PeDRA Pearls

Treatments for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in children have made huge strides in recent months. Listen to Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, Emma Guttman-Yassky, MD, PhD, Candrice Heath, MD, and Minnelly Luu, MD discuss these advancements, what they mean for patients, and the importance of present and future research. This is a follow-up podcast to the Emerging Therapies in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis in Children educational series that aired in 2020. 

Dr. Megha Tollefson is a Pediatric Dermatologist and Professor of Pediatrics and Dermatology at the Mayo Clinic. She has served on several PeDRA committees in the past and is currently serving as Member at Large on the Board of Directors. Dr. Tollefson, like so many others in the field, has always enjoyed taking care of children. Learn how that passion translated into a career in pediatric dermatology and learn about a little piece of advice she received from her Peloton coach.

Identifying Research Gaps

In this final episode, the group discusses what research is still needed to better understand the risks and benefits of JAK inhibitors for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in children.

JAK Inhibitors versus Biologics

The group weighs the pros and cons of these treatments options and discusses whether or not they would use them together in severe cases of atopic dermatitis in children. They also highlight the importance of considering overall patient emotional and mental health when looking at these different treatment options.  

JAK Inhibitors versus Traditional Therapies

Moderated by Minnelly Luu, MD, this Points of Discussion series features guest speakers Amy Paller, MD, Elaine Siegfried, MD, A. Yasmine Kirkorian, MD, and Jeff Yu, MD. Listen as the group discusses whether or not they would prescribe oral JAK inhibitors over traditional therapies for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in children. They discuss the cases in which they have done so and why.

Dr. Beth Drolet is Chair of the Department of Dermatology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She’s a founding member of PeDRA, completed a term as chair of PeDRA’s Nominating Committee in 2021, and is a current member of the Best Practices Task Force. Tune in for Dr. Drolet’s perspective on leaning into failure and be sure to watch until the very end as she shares her very special hidden talent (hint – it will make you want to dance!). Watch and learn more about Dr. Drolet’s incredible career in research.

In this final episode, Dr. Jakus and Dr. Lara-Corrales come together to share their thoughts on the research needed to safely recommend sunscreen use in children under the age of 6 months. They discuss how to manage the fine line of promoting limited sun exposure, while also recommending sunscreen.

In this second episode, Dr. Jeannette Jakus presents an argument in favor of sunscreen use in infants under 6 months. She discusses the safety of zinc oxide in diaper creams and how that same ingredient is used in sunscreen. She shares the importance of clear messaging and the need for a consensus on how sunscreen recommendations are presented to parent Listen and learn more.

In episode one, Dr. Irene Lara-Corrales discusses reasons to be cautious when using sunscreen in children under the age of 6 months. She highlights the research gaps in the infant skin barrier and the effects sunscreen may have on such young skin. She also outlines alternatives to sunscreen use by discussing sun-protective clothing. Listen to learn more.

Holly joined the PeDRA team in June of 2021 as the 2021 – 2022 PeDRA Fellow. Holly manages PeDRA’s four social media platforms, provides administrative support to the board of directors, and is the medical student liaison for PeDRA’s Early Investigator Committee. Holly is a fourth-year medical student at the University of Massachusetts and enjoys being a peer mentor to other medical students. When she’s not studying, supporting PeDRA, or mentoring medical students, she’s out and about seeking thrills. Listen to the very end for Holly’s most intense thrills to date.