Type 2 Inflammation and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Insights for Advanced Practice
What happened at the Horizons meeting and why it matters for people with skin conditions
The third annual Horizons in Advanced Practice meeting, held in Atlanta, brought together nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and dermatologists to talk about common, often chronic skin problems and how to care for people living with them. Omar Noor, MD, a dermatologist who practices in New York and New Jersey, chaired the meeting. He was joined by co-chairs Lakshi Aldredge and Douglas DiRuggiero.
What the clinicians talked about
Sessions focused on real-world cases — the everyday patients who show up in clinic — and on how clinicians evaluate symptoms, choose treatment options, and explain those options to patients. Attendees spent time sharing practical tips for communicating clearly with patients about what to expect from treatment and how to manage ongoing issues.
Seeing beyond a single diagnosis
One key idea that came up was treating a person, not just a single skin problem. For example, someone who comes in with atopic dermatitis (this is chronic eczema that often causes itchy, inflamed skin) may also have a broader pattern called type 2 inflammation.
Type 2 inflammation is a way the immune system reacts that often shows up in allergic conditions (like eczema, asthma, or some nasal allergies). Thinking about patients this way can change the questions clinicians ask, the way they talk about symptoms, and the kinds of treatment options they consider.
Growth and atopic dermatitis
Another noteworthy discussion was about growth in children with atopic dermatitis. Data presented at the meeting showed that children with this condition often sit lower on the growth curve (meaning they may be smaller for their age compared with peers). One possible contributing factor is poor sleep from itching and discomfort.
Clinic teams can talk with families about sleep and symptom control, because treating the inflammation and easing nighttime itching may help a child’s overall health and give them a better chance to “catch up” on growth. This does not mean every child will respond the same way, and individual treatment plans should be discussed with a clinician.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: more attention and new guidance
The meeting also highlighted hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a painful long-term condition that causes lumps, scarring, and drainage in areas such as under the arms or in the groin. HS can have a big impact on a person’s daily life.
Clinicians at the meeting said we’re still early in expanding treatment options for HS, and that more data are needed to guide care. They welcomed new efforts to provide clear recommendations: the American Academy of Dermatology and the HS Foundation recently issued their first joint guidelines to help clinicians evaluate and manage the disease. Those guidelines underline that the medical community is listening and trying to improve care for people with HS.
What this means for patients
If you or a family member has atopic dermatitis, HS, or similar chronic skin problems, it can help to know that clinicians are talking about the whole person, not just a rash. Better conversations between patients and care teams, more attention to things like sleep and growth in kids, and new guidelines for difficult conditions are all aimed at improving care.
Keeping track of visible changes
If you notice changes in a rash, new lumps, increasing pain, bleeding, signs of infection (such as swelling, spreading redness, or fever), or quickly worsening symptoms, those are important to mention to your clinician. Taking photos over time can help you document changes and prepare for a visit with your dermatologist or clinician.
When to see a doctor
Talk with your primary care provider or a dermatologist if your skin condition is causing ongoing itching, pain, sleep loss, interference with daily activities, or emotional distress. Seek urgent care if you have signs of infection, severe pain, sudden worsening, or other concerning symptoms.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes discussions from a professional meeting and is meant to provide general information. It is not medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made with your doctor or dermatologist based on your individual situation.
Sources
- Summary and interview with Omar Noor, MD, from the third annual Horizons in Advanced Practice meeting (Dermatology Times), Atlanta, Georgia.
- American Academy of Dermatology and Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation joint guidelines (referenced at the Horizons meeting).