Hair, Scalp and Nail Disorders

Join us as leading experts discuss key data and perspectives from the late-breaking sessions at this year’s AAD meeting This March, experts from around the world gathered in Denver, Colorado, for the 2026 American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Annual Meeting. ...

Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia remain limited, fuelling interest in novel therapies that can deliver faster and more meaningful results. In this interview, Prof. Jerry Shapiro explores the challenges of current management and discusses the emerging potential of VDPHL01, an extended-release oral minoxidil formulation that may offer improved efficacy, tolerability and speed of response compared with existing options.

Ultra-high frequency ultrasound is emerging as a valuable tool in the management of alopecia areata (AA). Beyond its established role in visualising hair follicle and scalp structures, it is now being explored for diagnosing AA, distinguishing it from other types of hair loss, and monitoring disease progression across different stages. Crucially, this non-invasive imaging technique also shows promise in predicting and tracking treatment responses, paving the way for more personalised care strategies for patients receiving targeted therapies.

In this episode of Visionary Voices, we welcome Associate Professor Grace Vincent from CQUniversity’s Appleton Institute. A leading expert on sleep and shift work, Grace explores how disrupted sleep affects physician health in both the short and long term, as well as its impact on safety and performance. We also discuss what this means for patient outcomes and share practical strategies to manage sleep loss.

This year, we are celebrating our inaugural touchDERMATOLOGY Future Leaders to recognize the outstanding talent that has entered our field in recent years. These individuals are set to innovate and transform dermatology in the years to come. Representing a diverse range of expertise from across the globe, these highly accomplished clinicians are among the brightest minds shaping the future of dermatology. We had the pleasure of learning about their unique career journeys, motivations, and the inspirations that have guided their paths. They also shared their perspectives on the most exciting developments in dermatology today, along with their hopes for the future of the field. Congratulations to all our touchDERMATOLOGY Future Leaders, and thank you for sharing your stories, insights and ambitions with us.

With a career that bridges continents and disciplines, we are delighted to feature Dr Yi-Kui Xiang in our touchDERMATOLOGY Future Leaders 2025 initiative. Based in Berlin, Germany, Dr Xiang serves as a clinical scientist at both the Charité Institute of Allergology and the Fraunhofer Institute for Immunology and Allergology, but also maintains a clinical role at the Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital in China. His research interests span from urticaria, IgE-mediated autoimmunity and allergology to alopecia, pruritus, psychodermatology and patient-reported outcomes.

Dr Corinne Maiolo is based in Adelaide, where she treats both adult and paediatric patients, with particular interests in acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, and hair loss. She is the founder of myPRODERM and was awarded the La Roche-Posay Research Grant in 2024 for her work in atopic dermatitis. In this Q&A, Dr Corinne Maiolo reflects on the moments that have shaped her career and shares her hopes for the future of dermatological care.

Physician burnout is at a critical point. In this episode, Nicky speaks with Dr Alfred Atanda about why so many physicians are burning out and what can be done to change the trend. From personal experience to system-wide solutions, Dr Atanda shares valuable insights on improving physician well-being and building a more effective healthcare culture.

The BRAVE-AA-PEDS study focused on 257 adolescents with severe alopecia areata, investigating the efficacy of baricitinib. The trial demonstrated promising results with 42% achieving significant improvement by week 36, and reassuring safety data.