Pediatric hand eczema is more common than we think — and it’s not simply “adult hand eczema in smaller hands.”

In this episode, Dr. Kirk Barber sits down with Dr. Sonja Molin to explore why pediatric hand eczema deserves its own clinical lens. From COVID-era handwashing to slime exposure, allergic contact dermatitis, and patch testing strategies, this conversation unpacks the real-world triggers affecting children today — and how to manage them effectively.

They discuss practical treatment pearls, when to patch test, steroid strategy, non-steroidal options, emerging topical JAK data, and how to empower kids and parents in long-term skin care management.

If you treat eczema — or live with it — this episode delivers clinical insight with heart.

This conversation centers on Dr. Molin's article in the July/Aug Issue of the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery: Patterns of Pediatric Chronic Hand Eczema: A Systematic Review With Focus on Causes and Management.

Her co-authors are: Dr. Katie Yeung, Dr. Joshua Lowe, Dr. Jessica Ho.

Sonja Molin, MD, PhD is a dermatologist specializing in eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, and chronic hand eczema.

She is Professor of Dermatology at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin and former Chair of Dermatology at Queen's University, Kingston.

Dr. Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

Dermatologist and researcher Fiona Lovegrove joins the JCMS Author Interviews Podcast to discuss new Canadian consensus guidance on the diagnosis and management of bullous pemphigoid.

In this episode, Dr. Kirk Barber and Dr. Lovegrove explore her Nov/Dec Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery article “Navigating Bullous Pemphigoid: Consensus Recommendations for Diagnosis and Management – A Canadian Perspective.” The conversation focuses on the rising prevalence and clinical complexity of bullous pemphigoid, evolving diagnostic tools, and practical, evidence-based strategies to achieve disease control while minimizing steroid-related harm.

Topics covered include:

• Why clinicians are seeing more bullous pemphigoid in practice
• Diagnostic approaches, including the role of serology and immunofluorescence
• The importance of rapid disease control alongside early steroid-sparing strategies
• Consensus recommendations for systemic therapies, including dupilumab, methotrexate, and mycophenolate
• Managing medically fragile, older patients and reducing glucocorticoid toxicity
• How Canadian clinical experience informs real-world treatment algorithms

This episode offers a thoughtful, clinically grounded discussion for dermatologists, trainees, and healthcare professionals managing autoimmune blistering diseases.

The article co-authors include: Maxwell Sauder, Asfandyar Mufti, Jennifer Beecker, Jan Dutz, Mark G Kirchhof, Regine Mydlarski, Kerri Purdy, Perla Lansang

Dr. Fiona Lovegrove is a London, Ontario–based dermatologist and the founder of Lovegrove Dermatology. She is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at Western University and has a strong clinical and research focus on complex inflammatory and autoimmune skin diseases. Dr. Lovegrove is widely recognized for her ability to translate emerging dermatology research into practical, patient-centred care, and for her expertise in managing medically complex dermatologic conditions.

Dr. Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin, and Clare and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

In this episode, Dr. Kirk Barber speaks with Dr. David Croitoru about the long-standing concern linking IL-17 inhibitors with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Drawing on a comprehensive review of published cases and clinical trial data, Dr. Croitoru breaks down what the evidence actually shows—and how dermatologists should apply it in everyday practice.

They discuss:

• Reported rates of new-onset and exacerbated IBD with IL-17 inhibitors
• How these risks compare with baseline population risk
• Managing patients with family history, IBS-like symptoms, or IBD in long-term remission
• Why shared decision-making is essential when risks are low but consequences can be serious
• The role of real-world registry data in answering questions trials can’t

Dr. David Croitoru is a Toronto-based dermatologist and clinician-investigator at University Health Network and Women’s College Hospital. He leads Canada’s largest Pyoderma Gangrenosum clinic and supports national dermatology research and training through SKiN Canada.

Dr. Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin, and Clare and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

In this episode, Dr. Kirk Barber sits down with Dr. Jensen Yeung to discuss his recent evidence-based review on the use of systemic JAK inhibitors in chronic prurigo and prurigo nodularis (PN).

They explore:

• Why PN remains underdiagnosed and profoundly life-altering
• The limitations of traditional therapies and the gap in approved treatments
• How rapid itch reduction with JAK inhibitors, often within days, may change clinical practice
• Case insights, durability of response, and the evolving therapeutic landscape
• Where JAK inhibitors may fit within current guidelines and future topical options

Dr. Yeung also shares how patient experiences inspire his research and why PN management is entering a more hopeful era.

Article discussed: Management of Chronic Prurigo and Prurigo Nodularis With Systemic JAK Inhibitors, JCMS (Sept–Oct 2025).

Available open access for three weeks after episode release.

Dr. Jensen Yeung is an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the University of Toronto and Medical Director of the Phototherapy Education and Research Centre (PERC) at Women’s College Hospital. He leads specialty clinics focused on psoriasis, phototherapy, skin of color, and complex inflammatory dermatoses. 

Dr. Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin, and Clare and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

In this episode, Dr. Kirk Barber speaks with internationally recognized dermatologist Dr. Joseph Jorizzo about his recent JCMS article exploring the challenges of diagnosing and treating oral lichen planus. Drawing from nearly four decades of clinical experience, Dr. Jorizzo shares why this chronic inflammatory condition often “falls between the cracks,” how to approach biopsy and diagnosis, and why aggressive treatment of inflammation may reduce the long-term risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma. He also explains the origins of the now widely adopted “swish and spit” tacrolimus therapy and offers practical guidance for management, systemic treatment decisions, and recognizing red-flag symptoms such as dysphagia. A deep, highly practical conversation for clinicians navigating this complex disease.

Dr. Joseph Jorizzo is known for his expertise in medical dermatology and the cutaneous manifestations of systemic disease. He is Professor of Dermatology at Wake Forest University and Clinical Professor at Weill Cornell. A prolific author and lecturer, he has contributed extensively to leading dermatology textbooks and has held key leadership roles within the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

“Sometimes just trying something — showing that you care and will follow up — is the first big step in helping these patients.”

— Dr. Hélène Veillette

In this episode of JCMS Author Interviews, host Dr. Kirk Barber welcomes Dr. Hélène Veillette, Division Head of Dermatology at CHU de Québec–Université Laval, to discuss the article she co-authored with Dr. Louis Deschenes. “Skin Picking Disorder: A Canadian Retrospective Study.” It features in the May-June issue of the JCMS.

Dr. Veillette shares findings from a retrospective review of 82 hospitalized patients diagnosed with skin picking disorder, highlighting the high rate of psychiatric comorbidities, challenges in classification, and the gaps in current dermatologic management. Together, she and Dr. Barber explores how dermatologists can better identify, understand, and manage this complex psychocutaneous condition.

• Why study skin picking disorder?
• How a resident-led idea grew into an important exploration of a frequently overlooked condition.
• Comorbidities and causes:
• 61% of patients had psychiatric comorbidities — most commonly depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and substance-related disorders.
• The team also noted neurocognitive disorders such as dementia, raising questions about causation vs. correlation.
• Clinical presentation:
• Predominantly older women with lesions on accessible areas such as the upper limbs and trunk. Morphologies included excoriations, crusts, plaques, and nodules.
• Diagnostic challenges:
• Review of DSM-5 criteria for skin picking disorder and the ongoing debate about its classification under obsessive-compulsive–related disorders.
• Treatment and management:
• Discussion of first-line therapies like SSRIs and the over-the-counter option N-acetylcysteine (NAC); the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration; and why empathy and follow-up are as critical as prescriptions.
• The role of dermatologists in psychodermatology:
• Dr. Veillette and Dr. Barber emphasize that dermatologists must engage with psychocutaneous conditions rather than refer them away — combining clinical skill with compassion to support these often-suffering patients.

For more on psycho-dermatology, check out episode 86 of JCMS Author Interviews, with Dr. Marlene Dytoc.

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

In this episode of JCMS Author Interviews, Dr. Kirk Barber sits down with Dr. Mariusz Sapijaszko, a board-certified dermatologist, Clinical Professor at the University of Alberta, and Medical Director of the Western Canada Dermatology Institute. Dr. Sapijaszko specializes in skin cancer surgery and cosmetic dermatology and currently serves as President-Elect of the Canadian Dermatology Association. Kirk and Dr. Sapijaszko dig into the article he co-authored in the March–April 2025 issue of JCMS, titled: “Optimizing Surgical Site Infection Prevention in Dermatologic Surgery.”  They dive into practical, evidence-based recommendations from this article to help dermatologists — especially those in outpatient and community-based practices — improve patient safety while streamlining their workflows. From glove selection and skin prep techniques to PPE decisions, suture choice, and wound care, this episode is packed with actionable advice for both early-career dermatologists and seasoned practitioners. Whether you’re setting up a new practice or refining your surgical protocols, you’ll gain clear strategies to reduce infection risk and optimize outcomes. 

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

In this special Editor's Choice edition of the JCMS podcast, Dr. Kirk Barber engages in a follow-up conversation with Cathryn Sibbald about her JCMS Lecture at the 2025 Canadian Dermatology Association conference in Halifax. Dr Sibbald, a pediatric dermatologist at SickKids Hospital and Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, delves into the complexities of treating alopecia areata. Highlights include a nuanced discussion on the importance of a holistic and patient-centered approach, the role of JAK inhibitors, and the integration of traditional therapies like methotrexate and topical treatments. Dr. Sibbald emphasizes understanding the patient's goals, assessing psychosocial impacts, and using a combination of treatments. She also discusses practical tips for managing more severe cases, such as alopecia universalis, and the use of newer assessment tools to help guide treatment plans. 

Dr. Sibbald has graciously agreed to share her slide deck to her JCMS Lecture with our listeners, which you can find here.

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of this podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

In this episode of JCMS Author Interviews, host Kirk Barber speaks with University of Calgary Dermatologist Dr. Jori Hardin and Dr. Gary Garber of the Canadian Medical Protective Association about the findings of their fascinating article 'Medico-Legal Complaints Against Dermatologists: Data From the Canadian Medical Protective Association, 2013 to 2022,' published in the November-December 2024 issue of the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. They discuss the frequency and nature of complaints in dermatological practice, the importance of effective communication and thorough documentation, and the evolving role of AI in medical documentation. They emphasize the need for continued quality improvement, patient safety, and the supportive role of the CMPA in defending and educating physicians.

Co-Authors: Bryan Ma, MD, Ye-Jean Park, Jing Han, BSc, Maharshi Gandhi, MPH, Michele Ramien, MD

David Klassen, MD, Laura Payant, MScN, Elaine Rose, MPH, HD, MSc, FACP, Mireille Probst, RN

Dr. Jory Hardin is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Calgary. 

Dr. Gary Garber, who is the Director of Safe Medical Care Research at The Canadian Medical Protective Association in Ottawa. 

An infectious diseases physician based at The Ottawa Hospital, previously Dr. Garber was Chief of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Department at Public Health Ontario.

This podcast is supported by an educational grant by Incyte Biosciences Canada, made available through the CDA Corporate Supporter Program.  

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of the podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

In this episode of JCMS Author Interviews, host Kirk Barber speaks with Dr. Mohamed Abu-Hilal, a dermatologist and assistant professor at McMaster University, about his systematic review article on the maternal, fetal, and labor outcomes of Dupilumab use for atopic dermatitis during pregnancy. Dr. Abu Halal shares the motivations behind the study, discusses its findings, and addresses the safety and efficacy of dupilumab for pregnant patients suffering from eczema. The conversation covers the challenges in documenting cases, the reassuring results of live births, and the practical implications for dermatologists and patients. The episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining good maternal health for positive pregnancy outcomes and touches on the broader applications of dupilumab for other conditions.

This podcast is supported by an educational grant by Incyte Biosciences Canada, made available through the CDA Corporate Supporter Program.  

Dr Barber and his guests do not receive any financial reimbursement for the production of the podcast.

For more great CDA podcasts check out Dermalogues, our Residents podcast hosted by Dr Kerri Purdy.

To learn more about the work of the Canadian Dermatology Association, please visit our website at dermatology.ca

This podcast is produced by David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca