Podcast
Derms on Drugs
Hosted by Scholars in Medicine · EN
Derms on Drugs is where cutting-edge dermatology meets mediocre comedy. Each week three dermatologists – Matt Zirwas, Laura Ferris and Tim Patton – discuss, debate, and dissect the hottest topics in dermatology.
It's everything you need to know to be on the cutting-edge of dermatology and it’ll be the most fun you’ve ever had while actually learning something useful.
Derms on Drugs is produced by Scholars in Medicine, an online educational platform (scholarsinmedicine.com) exclusively for healthcare professionals of all levels of experience and education.
57episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Network Meta-Analyses in Dermatology: Can You Trust the Data? Expert Insights with Dr. Aaron Drucker
Oct 1000:46:03Summary readyEver wonder if you can trust those network meta-analyses (NMAs) flooding dermatology journals? Join the Derms on Drugs and University of Toronto expert Dr. Aaron Drucker for a critical deep dive into NMAs—what they are, how they work, and whether dermatologists should rely on them for treatment decisions.NMAs promise head-to-head comparisons for drugs without having to do a head-to-head trial, especially in psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, atopic dermatitis, and soon alopecia areata. But here's the catch: different NMAs on the same topic can give conflicting results about which treatments work best.In this episode, we tackle:-What network meta-analyses actually measure and how they're conducted-Why two NMAs can reach opposite conclusions about drug effectiveness-Red flags to watch for when evaluating NMA quality and reliability-Practical guidance for incorporating NMA findings into clinical practicePerfect for dermatology providers, researchers, and pharma professionals who want to critically evaluate the evidence behind treatment guidelines. Tune in for expert analysis that might surprise you about this increasingly common research methodology.Listen now to become a smarter consumer of dermatology research! And be sure to discover more at Scholars In Medicine!
SummaryRashes, Pre-cancers, and Cancers – we've got the answers!
Oct 300:53:54Summary readyWelcome back to Derms on Drugs! Today we’re cracking open a six-pack—not IPAs, but papers. We’ve got polyomavirus antibodies sneaking in as early markers for Merkel cell recurrence, collagen supplements promising to smooth wrinkles or just make your bank accounts smaller, and ruxolitinib cream stepping up for the disaster that is chronic hand eczema.But wait—there’s more! Isotretinoin is back, this time for seb derm instead of acne, actinic cheilitis gets the meta-analysis glow-up, lentigo maligna sees radiation face off against imiquimod, and atopic dermatitis therapies can shake up the skin microbiome, but which ones do it better?Six papers, one podcast, and probably at least three things you’ll be telling your colleagues about tomorrow. Let’s crack into it!
SummaryThe Causes of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria
Sep 2600:45:42Summary readyJoin the Derms on Drugs and Dr. Marc Serota (who is triple boarded in dermatology, allergy and pediatrics) to find out the latest on how to think about the causes of chronic spontaneous urticaria - it can be autoimmune, it can literally be an "allergy to yourself" or it can be neither of the above. Crucially, there are clinical clues to which one it is, and if you can figure out which one it is, it helps predict the response to therapy!So join us for a deep dive into CSU, and yes, there will be trivia at the end!Visit the Scholars In Medicine website for more.
SummaryBreaking Dermatology Literature: A Probiotic for AD, A JAK Inhibitor for Pemphigoid & IL-23 Inhibitors for Guttate Psoriasis
Sep 1901:00:33Summary readyGet ahead of the curve with Derms on Drugs as we break down the most exciting new dermatology research! This week features game-changing studies including an oral probiotic with stunning results for atopic dermatitis, JAK inhibitors for bullous pemphigoid, and IL-23 inhibitors tackling guttate psoriasis.Plus, we dive deep into:Dermoscopy advances for managing longitudinal melanonychiaIf failing an IL-13 inhibitor affects the chances of doing well on another IL-13 inhibitorNew data on IL-13 inhibitor induced conjunctivitisRed light PDT efficacy for superficial basal cell carcinomaEarly systemic PDE4 inhibition strategies in psoriasisFollicular event insights from tapinarof studiesPDE4 inhibition potential for vitiligo treatmentPerfect for dermatology providers who want cutting-edge clinical pearls they can apply immediately. Tune in for evidence-based insights, practical takeaways, and the signature Derms on Drugs commentary that keeps you engaged while staying current.See more at ScholarsInMedicine.com
SummaryDerm Literature Lightning Round: New Insights, Big Impact
Sep 1200:36:57Summary readyStay at the forefront of dermatology with the Derms on Drugs and their special guest Dr. Scott Drew! This episode is a rapid-fire roundup of the latest journal pearls-perfect for busy practitioners looking to keep up with the latest evidence in the literature.We cover:Can moisturizing infants prevent atopic dermatitis?New sunscreen ingredients headed for the US marketInsights from lichenoid eruptions linked to immune checkpoint inhibitorsWhat to do if oral JAKs fail in alopecia areataDoes CeraVe outperform other moisturizers?The real risk of cardiovascular and thromboembolic events with JAK inhibitorsWhy IL-13 inhibitors differ in likelihood of causing arthralgiasAdvances in autologous skin cell transplantation for vitiligoThe safety of patients self-injecting triamcinolone for acneNew findings on hypersensitivity reactions after sentinel lymph node biopsyCan patch testing help with burning mouth syndrome?A drug that reduces cardiovascular mortality in hidradenitis suppurativaNovel approaches for chronic erythema nodosum, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and cheilitis granulomatosisJoin us for concise, actionable updates and real-world pearls you can apply in clinic today. Whether you’re managing complex cases or keeping up with the literature, this is one episode you don’t want to miss.Listen now and stay ahead in dermatology!
SummaryHidden Gems, Part 2: How Generic Systemics Still Shine in Dermatology
Sep 500:37:09Summary readyOlder systemic drugs aren’t just relics—they’re critical tools for dermatologists tackling all kinds of medical diseases - whether we're talking about patients who can't access (or don't respond adequately) to our highly effective FDA approved drugs for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, alopecia areata, hidradenitis or about patients with diseases that don't have an extremely effective FDA approved drug - things like lichen planus, granuloma annulare, dermatitis herpetiformis and many, many more. This week, we talk through dapsone, roflumilast, and acitretin.In this episode, you’ll learn:Perfect for dermatology providers who want up-to-date, actionable advice on systemic therapy selection, risk monitoring, and patient communication. Whether you’re managing recalcitrant inflammatory disorders or optimizing care for common skin diseases, these “oldies but goodies” might be your next best move.Tune in for clinical pearls and expert insights you can put to work in your practice!
SummaryBest of AAD 2025: The Hottest of the Hot Dermatology Data
Mar 28, 202500:33:21Summary readyLate-breaking abstracts from the AAD Meeting offer a sneak peek into dermatology’s future—and we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Derms on Drugs uncovers the hottest data that will dominate the top journals and meetings in 2025: the cutting-edge for psoriasis, new Tyk2 inhibitors, new treatment for cutaneous lupus, dupilumab’s possible role in bullous pemphigoid, patient-led patch testing innovations, plus fresh approaches to skin cancer and alopecia areata. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve!This podcast is brought to you by Scholars in Medicine.
SummaryDermatology Fact or Fiction - The Derms on Drugs Find Some Serious Fiction in the Latest Articles in the Literature
Mar 21, 202500:40:42Summary readyNew Articles on causes and treatments for AKs, Melasma, Atopic Derm, Acne, Grover's and Contact Derm. But you can't always believe what you read in a journal, and even when you can it doesn't mean it's going to help your patients. So, sit back, relax and join the Derms on Drugs to separate fact from fiction.A systemic option for patients with tons of actinic keratoses all over their body? If it sounds too good to be true it probably is, right?Botox for melasma. Can you see the difference? Can the Derms on Drugs?New "Real World" data says Dupixent doesn't help 85% of patients. Are the authors living in the "Real World"?Hormonal IUDs cause acne - Fact, fiction or the jury is still out?Grover's Disease (aka transient acantholytic dermatosis) isn't always so transient. Do we finally have a breakthrough?Positive Patch Tests in Kids - do they actually get better or is it just sending us down a rabbit hole?Derms on Drugs is brought to you by Scholars in Medicine.Resource links for this episode available at Scholars in Medicine.Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Field Cancerization and Keratinocyte Cancer PreventionIntradermal Botulinum Toxin A for Melasma: A Randomized Split-Face Study Trial and In Vitro Study of Its Antimelanogenic Effect Unmet Needs of Effective Advanced Systemic Therapies in Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis Patients in the TARGET-DERM AD Registry Frequency of androgenic cutaneous adverse events associated with levonorgestrel intrauterine devices: An analysis of the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System database Efficacy of Dupilumab for Treatment-Resistant Grover's Disease: A Retrospective Study Association of Somatic ATP2A2 Damaging Variants With Grover Disease Discrepancies in patch testing timing and outcomes: A retrospective analysis of the Pediatric Allergic Contact Dermatitis Registry
SummaryTo Scratch or Not to Scratch, That Is the Question
Mar 14, 202500:36:06Summary readyThe Derms on Drugs enlist the Sultan of Scratching, Dan Kaplan from the University of Pittsburgh, to answer the age- old question - should you scratch an itch or not? Believe it or not, some of the most cutting-edge science on the planet is focusing on this question (you think they'd have better stuff to work on, but who are we to judge). The answer(s) are going to surprise you - turns out scratching does a lot more than just get bugs off our skin (although that part is important too).Derms on Drugs is brought to you by Scholars in Medicine.Guest: Daniel H. Kaplan, MD, PhDDaniel H. Kaplan, MD, PhD is a Professor within the Department of Dermatology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh. His research is dedicated to understanding the mechanisms that underlie skin immunity and the interplay of different immune cells types that reside in the skin. As a graduate student at Washington University, St Louis he participated in the re-invigoration of the concept of tumor immunosurveillance by observing an increased frequency of skin tumors in immunodeficient mice. During his post-doc at Yale University, he developed a number of mouse lines with a selective deficiency of Langerhans cells (LC) and showed that these cells have the unexpected capacity to suppress tissue immune. As an Assistant and later Associate professor at the University of Minnesota, he found that LC and dermal dendritic cells have unique functions in the development of anti-pathogen responses. In 2015 he moved to the University of Pittsburgh. His laboratory is currently focused on understanding how intracellular communication mechanisms between immune cells and non-hematopoietic cells in the skin with a particular emphasis on sensory afferents modulate cutaneous immunity and skin disease. Resource links for this episode are available at Scholars in Medicine.Brain's reward circuits mediate itch relief. a functional MRI study of active scratchingEpidermal Mechanical Scratching-Induced ROS Exacerbates the Itch-Scratch Cycle via TRPA1 Activation on Mast Cells in Atopic DermatitisScratching promotes allergic inflammation and host defense via neurogenic mast cell activationActivation of Mast-Cell-Expressed Mas-Related G-Protein-Coupled Receptors Drives Non-histaminergic ItchMast-Cell-Derived TNF Amplifies CD8(+) Dendritic Cell Functionality and CD8(+) T Cell PrimingMast Cells Initiate Type 2 Inflammation through Tryptase Released by MRGPRX2/MRGPRB2 Activation in Atopic Dermatitis
SummaryCompliance, Adherence - Whatever, Just Put the D*mn Cream On...
Mar 7, 202500:46:12Summary readyThe Captain of Compliance, The Admiral of Adherence... Whatever you want to call him, you're going to love this week's episode as the Derms on Drugs dig deep with Dr. Steve Feldman on how to help our patients actually follow through with our recommendations. Trust us, even if you've heard Dr. Feldman talk about this before, you're still not going to want to miss this.As part of our dive into the nitty gritty of adherence we'll also talk about:-The first "Oral Biologic" on the way from Janssen - is this oral peptide that inhibits IL-23 a real game changer?-How a drug like VTAMA is a game changer for pediatric atopic dermatitis, both because of how well it works and because it's so easy for patients to use-If Cabtreo, the new triple combo cream for acne, works so fast that it actually helps patients stick with using it Derms on Drugs is brought to you by Scholars in Medicine.Guest: Dr. Steven R. Feldman, MD, PhD is a Professor of Dermatology, Pathology, and Social Sciences & Health Policy at the Wake Forest School of Medicine. His chief clinical interest is psoriasis. Feldman has done groundbreaking research on addiction to tanning beds, patients’ adherence to their medication treatment regimens, and patients’ satisfaction with their medical care. Feldman’s experiences in medicine have led him to try to see how others perceive things, leading to his book Compartments and his recent novella Bent Toward Justice. His research has been published in over 1,000 peer reviewed, Medline-referenced articles. Expertscape.com ranks Feldman among the top experts in the world on psoriasis, acne, dermatology, and treatment adherence. Feldman also serves as the editor of the Journal of Dermatological Treatment and the Journal of Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery and as chief medical editor of The Dermatologist. Resource links for this episode available at Scholars in Medicine:1. FRONTIER-2: A phase 2b, long-term extension, dose-ranging study of oral JNJ-77242113 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis2. Tapinarof cream 1% once daily: Significant efficacy in the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and children down to 2 years of age in the pivotal phase 3 ADORING trials3. Efficacy and Safety of a Fixed-Dose Clindamycin Phosphate 1.2%, Benzoyl Peroxide 3.1%, and Adapalene 0.15% Gel for Moderate-to-Severe Acne: A Randomized Phase II Study of the First Triple-Combination Drug4. An exploratory study of adherence to topical benzoyl peroxide in patients with acne vulgaris5. Effects of ruxolitinib cream on pruritus and quality of life in atopic dermatitis: Results from a phase 2, randomized, dose-ranging, vehicle- and active-controlled study6. Long-term adherence to topical psoriasis treatment can be abysmal: a 1-year randomized intervention study using objective electronic adherence monitoring
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