when using teledermatology that includes the use of dermatology websites and phone applications.

“The use of teledermatology has increased as the technology has developed to accommodate it and the data have been developed to support it,” Kovarik said. “Teledermatology can increase access to care when done appropriately, but there are definitely pitfalls.”

According to Kovarik, there are several things patients can do to improve the outcome of a consult with a dermatologist via websites and/or applications, such as only sending consults to dermatologists who are board certified in the state in which the patient resides and only using sites where the patient is allowed to pick a provider.