Search
Topical isotretinoin for ichthyoses: Striving for an “A” grade
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Nov. 20, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 47 Two meaningful events changed my life in 1982 — my marriage and the introduction of isotretinoin. Forty-two years later, both remain front and center. Attending the focus session "Think like an expert about ichthyosis" at the AAD
Taking psoriasis by the throat
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 2, 2016 Once the transient satisfaction of explaining the association of streptococcal infections with psoriasis (guttate, vulgaris, or pustulosis palmaris et plantaris) passes, the reality of treatment must be addressed. Of course we’ll prescribe the usual regimens — topical steroids, phototherapy, retinoids, biologics, etc.,
Topical retinoid therapy for acanthosis nigricans: In the thick of it
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 11, 2019 Vol. 1, No. 39 At the risk of overgeneralizing, in my experience there are two types of patients with acanthosis nigricans (AN) — those who are devastated by it, and those are unaware that they have it. ... This commentary will focus
November 20, 2024
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... DermWorld Weekly will not be published next week in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. It will resume Wednesday, Dec. 4. IN THIS ISSUE / November 20, 2024 ... Is there an association between treatment with
Learning about proton pump inhibitor-induced dermatologic adverse reactions is ulcerogenic
By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 7, 2016 How many of your patients are on protein pump inhibitors (PPI) such as Nexium [esomeprazole], Prevacid [lansoprazole], or Prilosec [omeprazole] for GERD? Let me rephrase the question. How many of your patients are NOT on PPIs? ... Alkeraye et al reported two
Treating acrodermatitis continua of hallopeau in 2018? Try guselkumab!
By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 21, 2017 Acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau (ACH) is a disorder well known to dermatologists, but absolutely mysterious to everyone else. It is now considered a localized form of pustular psoriasis of the digits that may be accompanied by onychodystrophy and osteolysis. ... In my
Academy response to benzene petition on benzoyl peroxide products
ROSEMONT (March 8, 2024) — The American Academy of Dermatology Association is aware of a recent petition filed with the FDA describing formation of benzene in products containing benzoyl peroxide that are exposed to elevated temperatures. The American Academy of Dermatology Association and its members are committed to the health
Intralesional triamcinolone for hidradenitis suppurativa and thoughts on confirmation bias
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 2, 2016 Anyone who has treated the scourge of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has probably injected inflamed nodules and cysts with triamcinolone (TAC) successfully, resulting in very grateful patients. Despite the useful advent of adalimumab to the other (less than satisfactory) modalities of antibiotics,
Dyeing for a “new” topical agent for psoriasis? Think indigo
By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 9, 2018 Despite the magnificent revolution of biologics for psoriasis, topical agents remain the cornerstone of treatment, either alone, or in combination with phototherapy or systemic treatments. Patients clamor for "natural" products and are increasingly steroid phobic (please see "Countering Corticophobia with Assistance from
Promising therapeutic developments for cutaneous lupus erythematosus: Interfering with interferon
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 17, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 33 Disfigurement due to scars and dyspigmentation complicating discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) can be devastating. The cornerstones of therapy for cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) are steroids (topical, intralesional, systemic) and antimalarials (hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine, quinacrine). Secondary agents include immunosuppressive
Keeping an eye on retinoids as treatment for the ectropion of lamellar ichthyosis
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 9, 2017 ... Clinical examples of autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis: harlequin ichthyosis (HI) at birth (A); HI evolves into generalized exfoliating erythrodermic ichthyosis (B and C) (reprinted from "Menschen mit Ichthyose - ein Bildband 2003" courtesy of Selbsthilfe Ichthyose e. V.); collodion membrane with
Resorcinol’s resourcefulness in hidradenitis suppurativa
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 22, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 12 Management of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is challenging, including medical and surgical approaches, which are often combined for best outcomes. Lifestyle changes, pain management, and emotional/psychiatric issues must be addressed. Therapeutic approaches include the use of topical therapies
A future therapeutic Harlequin Romance?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Sept. 17, 2018 A neonate with harlequin ichthyosis on day 21 of life after 3 weeks of treatment with acitretin at 1 mg/kg/d. ... Credit: ... JAAD My fiancé Ronnie, then a pediatric resident, called me excitedly, asking for my opinion about a remarkable neonate
National healthy skin month: dermatologists provide tips on caring for your skin, hair, and nails
Board-certified dermatologists remind patients that skin, hair, and nail care routines are a key to health ROSEMONT, Ill. (October 25, 2022) — In recognition of National Healthy Skin Month in November, board-certified dermatologists are providing their top tips for caring for your skin, hair, and nails. ... These seven tips
Adherence to acne treatments: Flipped sides of the coin for physicians and patients
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Dec. 6, 2016 It takes a motivated, dedicated patient to adhere to their prescribed acne regimen. According to Moradi Tuchayi et al, primary nonadherence occurs when the medication is not even started. This may be due to lack of knowledge, confusion about usage, a weak
PDT for erosive pustular dermatitis of the scalp: Seeing the light (but reaching a different conclusion)
By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 9, 2016 Erosive Pustular Dermatitis of the Scalp (EPDS) is a relative common condition, typically seen on the actinically damaged scalps of the elderly men. Lesions characteristically present as hyperkeratotic, crusted erosions with varying degrees of pustulation. Lesions may become secondarily infected. The etiology
American Academy of Dermatology issues updated guidelines for the management of acne
Both newly approved and well-established treatments recommended ROSEMONT, Ill. (Jan. 31, 2024) — Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting nearly 50 million Americans each year, with symptoms usually beginning in puberty. Acne affects 85% of adolescents and can also often begin or continue in
Educating our public — skin healthy: educating your patients in waiting rooms and on the go
The AAD’s ... skin healthy, a print and digital magazine featuring your expert insight, made its debut in 2020. Last year, the Academy disseminated over 950,000 issues to dermatology offices across the country, which helped educate patients about common skin conditions that dermatologists treat and offered your recommendations for protecting
Acne clinical guideline
Acne guideline ... Access the full acne guideline from JAAD. ... Go to the guideline Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition occurring when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells, leading to bacterial overgrowth and inflammation. Acne is one of the most common diseases worldwide, affecting
September 11, 2024
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / September 11, 2024 ... Safety of low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss in patients receiving antihypertensive medications DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Atopic dermatitis hide and seek — The impending role
How aligned are Redditor-driven recommendations with the current AAD acne guidelines?
Clinical Applications ... Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of ... DermWorld . She interviews the author of a recent study each month. ... By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, October 1, 2024 In this month’s Clinical Applications column, DermWorld ... Physician Editor Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, talks with Justin
Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp must no longer be dermatology’s secret
By Warren R. Heymann, MD May 30, 2017 As dermatologists, we get used to discussing disorders that are foreign to other physicians. A typical story would be someone with classic notalgia paresthetica whose primary care physician does not believe that cervical arthritis is responsible for the maddening scapular pruritus. "My
Scarred by dogma: Revising recommendations for surgery and isotretinoin use
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Aug. 22, 2017 Severe acne. ... Credit: American Academy of Dermatology teaching slide ... I have had the privilege of prescribing isotretinoin since its release in 1982. Is there any other dermatologic medication that has benefited our patients so greatly? I’ve weathered every isotretinoin controversy
American Academy of Dermatology statement on Benzoyl Peroxide in OTC Personal Care Products
American Academy of Dermatology President Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD ROSEMONT, Ill. (March 24, 2025) — Recent reports have noted that benzoyl peroxide, a common acne-fighting ingredient available by prescription and over the counter, has the potential to break down into benzene. The American Academy of Dermatology is committed to
Chanarin-Dorfman syndrome: Shifting out of neutral
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 27, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 34 In nearly all neutrophil, eosinophil and basophil leukocytes and in the monocytes, several clear vacuoles of varying size were observed in the cytoplasm, which after vital staining…revealed a red colour, i.e. contained a fatty substance. The erythrocytes
State law and teratogenic medications
Patient access to teratogenic medication may be impacted by state abortion access laws. The Academy has resources for members who prescribe teratogenic medications. ... Patient access to reproductive resources ... Do you have questions about changes to state laws since the Supreme Court decision overturning ... Roe v Wade? Do
Benzene in consumer products
What dermatologists and patients should know. ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, April 1, 2025 From dry shampoo to acne medication — benzene, a known human carcinogen, has been detected in multiple cosmetic and cutaneous products over the past several years. ... The International Agency for Research on
Saving face: The importance of recognizing facial discoid dermatosis
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 22, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 8 I get excited when astute dermatologists describe and label dermatoses that I have seen but could not adequately diagnose. Two recent examples include acute inflammatory edema and alpha-gal syndrome. I (and presumably you too) have encountered patients
AAD’s Your Dermatologist Knows maintains strong traditional media presence
Traditional media relations, targeting print, broadcast, and online media, are a cornerstone of the AAD’s successful Your Dermatologist Knows consumer positioning strategy, and 2025 was an exceptional year for those efforts. The Academy secured more than 16,000 placements in high-profile outlets with a reach of 100,000 or more, reinforcing dermatologists’
Safety first
From the Editor ... Dr. Heymann is the physician editor of ... DermWorld . ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, March 1, 2026 Anyone who has taken a cruise knows the drill: Before heading to the pool, casino, or bar, you must learn to put on your life vest
The pregnant pause in cutaneous lymphoma
By Jennifer Villasenor-Park, MD, FAAD Oct. 2, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 40 I first met Anne when she was 30 years old and was experiencing a significant flare of her mycosis fungoides. She had already lived with the disease for 18 years having been diagnosed at the age of 12
Problematic in pregnancy?
Dermatologists discuss the safety of common dermatologic drugs in pregnant patients. ... Feature ... By Jan Bowers, Contributing Writer, June 1, 2023 Few mourned the end of the FDA’s pregnancy risk letter categories for prescription and biologic drug labeling in 2015. In addition to being an oversimplified distillation of available
Here’s looking at you, KID
By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 7, 2017 Late skin findings in lethal keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome. Intertriginous hyperkeratosis and denudation in a patient with GJB2 p.A88V mutation. ... Credit: ... JAAD Keratitis, ichthyosis, and deafness (KID) syndrome is a rare genodermatosis associated with mutations in the GJB2 gene, which encodes connexin
Joining the “fold”: Squamous cell carcinoma complicating porokeratosis ptychotropica
By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 26, 2017 Coalescent erythematous papules involving bilateral buttocks. ... Credit: ... JAAD I know the variants of porokeratoses and can recite them as though I am the very model of a modern major general — Mibelli, linear, punctate, palmoplantar, DSAP, superficial disseminated, immunosuppression-related, and
The darkness of lichen planus pigmentosus
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 24, 2016 Darkness defines lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) — lesional morphology, the patient’s mood about their appearance, and our ability to understand or treat it. Both patient and physician are literally in the dark. ... The following abstract by Ghosh and Coondoo (1) is
Acne: The drought is over
After years of recycling the same ingredients, dermatologists have novel acne treatments and formulations available — with more on the horizon. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, assistant managing editor, February 1, 2021 Over the past few years, an incredible amount of innovation has taken place for the treatment of
The Venetian antithesis: Treating median canaliform nail dystrophy
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Oct. 4, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 40 Tony Bennett may have left his heart in San Francisco, but mine remains in Venice. ... (The editorial staff of DWI&I offer our sincerest condolences to the families of those who perished, and our prayers for recovery
Of every possible solution for elastosis perforans serpiginosa, fractional carbon dioxide laser may be the best
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 13, 2017 ... Elastosis perforans serpiginosa. Clinical presentation. ... Credit: ... JAAD My initial attraction to dermatology, which still offers great appeal, is the challenge and joy of differential diagnosis and clinical-pathologic correlation. I learned quickly, however, that patients don’t want to be interesting
Secukinumab for pityriasis rubra pilaris: Tread lightly
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Nov. 17, 2016 Every dermatology resident preparing for their board examination can rattle off Griffiths’ classification of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) — Type I (Classical Adult), Type II (Atypical Adult), Type III (Classic Juvenile), Type IV (Circumscribed Juvenile), and Type V (Atypical Juvenile). Type VI,
January 25, 2023
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Jan. 25, 2023 ... Is topical spironolactone effective for acne? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : The ironclad promise of ferroptosis Topical lidocaine-prilocaine vs. ice packs for laser hair removal Efficacy of
August 17, 2022
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Aug. 17, 2022 ... Do dietary exclusions improve atopic dermatitis? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Promising therapeutic developments for cutaneous lupus erythematosus — Interfering with interferon Derm Coding Consult : Dermatology
Are you at risk for pityriasis rubra type V? It’s in the cards!
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Feb. 1, 2017 Characteristic facial involvement in caspase recruitment domain family member 14 gene (CARD14)-associated papulosquamous eruption. Symmetric and geometric pink, scaly patches or plaques involving the cheeks, upper cutaneous lip, and chin with sparing of the infralabial region is highly characteristic of CARD14-associated papulosquamous
Acquisition and loss: A tribute to Jouni Uitto, MD, PhD
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Jan. 11, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 2 I was stunned and frozen in time and thought when Dr. Sylvia Hsu informed me that Dr. Jouni Uitto had passed away — a similar reaction as I experienced when hearing of President Kennedy’s or John Lennon’s
Frontal fibrosing alopecia: Bewitched, bothered, and bewildered
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Feb. 13, 2017 Women given the diagnosis of frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) with different severity grades. A, FFA grade I/V in a premenopausal 30-year-old woman, with a less than 1-cm wide area of cicatricial skin produced by the recession of the frontal and temporal hairline.
April 1, 2026
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / April 1, 2026 ... Aesthetic treatment considerations for perimenopausal, menopausal patients DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Cocaine-associated plasma cell orificial mucositis — Anything goes Effects of PRP, minoxidil in patients with
Scratching below the surface for the etiology of lichen amyloidosis — no sweat?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD July 10, 2017 Lichen amyloidosis reveals multiple hyperkeratotic papules on anterior leg. ... Credit: ... JAAD We have all confronted patients with maddeningly pruritic, recalcitrant cases of lichen amyloidosis (LA). Establishing the diagnosis is easier than treating the disorder; understanding its pathogenesis is even more
Psoriatic alopecia and sebaceous glands: An unfinished symphony
By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 15, 2017 Psoriasis and alopecia after initiation of TNFi. A, Diffuse erythematous pustules on the upper back of patient 1. B, Severe alopecia with mild papules on scalp of patient 4. ... Credit: ... JAAD Every so often, patients with psoriasis would ask me
June 1, 2022
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / June 1, 2022 ... What’s new in adult acne over the last two years? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Granulomatous cheilitis — Back to the Future Derm Coding Consult : Cigna’s
September 17, 2025
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Sept. 17, 2025 ... Is there an association between isotretinoin and sexual dysfunction? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Exploring the gamut of monoclonal gammopathy of cutaneous significance Is there an association
Deeper thoughts about acne keloidalis nuchae
DermWorld Insights and Inquiries ... By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD, February 1, 2026 Vol. 8, No. 2 Wallace Clark taught me the truism that thinking often ceases when a diagnosis is rendered. The clinical diagnosis of acne keloidalis nuchae (AKN) is straightforward. Embarrassingly, I had not given much thought
Clawing to understand lichen nitidus
By Warren R. Heymann, MD April 5, 2018 Lichen nitidus: dermoscopic images. A, In the first patient, dermoscopic findings of the left plantar lesions revealed that linear scales in parallel (thick arrows) were discontinued by oval, well-defined depressions surrounded by ring-shaped, silvery white scales (thin arrows). Long axis of the
February 22, 2023
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 22, 2023 ... How effective are field treatments for actinic keratosis? DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Saving face — The importance of recognizing facial discoid dermatosis A systematic review of
DermWorld Weekly comparing efficacy of JAK inhibitors used in alopecia areata
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / March 22, 2023 ... Comparing efficacy of JAK inhibitors used in alopecia areata DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Resorcinol’s resourcefulness in hidradenitis suppurativa Derm Coding Consult : CMS Targeted Probe and
December 11, 2019
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / December 11, 2019 ... Physician depression increases medical errors…increasing depression DW Insights and Inquiries: Topical retinoid therapy for acanthosis nigricans — in the thick of it MIPS: What you need to
Talking points: Benzene found in acne care products
Primary key messages ... The Academy has developed key messages for dermatologists regarding reports that have found the chemical benzene in acne products containing benzoyl peroxide. ... Benzoyl peroxide, a common acne-fighting ingredient available by prescription and over the counter, has the potential to break down into benzene. ... In
This month’s news from across the specialty
What’s hot ... February 1, 2026 In this monthly column, members of the DermWorld ... Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. Craig Burkhart, MD, MPH, MSBS, FAAD Gawey et al. reviewed the current state of sunscreen regulation in the United States and the process of
Think that DIY acne trick is helping? Here’s what dermatologists want you to know
Board-certified dermatologist provides tips for clearer skin ahead of Acne Awareness Month ROSEMONT, Ill. (May 27, 2025) — Acne is one of the most common skin conditions, affecting nearly 85% of people at some point in their lives. With people increasingly turning to social media for skin care advice, at-home
Transplantation dermatology: Race matters
By Warren R. Heymann, MD June 21, 2017 African American man with generalized vitiligo. Medial aspect of foot before (A) and 5 months after (B) melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation procedure. ... Credit: ... JAAD December 3rd, 2017 will mark the 50th anniversary of the first human-to-human heart transplant performed by the late
Time for a Churchillian approach to idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Jan. 22, 2018 Limbs of patient with idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis lesions. ... Credit: ... JAAD I was only 10 years old when Winston Churchill died, but even as a child I was aware of his inspirational abilities. I was reminded his gift watching Gary
May 11, 2022
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / May 11, 2022 ... Sexual dysfunction associated with finasteride use in men with androgenetic alopecia DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Lagging ahead — LAG-3 checkpoint inhibition for advanced melanoma FDA grants
January 15, 2020
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / January 15, 2020 ... Which cosmeceuticals have proven clinical efficacy? DW Insights and Inquiries: Thoughts on hyaluronidase and The House of God Cancer death rate falls by largest one-year drop on
July 8, 2020
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / July 8, 2020 ... Chilblains and COVID-19: Is there an association? DW Insights and Inquiries : Et tu, ibrutinib? How to treat nail lichen planus during the COVID-19 pandemic CMS publishes
Managing menopause
Dermatologists discuss dermatologic changes before and during menopause and the dermatoses that may occur. ... Feature ... By Allison Evans, Assistant Managing Editor, December 1, 2025 Menopausal transitions can be stressful. While rapidly declining estrogen levels can wreak havoc internally, many of these changes involve the skin, hair, and vulvar
Can topical ketoconazole tip the scales for acne vulgaris?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD Oct. 21, 2020 Vol. 2, No. 42 "Now trending." How often have you seen that phrase when you go online? When it comes to trends in treating acne vulgaris (AV), despite the new addition of oral sarecycline and the release of topical minocycline foam, there
July 5, 2023
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / July 5, 2023 ... Petroleum jelly: Safety, myths, and misconceptions DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Reflections on reflectance confocal microscopy for diagnosing benign lichenoid keratoses Managing CLE with JAK inhibitors Homelessness
This month’s news from across the specialty
What’s hot ... December 1, 2022 In this monthly column, members of the ... DermWorld Editorial Advisory Workgroup identify exciting news from across the specialty. ... Harry Dao Jr., MD, FAAD One advantage of working in the same practice as your surgeons is the ability to quickly confirm biopsy
JAAD
Putting muscle into isotretinoin laboratory testing isn’t chopped liver! The newest frontier for biologics and psoriasis may be adherence Progress for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy A ‘pregnant pause’ is necessary before concluding on the obstetric risk of vitiligo Dermatologists cannot be lax about acquired cutis laxa Congenital juvenile xanthogranulomas: Born to
Netherton syndrome: From apex to nether
By Warren R. Heymann, MD March 31, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 13 If you are a dermatologist preparing for your board exam, I’ll wager that you can rattle off the classical features of Netherton syndrome (NS, aka Comel-Netherton syndrome) in a heartbeat. The more important question — would you recognize
February 7, 2024
Derm World Weekly - A Publication of the American Academy of Dermatology | Association ... IN THIS ISSUE / Feb. 7, 2024 ... Androgenetic alopecia: topical minoxidil vs. low-dose oral minoxidil DermWorld Insights and Inquiries : Short anagen syndrome — The long and short of it Skin cancer incidence in
Dermatopathology
Cutting giant congenital nevi down to size molecularly Eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy: Reality bites Oy, another "Oid" to worry about: Cryptococcoid lesions Biting my nails worrying about atypical presentations of nail unit melanomas Deep penetrating thoughts about deep penetrating nevi Sophie’s choice: Assessing atypical Spitz tumors in the molecular
Granular detail on granular parakeratosis
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD October 6, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 40 After attending a clinic at the University of Pennsylvania 30 years ago, I recall relaxing in the cafeteria, coffee in one hand and ... JAAD in the other, being impressed with an article by Northcutt et al
Rounds on pityriasis rotunda
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Aug. 7, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 32 Science, medicine, and patient strife aside, sometimes I just admire the beauty of skin lesions in and of themselves. Round, annular, and targetoid lesions (fixed drug eruptions, granuloma annulare, tinea, subacute lupus, erythema multiforme, erythema migrans, and
No longer flailing with Flegel disease
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD April 19, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 16 I was a toddler in 1958 when Heinz Flegel described ... hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans (HLP) a 50-year-old man with persistent lesions on his dorsal feet and lower extremities. (1) In the ensuing decades, other than the clinical
Necrotizing infundibular crystalline folliculitis: Not yet crystal clear
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Jan. 29, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 4 Time and exposure to several articles are necessary to crystallize a novel clinicopathological correlation in my mind. Such is the case with necrotizing infundibular crystalline folliculitis (NICF). I suspect that I have seen this condition but have
What's new in dermatology?
Experts break down diagnoses you didn't know about 10 years ago ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Assistant Editor, March 1, 2022 The history of medical diagnosis traces back to ancient Egypt, where the first recorded examples can be found in the writings of Imhotep dating 2630–2611 BC. In the
Optimizing melasma management
Experts discuss treatment strategy, new insights into pathogenesis, and emerging therapies. ... Feature ... By Emily Margosian, Senior Editor, March 1, 2026 Pigmentary disorders represent some of the most common cutaneous concerns globally. In the U.S. alone, melasma affects more than 5 million people (doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2010.12.046). ... While primarily a cosmetic
Acne necrotica: A real head-scratcher
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 15, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 20 I sympathize with new residents in dermatology coming to grips with difficult terms and concepts that are essential in practice. As a novice, I recall struggling with the concept of acne necrotica (AN), dreading that I would
The malignant risk in circumscribed palmar or plantar hypokeratosis: Summoning Charles Dickens and Freddie Mercury
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 14, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 19 Smitten by the seminal article in 2002 by Pérez et al. describing circumscribed palmar or plantar hypokeratosis (CPPH), I have diagnosed the disorder several times, reassuring patients that this oddity is of no concern. More than 100
Senile gluteal dermatosis: The term “senile” is getting old and should be retired
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Jan. 24, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 4 As my patients and I get older, inevitably I think more about geriatric dermatology. (1) There is a disorder I have seen on the gluteal region in mostly thin, older, sedentary patients — my recommendations of off-loading
PRIDE without prejudice
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 30, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 30 As the years march on, I am bemused by having witnessed once-novel findings become mainstream affairs. I recall my excitement describing the development of paronychia in a 76-year-old woman with metastatic colon carcinoma who was participating in
Which treatment modality of pyogenic granuloma is worth its weight in salt?
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD July 31, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 31 I get palpitations with every pyogenic granuloma (PG) I encounter. Even though the clinical diagnosis is instant, my personal Jiminy Cricket dermatologist reminds me not to miss an amelanotic melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or cutaneous metastasis. If
Necrobiosis lipoidica in a Wink
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD May 3, 2023 Vol. 5, No. 18 Ninety years have transpired since Urbach coined the term ... necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) for the granulomatous disorder first described by Oppenheim in 1929 as ... dermatitis atrophicans lipoidica diabetica . (1) Early authors observed sclerotic plaques
Olmsted syndrome patients can finally put their foot down
By Warren R. Heymann, MD January 20, 2021 Vol. 3, No. 3 Reading Olmsted’s seminal paper entitled "Keratodermia Palmaris et Plantaris Congenitalis" is captivating reading on multiple levels. In that era of descriptive dermatology, there is an allure in how he differentiates his patient from keratodermas described by the giants
Clinical and therapeutic judgment regarding confluent and reticulated papillomatosis of Gougerot and Carteaud
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Feb. 5, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 5 Congratulations to Aaron Judge for setting the American League seasonal record in 2023 for the most home runs — 62 — a remarkable feat. I was only six years old when Roger Maris* slammed his 61st home
Psoriasis clinical guideline
Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory multisystem disease, which affects up to 3.2% of the U.S. population. The guideline is based on current evidence, emphasizing treatment recommendations and the role of the dermatologist in monitoring and educating patients about benefits as well as risks that may be associated. ... Psoriasis guideline
Medical dermatology
Topical retinoid therapy for acanthosis nigricans: In the thick of it Rituximab and dermatomyositis: Dr. Samitz would be proud The naked truth about total body skin examination: A lesson from Goldilocks and the Three Bears Getting the gist of GIST cutaneous hyperpigmentation disease I never wanted chaperones — until now
Darier disease is rough clinically and therapeutically. MEK inhibition may offer a smoother future
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD Dec. 4, 2024 Vol. 6, No. 48 Consultative medical dermatology is stressful because challenging patients come with high hopes. Usually, the referring dermatologist is thorough, thoughtful, and on-target diagnostically and therapeutically. The key is setting expectations — if the dermatosis is easily manageable, they
Mastering dermatology
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 19, 2025 Vol. 7, No. 11 At the AAD Annual Meeting in Orlando, I was honored to receive the 2025 AAD Master Dermatologist award. The speech delivered is below. Please see ... the list of extraordinary dermatologists who received this award in the
IL-36 and generalized pustular psoriasis: L’chaim!
By Warren R. Heymann, MD, FAAD March 9, 2022 Vol. 4, No. 10 In 1910, Leo Ritter von Zumbusch meticulously detailed the clinical course of "psoriasis pustulosa generalisata" (referred to herein as generalized pustular psoriasis, GPP) in a brother and sister, pondering if this was a variant of psoriasis or
Dermatology World Weekly
DermWorld Weekly is a brief, concise digest of the latest news, hand-picked by ... DW’s editorial team with analysis of why it matters to dermatologists. ... Each week editors review the landscape of health care news in ... DermWorld's core areas of practice management, policy, and patient care, and highlight