2026 Elevate Derm Summer Conference Day 3 Recap: Key Insights & Advances
Day 2 recap: What dermatology experts talked about at Elevate‑Derm Summer 2026
The second day of the Elevate‑Derm Summer 2026 conference focused on practical, real-world care for a range of skin conditions. Speakers used patient cases to walk through diagnosis and treatment choices for hair problems, eczema, inflammatory skin diseases, pigment issues, and more. The sessions were aimed at helping clinicians who see patients every day, but the topics are useful to anyone who wants to understand how these conditions are being managed.
Quick summary
Highlights from the day included discussions about hair loss and scalp issues in people with darker skin, eczema across different ages, new ideas about artificial intelligence in dermatology, difficult-to-treat hidradenitis suppurativa, approaches to hyperpigmentation, and updates in psoriatic disease. There were also conversations about using biologic medicines in children with psoriasis and opportunities for clinicians to network in the evening.
Morning: hair disorders, eczema, warts, and AI
The day began with a case-based review of alopecia, which is the medical term for hair loss, and other scalp disorders as they appear in patients of color. The session highlighted that hair and scalp conditions can look different in diverse hair types and skin tones, and that care should take those differences into account.
Next, sessions covered atopic dermatitis, commonly called eczema. Speakers walked through examples of eczema at different ages, showing how symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment can change from childhood to adulthood. This was aimed at helping clinicians tailor care depending on a person’s age and needs.
There was also a practical talk about treatment options for common cutaneous warts beyond freezing with liquid nitrogen. Warts are caused by viruses and can be treated in several ways depending on location, size, and how bothersome they are.
Later in the morning, the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in dermatology was discussed. Presenters encouraged a balanced view: AI tools can help with tasks like organizing information or spotting patterns, but they also bring challenges. Clinicians were reminded to consider both the opportunities and the limits of these technologies.
Afternoon: skin of color, hidradenitis suppurativa, and hyperpigmentation
The afternoon shifted toward inflammatory conditions and issues that often affect people with darker skin tones. Hair care and styling practices were reviewed in the context of hair loss, since some styles or grooming habits can affect the scalp and contribute to hair problems.
A series of case-based sessions addressed hidradenitis suppurativa, or HS. HS is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes painful lumps, usually in areas like the armpits or groin. Speakers focused on practical ways to manage difficult cases and discussed different treatment strategies clinicians may use.
There were also sessions about pigment changes. Hyperpigmentation means darker patches of skin and can follow inflammation, acne, or injury. Updates focused on caring for hyperpigmentation in skin of color, where the condition may be more noticeable and sometimes harder to treat.
A live panel explored the use of biologic medicines in children with psoriasis. Biologics are targeted medications that can calm the immune system and are used in moderate-to-severe cases. Panelists discussed how to think about benefits and risks when caring for younger patients, and emphasized the need to personalize decisions with a pediatric dermatologist or care team.
Late afternoon: psoriatic disease updates
The educational sessions wrapped up with an update on psoriatic disease, which includes psoriasis of the skin and the related joint condition called psoriatic arthritis. Presenters reviewed recent treatment approaches and what may be on the horizon, while noting that treatment choices depend on the person’s symptoms, medical history, and preferences.
From learning to connecting
After the formal program, attendees moved into networking time. The day ended with a social dinner cruise that gave clinicians a relaxed chance to talk through what they’d learned and connect with colleagues.
What’s coming next
Day 3 of the conference planned to cover a mix of topics including inflammaging (how inflammation contributes to aging skin), more on atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, chronic hives (chronic urticaria), immune responses related to biologic treatments, and additional sessions on inflammatory skin conditions. More panel discussions and networking opportunities were scheduled.
When to see a doctor
If you have a new or changing rash, painful lumps, unexplained hair loss, slow‑healing or changing spots, bleeding, signs of infection (such as increasing redness, warmth, pus, or fever), or symptoms that worry you, talk to a healthcare professional. Treatment choices are individual, so discussing options with your doctor or dermatologist is important.
Tracking visible changes
Keeping a simple photo log of rashes, moles, hair loss, or other changes can help you notice trends over time and make it easier to share accurate information with your clinician at appointments.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes presentations and case discussions from the Elevate‑Derm Summer 2026 conference. It is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. For diagnosis or treatment decisions, please consult your healthcare provider or a dermatologist.
Sources
- Elevate‑Derm Summer 2026 conference program and Day 2 session summaries (presenters included Oyetewa Asempa, MD; April Armstrong, MD; Walter Liszewski, MD; Eileen Cheever, PA‑C; Buchi Neita, PA‑C).