MOPD 2025: Complete Conference Recap

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The Future of Pediatric Care at MOPD

As a returning speaker to the prestigious conference, Silverberg expressed her enthusiasm for the event's strong lineup of speakers and the opportunity to gain valuable insights from her colleagues.

"This is my second time speaking at Masters of Pediatric Dermatology, and I'm looking forward to a really star-studded lineup of speakers," said Silverberg. "I know that every time that I've attended, not just as a speaker, that everybody always brings their A-game and shares their real special secret recipes that they use in their practice."

Balancing Adolescent Acne Treatment and Well-being

A common skin condition among patients of all ages, acne can significantly impact adolescents' mental health during an especially formative time in their lives. In an interview with Dermatology Times at the 2025 Masters of Pediatric Dermatology (MOPD) Conference, Nanette Silverberg, MD, chief of pediatric dermatology at Mount Sinai Health Systems, discussed the psychological effects of acne and evolving treatment strategies.

Breaking Barriers in Pediatric Vitiligo Treatment

“Pediatric vitiligo is a really robust conversation right now, and my talk has focused on some of the major topics,” said Silverberg. She highlighted the importance of understanding emerging molecular mechanisms, including the roles of CXCL9 and CXCL10, and the impact of the JAK-STAT pathway on T-cell activity. Additionally, interleukin-15 is being explored as a perpetuating agent for salt cells, contributing to disease persistence.

Diagnosing Skin Conditions in Diverse Pediatric Patients

One of the key challenges in diagnosing skin conditions in patients of color is the variable presentation of inflammation and pigmentation. Inflammatory conditions such as atopic dermatitis and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can manifest differently due to the presence of melanin in the dermis. "We have many things that may mask erythema, and so we talk about how the pigmentation develops over time, why it looks different in different people," said Silverberg. She noted that erythema, which is often associated with redness, may be less visible in darker skin tones, requiring clinicians to shift their diagnostic approach.

Balancing Steroid and Non-Steroid Treatments

At the 2025 Masters of Pediatric Dermatology conference, Peter Lio, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, addressed common misconceptions regarding topical steroids and the expanding range of non-steroidal alternatives for dermatologic conditions.

Optimizing Rural Dermatology: Lisa Swanson, MD, FAAD, on Effective Care Strategies

Swanson emphasized the critical importance of effective initial treatment for rural patients, noting, "When you're treating patients from rural environments, you only get one shot to do the right thing to help them with their skin disease because they've traveled from really far away to come to see you."

The logistical and financial burdens of long-distance travel make frequent follow-ups impractical, she noted.

Updates in Clinical Study of Patients of Color

One of the key challenges in dermatologic clinical trials is the lack of trust between clinicians and patients, particularly among individuals from diverse backgrounds. Shahriari emphasized that many patients from these communities have historical reasons for their skepticism, as they were often the subjects of unethical medical practices. Because of this, she advocates for offering clinical trial participation as an option rather than pushing patients into it, allowing trust to build over time.

Beyond the Surface: How Skin Conditions Affect Daily Life

Peter Lio, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, emphasizes the profound impact that dermatological conditions can have on patients' lives. Contrary to common assumptions, skin disorders are not merely superficial but can impose a significant disease burden comparable to systemic illnesses such as diabetes.