How Can Oils, Acupressure, and Supplements Improve Skin Conditions?

2026 Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA)

 Annual Summer Dermatology Conference, Steven Daveluy of Wayne State University discussed key concepts from his session on integrative 

, highlighting how evidence-based complementary therapies can be incorporated into conventional dermatologic care.

Integrative dermatology combines conventional medicine with complementary therapies supported by scientific evidence.

Daveluy highlighted acupressure, L-histidine supplementation, and select plant-derived oils as evidence-based options for atopic dermatitis.

Sunflower seed oil was identified as one of the best-supported integrative therapies, with research showing benefits in eczema and neonatal health.

For psoriasis, Daveluy emphasized the Mediterranean diet and encouraged patients to make gradual, sustainable dietary changes.

, Daveluy emphasized that integrative dermatology should not be viewed as an alternative to traditional medicine but rather as an extension of it. In his discussion, Daveluy described the field as an effort to evaluate complementary and alternative therapies through the same scientific lens used for prescription medications, recommending only interventions supported by clinical evidence. He noted clinicians should remain open-minded when discussing non-traditional treatments or supplements with patients while still relying on published data to guide recommendations.

How Should Clinicians Approach Conversations About Alternative Treatments?

“[Traditionally] there's been an us versus them, conventional medicine versus complementary and alternative medicine [mentality],” Daveluy said. “And so I think integrative [dermatology] bridges that really well.”

A significant portion of the discussion focused on integrative approaches for managing atopic dermatitis. Daveluy highlighted several interventions supported by emerging evidence, including acupressure, nutritional supplementation, and the use of certain plant-derived oils. Among his preferred recommendations is acupressure of the Large Intestine 11 (LI11) point near the elbow, which has been shown to help diminish itch in those living with eczema.

He noted the technique may provide dual benefits by both alleviating pruritus and keeping patients’ hands occupied, potentially reducing scratching behavior. Daveluy also pointed to L-histidine supplementation, describing it as a precursor to filaggrin that may help support the skin barrier by enhancing the body’s ability to produce natural moisturizing factors. Additionally, he pointed to literature supporting the use of virgin olive oil, virgin coconut oil, and virgin sunflower oil as possible moisturizers.

Which Integrative Dermatology Treatments Have the Strongest Support?

When asked which integrative therapies have the strongest supporting data, Daveluy singled out sunflower seed oil. Beyond research pointing to benefits in eczema management, he referenced research in premature infants showing that topical sunflower oil use was associated with reductions in sepsis and mortality, findings he described as particularly compelling. Daveluy also addressed dietary strategies for patients with psoriasis, highlighting evidence supporting high-fiber, omega-3-rich eating patterns such as the Mediterranean diet.

He noted studies have shown improved outcomes among individuals who adopt Mediterranean-style dietary habits, whether used alone or alongside systemic drugs. Notably, Daveluy encouraged clinicians to approach discussions about diet collaboratively and to emphasize gradual, sustainable changes rather than dramatic lifestyle overhauls, helping patients integrate healthier habits in a realistic and attainable way.

Disclosures: Daveluy previously reported serving as a speaker and consultant for AbbVie, UCB, and Novartis, and as a researcher for AbbVie, UCB, Novartis, Regeneron, Pfizer, and Sanofi.

Daveluy S, et al. Integrative Dermatology. Presented at SDPA Summer 2026. Jun 10-14, 2026.

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This discussion of integrative dermatology highlights ways to combine conventional medicine and complementary or alternative medicine.

Dermatology

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Ann Marie Navar, MD, PhD, is an associate professor of cardiology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Closing Thoughts on ASCVD Management

In the final episode, 'Closing Thoughts on ASCVD Management,' the panelists explore what meaningful, systemic change would look like in cardiovascular prevention, opening with the observation that early and consistent attention to lifestyle, blood pressure, and cholesterol management could reduce cardiovascular disease mortality by as much as 75%. The discussion identifies several interconnected levers for closing the treatment gap, including the integration of automated risk assessment tools within electronic medical records in primary care settings, structured wellness touchpoints that remove the burden of prevention from overstretched practitioners, and algorithmic treatment pathways that allow clinicians to anticipate the combination therapy intensity needed to reach a patient's LDL goal from the outset rather than waiting through sequential adjustments. One panelist notes that with currently available tools and a streamlined approach, it is theoretically possible to get virtually all patients to their LDL goal within approximately three months using eight clearly defined steps. The panel also reflects on the misalignment between healthcare reimbursement structures and preventive care, with one panelist noting that procedural and diagnostic services continue to be rewarded far more generously than prevention-focused practice, representing a fundamental systemic barrier to implementation.

The episode closes with final thoughts from each panelist, converging on a shared message of urgency and optimism. The panel emphasizes that the tools to achieve guideline-recommended LDL targets already exist, and that the primary remaining challenges are consistent measurement, diligent follow-up, and sustained patient engagement. Panelists stress the importance of establishing a baseline lipid panel before initiating therapy and repeating testing regularly to confirm both efficacy and adherence, proactively inviting patients to share concerns that might otherwise lead to silent discontinuation. The series concludes with a call to action grounded in the principles of personalized medicine, reminding clinicians that assessing individual risk, setting clear LDL targets, combining lifestyle and pharmacotherapy appropriately, and maintaining an ongoing partnership with each patient are the cornerstones of meaningful ASCVD prevention and treatment.

Thank you for watching this Peer Exchange series on ASCVD. Please subscribe to our newsletter for information on upcoming video series.

Experts reveal how risk assessment, LDL-C targets, and smarter follow-up boost adherence—turning guidelines into real cardiovascular prevention.

Ryan Livingston joined the MJH Life Sciences team in March of 2025, shortly after graduating from TCNJ with a bachelor’s degree in English. He enjoys creative writing, reading, and scuba diving. He can be reached at rlivingston@mjhlifesciences.com.

American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Sessions 2026

, in New Orleans, Louisiana, gathered together some of the greatest minds in endocrinology to discuss the latest major clinical trials and technological advancements in diabetes and 

 care. From Eli Lilly’s triple receptor agonist retatrutide to the ultra-long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist berobenatide made by Pfizer, this year’s meeting was dominated by major steps forward in incretin-based therapies.

Additionally, key evidence was put forward during the conference to support the broader application of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and continuous ketone monitors (CKMs) in monitoring and protecting patients with 

. The CONNECT trial in particular highlighted CGMs’ efficacy in patients with T2D who are not on insulin.

With all of the new data and key perspectives shared throughout the conference, the editorial team at 

 has collected 5 of the most impactful headlines to come out of ADA 2026. Catch up on any of the major data you may have missed during the conference below:


TRANSCEND-T2D-1: Retatrutide Demonstrates Superior Weight Loss and A1c Results Versus Placebo


Eli Lilly’s groundbreaking GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple agonist retatrutide substantially outperformed placebo in A1c reduction and weight loss among patients with T2D. Presented by Harpreet Singh Bajaj, MD, MPH, this study marks the first phase 3 trial of a triple agonist in this patient population, and allowed 90% of enrolled patients to achieve an HbA1c below the ADA’s T2D target of 7%.


TRIUMPH-1: Retatrutide Substantially Lowers Weight, BMI in Patients With Obesity or Overweight


Presented in tandem with TRANSCEND-T2D-1, this phase 3 study compared retatrutide to placebo in reducing body weight among patients with obesity. Additionally, the trial included 2 basket trials for knee osteoarthritis pain and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea, respectively. Retatrutide demonstrated a substantial reduction in body mass index (BMI), WOMAC pain subscale scores, and apnea-hypopnea index for patients with overweight, knee osteoarthritis, and obstructive sleep apnea, respectively.


Survodutide Shows Fat Mass Loss, Liver Fat Reductions in Patients With Obesity Without T2D

In the phase 3 SYNCHRONIZE-1 study, Boehringer Ingelheim’s investigative glucagon/GLP-1 receptor dual agonist survodutide demonstrated substantial improvements to metabolic health and weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity without T2D. Carel le Roux, PhD, director of the Metabolic Medicine Group at the University College Dublin School of Medicine and a global coordinating investigator of the study, discusses these positive results, along with a substudy investigating patients’ fat loss via MRI measurements.


Berobenatide Monthly Dosing Shows Weight Loss Efficacy in VESPER Trials, With John Buse, MD, PhD

Berobenatide Monthly GLP-1 Injectable Shows Promise for Weight Loss

The VESPER-1 and VESPER-3 findings saw berobenatide, and investigational ultra-long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonist, demonstrate significant placebo-adjusted weight loss in patients with overweight or obesity, with or without T2D. In an interview with 

, John Buse, MD, PhD, lead author of the VESPER presentations, highlights the rationale behind berobenatide’s monthly dosing, pointing out the comparative convenience gain versus more frequent injections.


CONNECT Trial Backs CGM for Non-Insulin Type 2 Diabetes Management


The CONNECT randomized controlled trial has demonstrated the importance of CGMs in managing T2D in adults who are not on insulin. The trial demonstrated the devices’ efficacy in reducing hyperglycemia, thereby reducing A1c, compared to a routine care control group. CONNECT also analyzed patient-reported satisfaction and distress, indicating reduced greater satisfaction and reduced distress among patients in the CGM group.

Articles

ADA Scientific Sessions 2026 emphasized rapid maturation of incretin-based pharmacotherapy and expanded use of diabetes monitoring technologies. Phase 3 data positioned Lilly’s GLP-1/GIP/glucagon triple agonist retatrutide as a leading candidate in T2D and obesity, delivering robust HbA1c and weight reductions. Boehringer Ingelheim’s glucagon/GLP-1 dual agonist survodutide showed meaningful fat-mass and hepatic fat improvements in obesity without diabetes. Pfizer’s ultra-long-acting GLP-1RA berobenatide supported monthly dosing. CONNECT reinforced CGM benefit in non-insulin–treated T2D.

Catch up on any data and key clinician perspectives presented at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions 2026.

Endocrinology

The HCPLive endocrinology page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on endocrine system conditions. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for diabetes, hormonal disease, and more.

This page also hosts content previously published by EndocrinologyNetwork. 


Type 1 Diabetes

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ADA 2026 Recap: 5 Key Presentations to Know

Key Off-Label Treatment Options in Dermatology, With Matthew Zirwas, MD

 Annual Summer Dermatology Conference, dermatologist Matthew Zirwas highlighted several practical off-label treatment strategies during the session 

‘No Label No Trouble: A Panel Review of Off-Label Medication Use,’ 

emphasizing the continued importance of affordable and versatile therapies in dermatology.

Oral roflumilast, a phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor, is an underappreciated off-label option with efficacy approaching that of some biologic therapies.

Linezolid, an antibiotic more commonly linked with treatment of resistant bacterial infections, can be effective for difficult-to-treat cases of hidradenitis suppurativa and chronic folliculitis.

Generic tofacitinib is a development worth watching in the coming years in the dermatology field.

 following the presentation, Zirwas noted, despite the growing number of targeted therapies entering the field, clinicians will continue to face notable treatment gaps for many dermatologic conditions that lack US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved options.

“I think the most important thing I'd like to get across to people is a drug called oral roflumilast,” Zirwas said. “So, this is a PDE4 inhibitor, just like apremilast, that we use for psoriasis, but it is substantially more effective.”

Off-Label Roflumilast for Psoriasis and Other Conditions:

Zirwas pointed to the presence of oral roflumilast as 1 of the most important takeaways from the session, describing the phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor as an underappreciated option with efficacy approaching that of some biologic therapies while maintaining a favorable safety profile similar to that of apremilast. According to Zirwas, oral roflumilast offers a unique combination of effectiveness, accessibility, and affordability, with a cash price of only a few dollars per month.

Although psoriasis is 1 potential use case, he suggested the medication may be even more valuable in a variety of inflammatory dermatologic diseases that have limited treatment options, including granuloma annulare, cutaneous lupus, cutaneous dermatomyositis, and palmoplantar pustulosis. He also highlighted its utility as an adjunctive therapy for patients already receiving biologics, noting that it can provide an additional clinical benefit without significantly increasing treatment-related risk.

Off-Label Linezolid for HS and Chronic Folliculitis:

Zirwas also discussed the off-label use of linezolid (Zyvox), an antibiotic more commonly associated with treatment of resistant bacterial infections. He noted that short courses of linezolid can be highly effective for difficult-to-treat cases of hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) and chronic folliculitis, particularly in patients who continue to experience disease activity despite other therapies. Limiting treatment to approximately 10 days, he explained, helps preserve the medication’s favorable safety profile while providing meaningful clinical improvement.

Looking ahead, Zirwas predicted that off-label prescribing will remain an important component of dermatologic practice, largely because many rare or less common skin diseases are unlikely to receive dedicated FDA-approved therapies. He also identified generic tofacitinib as a development worth watching in the coming years, suggesting that lower-cost JAK inhibition could eventually expand treatment options across a broad range of dermatologic conditions.

Disclosures: Galderma Laboratories, L.P, Regeneron Healthcare Solutions, GENZYME CORPORATION, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Lilly USA, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, Dermavant Sciences, LEO Pharma, Verrica Pharmaceuticals, Incyte Corporation, AbbVie, and Pfizer.

Zirwas M, Rosen T. No Label No Trouble: A Panel Review of Off Label Medication Use. Presented at SDPA Summer 2026. Jun 10-14, 2026.

Smith T. What Are Some Tips for Off-Label Medication Use in Dermatology? HCPLive. June 11, 2026. Accessed June 11, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/what-are-some-tips-off-label-medication-use-dermatology-

In this SDPA Summer Dermatology Meeting interview, Zirwas speaks on treatment gaps for dermatologic conditions and off-label alternatives.

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis condition center page, audiences can find a variety of coverage mediums for medical news and updates, including articles, video interviews, podcasts, and breaking news on dermatitis research, treatment, and drug development.

In this final episode, Dr. Cusano asks Dr. Dolores Shoback how she tailors communication for patients who are not meeting treatment goals, experiencing complications, or struggling with the burden of long-term disease management.

Communication, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, and Future Outlook in Hypoparathyroidism

Dr. Shoback emphasizes the importance of involving family members early, since patients are often trying to manage the disease alone. She highlights community support groups—including the Hypoparathyroidism Association, which holds meetings for patients and caregivers—as a valuable resource for both information and peer support. Dr. Cusano notes that two of her own patients found each other through a support group and have benefited greatly. When significant depression, anxiety, or other mental health complications are present, referral to a mental health provider—whether for medication, counseling, or family therapy—is essential. She underscores that there is no single path for these patients, and that intensive, individualized care with frequent appointments and maximum support is often necessary.

On adherence, Dr. Shoback advocates for engaging patients in actively tracking their own labs and medications, using computers or phones as tools. Positive feedback, clear rescue dosing instructions, and empowering patients to feel "in the driver's seat" of their own management are central strategies. She frames this as applying the same principles used in other chronic disease management—tailored to the individual.

Dr. Lubitz adds that consistent messaging with primary care providers is critical, particularly to prevent misinterpretation of intentionally low-normal calcium values as a laboratory emergency requiring dose escalation.

Dr. Cusano then opens the floor to all panelists on the future of hypoparathyroidism management. Dr. Khosravi anticipates refinement of guidelines as real-world and randomized data mature, better surgical identification techniques such as autofluorescence, potential cell-based therapies, point-of-care calcium monitoring, and precision medicine approaches like encaleret for ADH1. Dr. Ferenczi urges greater referral of patients with genetic forms who remain undiagnosed or undertreated, and emphasizes that emerging therapies can meaningfully improve quality of life for those patients if they reach appropriate specialists.

Thank you for watching this HCPLive Peer Exchange series on hypoparathyroidism. Please subscribe to our enewsletter for information on upcoming video series.

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Peer Exchange

HCPLive® Peer Exchange panel discussions feature authoritative insights, opinions, and perspectives on important issues facing today's care professionals.

Douglas P. Mack, a pediatric allergist and assistant clinical professor at McMaster University

Douglas Mack, MD, discusses the upcoming phase 2 THRIVE trial assessing the Viaskin Peanut patch in infants aged 6 through 12 months with peanut allergy.

Allergy

Allergy condition center page is a comprehensive resource for clinical news and insights on allergic and inflammatory diseases. This page consists of interviews, articles, podcasts, and videos on the research, treatment and development of therapies for food and seasonal allergies, as well as allergic asthma and related conditions.

Food Allergy

DBV Technologies Screens First Infant in THRIVE Peanut Patch Trial

In this episode, Dr. Cusano asks Dr. Andrea Ferenczi to walk through preoperative risk identification, counseling, and postoperative management for patients undergoing thyroid or parathyroid surgery at risk for developing hypoparathyroidism.

Surgical Considerations and Perioperative Management of Hypoparathyroidism

In this episode, Dr. Cusano asks Dr. Khosravi to identify the most significant unmet needs remaining in the current treatment landscape for hypoparathyroidism.

Communicating the Multisystem Nature of Hypoparathyroidism to Patients

Raj Vuppalanchi, MD, is a Professor of Medicine, Director of Hepatology, and Associate Program Director at the Indiana University School of Medicine.

A hepatologist discusses ALP response, fibrosis risk, and treatment optimization in PBC.

Hepatology

Looking Beyond ALP Response in PBC With Saroglitazar, With Raj Vuppalanchi, MD

Victoria Johnson joined MJH Life Sciences in 2020 and has written for NeurologyLive, CGTLive, and is now an assistant managing editor for HCPLive and RheumatologyLive. She doesn’t have enough time for her numerous hobbies. You can reach her at vjohnson@mjhlifesciences.com.

LATITUDE Atlas saw more than 35% of patients receiving zasocitinib 30 mg once daily reaching a PASI100 response at week 16, the primary endpoint. 

Zasocitinib Bests Deucravacitinib on PsO Skin Clearance in Phase 3 Head-to-Head

Unmet Needs in the Hypoparathyroidism Treatment Landscape

Vivian Fonseca, MD, is professor of medicine, assistant dean for clinical research, and the Tullis-Tulane Alumni Chair in Diabetes at Tulane University School of Medicine.

Fonseca discusses substantially lower persistence and adherence with GLP-1s in real-world practice, highlighting methods for clinicians to address this.

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Improving GLP-1 Adherence in Patients With Diabetes, With Vivian Fonseca, MD

In this episode, Dr. Cusano asks Dr. Andrea Ferenczi to describe how hypoparathyroidism management must be adapted for special populations, including children, older adults, and those with significant comorbidities.

Hypoparathyroidism in Special Populations: Pediatric, Geriatric, and Comorbid Patients

In this episode, Dr. Cusano asks Dr. Sara Lubitz to address management of hypoparathyroidism in pregnant and postpartum patients.

Hypoparathyroidism Management During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

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Latest News

How Can Oils, Acupressure, and Supplements Improve Skin Conditions?

Closing Thoughts on ASCVD Management

ADA 2026 Recap: 5 Key Presentations to Know

Key Off-Label Treatment Options in Dermatology, With Matthew Zirwas, MD

Communication, Multidisciplinary Collaboration, and Future Outlook in Hypoparathyroidism