73rd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
Dr Kenneth Wong recently attended the 73rd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). The meeting brought together dermatologists and healthcare professionals in dermatology related specialities from around the world.
Innovative and informative sessions were held – more than 400 sessions in fact – with the Academy offering several new hands-on workshops in three areas: nail surgery, suture techniques and dermal filler injections.
The ‘hot topics’ symposium offered some of the most dynamic and important topics selected by registrants of the meeting providing a platform for cutting-edge information and new therapies in dermatology.
Various topics were presented and included:
*Atopic dermatitis guidelines
*Psoriasis: innovative therapy
*Vascular anomalies
*Melanoma Management
*Cutaneous vasculitis
*Hair loss in women
Of special interest was the workshop which reviewed the recently completed AAD guidelines on atopic dermatitis, focusing on adult and paediatric populations. It aimed to help the attendees identify the criteria for diagnosing atopic dermatitis and distinguishing from the other eczemas and contrasted different approaches across the conceptual spectrum of allergic vs barrier defects.
Melanoma management discussed the role of dermatologists in the complete care of melanoma patients. The speakers aimed to enhance the dermatologists’ ability to counsel regarding appropriate surgical removal. After diagnosis of the melanoma patient, education and clear advice is essential. It was pleasing to note that newer genetic testing methods including gene expression profile provide better prognostic information and are an evolving area of research.
