PeDRA Pearls

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, Jenn Dawson welcomes back Stefanos Koutsoukos for a deeper conversation about research on rare genetic skin diseases through the lens of both lived experience and bench science. Stefanos shares his family’s diagnostic journey, the evolving terminology surrounding ichthyosis and epidermal differentiation disorders, and how advances in genetics, stem cell models, and patient-reported outcomes are helping shape the future of meaningful therapies. Now a graduate student at the University of Colorado Anschutz, Stefanos is researching rare genetic skin diseases and is a recipient of a 2025 PeDRA Research Fellowship, working under the mentorship of Ganna Bilousova, PhD.

This episode is presented by Disc Medicine. Although Disc Medicine provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Disc Medicine.

Join Jenn Dawson and Mitchell Hanson for some quick-hitting "research hot takes!"

Topical Therapies Supporting Links and Articles

• https://nextstepsinderm.com/derm-topics/expanding-the-treatment-landscape-for-atopic-dermatitis-hidradenitis-suppurativa-and-chronic-hand-eczema/
• https://www.dermatologytimes.com/view/advancing-topical-stewardship-and-expanding-nonsteroidal-options
• https://www.arcutis.com/arcutis-announces-publication-of-positive-long-term-safety-and-efficacy-data-with-zoryve-roflumilast-cream-0-05-for-treatment-of-mild-to-moderate-atopic-dermatitis-in-children-ages-2-5/

Social Unrest Leads to Access Barriers Supporting Links and Articles

• C. L. Presley, J. Meisenheimer VII, C. W. Rundle, S. Maguiness, I. A. Maher, and A. J. M. Anderson, “Social Unrest and Its Implications on the Pediatric Dermatological Patient: Lessons From a Single Center Academic Dermatology Department,” Pediatric Dermatology (2026): 1–2, https://doi.org/10.1111/pde.70260.
• Mukerjee K, Shah S, Falusi O. State Policies and Access to Care for Immigrant Children—Implications for Pediatric Health Outcomes. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(12):e2545833. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.45833

Skin of Color in Pediatric Dermatology Supporting Links and Articles

• Dondi, A., Ranieri, A., Andreozzi, L., Leuzzi, M., D'Alanno, G., Pierantoni, L., Zama, D., Battelli, E., Calegari, R., Borghesi, A., Lanari, M., & Neri, I. (2026). Skin of Color in Pediatric Dermatology: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Analysis Addressing Inclusive Diagnosis and Care. Life (Basel, Switzerland), 16(4), 578. https://doi.org/10.3390/life16040578
• Fagan E, Reagen C, Ituarte B, Shet P, Shaver-Dominguez N, Harter N, Wei EX, Oudenhoven M. Trends in Pediatric Representation Within Skin of Color Dermatology Literature: A Decade-Long Analysis. Pediatr Dermatol. 2026 Jan-Feb;43(1):95-97. doi: 10.1111/pde.16038. Epub 2025 Aug 13. PMID: 41611238.

This episode is presented by Disc Medicine. Although Disc Medicine provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Disc Medicine.

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, Jenn Dawson talks with Colleen Cotton, MD, and Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD, leaders of PeDRA’s Acne and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Focus Study Group, about the evolving research landscape for pediatric acne and HS. Together, they discuss the importance of early recognition and referral, patient-centered research, pediatric-specific outcomes, and emerging areas of study, including post-isotretinoin care, stigma, laser hair removal, GLP-1 receptor agonists, hormonal therapies, and gender-affirming care. The conversation highlights how collaboration across clinicians, researchers, patients, and families is helping better shape care for children and adolescents living with chronic inflammatory skin disease.

This episode is presented by Disc Medicine. Although Disc Medicine provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Disc Medicine.

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, Heather Gochnauer, MD, joins the podcast to talk about her path into pediatric dermatology, her work at Rady Children’s and UC San Diego, and the clinical and research questions that motivate her early career. This conversation explores continuity of care from childhood into adulthood, Heather’s growing focus on connective tissue disease, and the role of collaboration, mentorship, and curiosity in shaping meaningful research for patients and families.

This episode is presented by Disc Medicine. Although Disc Medicine provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Disc Medicine

In this episode, Jason Hawkes, MD, returns to discuss the evolving role of translational dermatology in bringing scientific discoveries closer to patient care. He shares how advances in immunology and clinical trials are transforming treatment for psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, urticaria, vitiligo, alopecia areata, and other inflammatory skin diseases. The conversation also explores personalized treatment, whole-person health, access to care through clinical research, and the growing opportunities for pediatric dermatologists to participate in research outside traditional academic settings.

This episode is presented by Disc Medicine. Although Disc Medicine provided funding for this PeDRA Pearls Podcast, the contents of the podcast were developed independently by PeDRA. Learn more about Disc Medicine

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, we explore the discovery of Bachmann-Bupp syndrome and the remarkable collaboration that transformed a single patient observation into a growing body of research and a promising treatment pathway. Host Jenn Dawson speaks with Caleb Bupp, MD, Andre Bachmann, PhD, and Liz VanSickle, PhD, about the genetics, skin and hair findings, and translational science behind this ultra-rare disorder, as well as the critical role pediatric dermatologists can play in recognizing patients, advancing research, and building connections for families navigating rare disease.

In this episode of PeDRA Pearls, host Jenn Dawson welcomes Mitchell Hanson, MD, MPH, PeDRA’s new Education Fellow, for a conversation about connection, service, and intentionality in pediatric dermatology. Mitchell shares how his path through neuroscience, public health, medical education, and community-centered initiatives led him to PeDRA, and reflects on the importance of keeping patients at the center of research and education. Listeners will hear about his passion for making pediatric dermatology more accessible, the lessons he learned through global health work and SunSafe Augusta, and how setbacks can become meaningful redirections toward purpose.

In the first installment of PeDRA’s 2026 educational series – Research in Action: Advancing Care for Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), Dr. Peter Marinkovich of Stanford University provides a timely overview of emerging therapies and clinical research in EB, including gene therapies, cell-based approaches, inflammation-targeted treatments, and strategies to improve wound care and long-term outcomes. Dr. Marinkovich includes an excerpt from Aaron Owens, a dystrophic EB patient who participated in a clinical trial. Designed for clinicians, researchers, patients, caregivers, and others involved in EB care, this program highlights recent progress in the field and the collaborative work driving better treatment options for patients.

Click here to view the video version of this webinar.

Special thanks to BioMendics, Castle Creek Biosciences, Chiesi, and Krystal Biotech for their support of the 2026 EB Educational Series. PeDRA is solely responsible for all program content and the selection of all presenters, authors, moderators, and faculty.

Tune in to hear Dr. Cathryn Sibbald and Dr. Ilka Netravali, leaders of PeDRA’s Hair Disorders Focused Study Group, explore how pediatric hair disorders research is evolving beyond alopecia areata. They discuss multicenter studies, emerging biomarkers and precision medicine approaches, cross-specialty collaboration, and the importance of incorporating patient and family perspectives to improve care. The conversation highlights how this growing body of research is helping move the field toward more personalized, evidence-based, and equitable treatment for children with hair disorders.

In this episode, host Jenn Dawson talks with Dr. Dawn Davis, Dr. Amy Paller, and Dr. Larry Eichenfield about the newly published pediatric atopic dermatitis guidelines and what they mean for clinicians, patients, and families. Together, they unpack the evidence behind prevention, comorbidities, and treatment recommendations, discuss how rapidly the therapeutic landscape is evolving, and highlight the biggest unanswered questions that remain in research. The conversation also explores the importance of patient advocacy, shared decision-making, and improving access to care as the field moves toward more personalized treatment.

Guidelines of care for primary prevention of atopic dermatitis and awareness of comorbid conditions in pediatric atopic dermatitis.

Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients.

Please click here for a list of speakers' conflicts of interest.