Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD, is a dermatologist at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UC San Diego School of Medicine.

Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD

What’s Next in Dermatology? Dermatologists Weigh In On 2026

 are looking ahead to a year defined by expanding oral therapeutics, immunologic insights, next-generation biologics, and the increasing artificial intelligence (AI) integration into clinical settings. At the 

 team spoke on-site with several leaders in the field of skin health about new data and therapeutic advances they anticipate shaping the field in the year ahead.

Featured leaders included Linda Stein Gold, MD, director of dermatology clinical research at Henry Ford Health System; Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, chief of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at Rady Children’s Hospital and professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the University of California (UC), San Diego School of Medicine; Neal Bhatia, MD, director of clinical dermatology at Therapeutics Clinical Research in San Diego; Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD, associate professor of dermatology and pediatrics at UC San Diego School of Medicine and Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego; Philip J. Mease, MD, director of rheumatology research at Providence Swedish Medical Center and clinical professor at the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine; Paul Nghiem, MD, PhD, George F. Odland Endowed Chair in Dermatology at the UW School of Medicine; and Walter J. Liszewski, MD, dermatologist and clinical educator specializing in complex medical dermatology.

Stein Gold noted 2026 may mark “the year of the oral psoriasis therapy,” highlighting anticipation surrounding the potential approval of the oral interleukin (IL)-23 inhibitor icotrokinra and continued development of next-generation TYK2 inhibitors. She pointed to the expansion of oral options as potentially providing patients with efficacy comparable to biologics without compromising safety or tolerability, broadening flexibility in systemic psoriasis.

Lawrence Eichenfield focused on atopic dermatitis, noting several unanswered questions surrounding long-term immunologic modulation. He pointed to differences among biologics targeting IL-4/IL-13 pathways, IL-13 alone, IL-31, and upstream mediators such as OX40 and OX40 ligand. Although clinical endpoints such as Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) scores remain central, Eichenfield indicated understanding immunologic “rebooting” after prolonged therapy may shape treatment paradigms in the future, especially among pediatric and adult patients.

Bhatia pointed to excitement around a novel systemic acne therapy, denifanstat, a fatty acid synthase inhibitor targeting de novo lipogenesis to reduce sebum production. Unlike isotretinoin or antibiotics, Bhatia describes this mechanism as addressing a key driver of the pathogenesis of acne without retinoid-associated adverse effects, representing a potential paradigm shift in moderate-to-severe acne management. It is pending additional US-based research.

Dawn Eichenfield highlighted advances in the pediatric dermatology space, particularly highlighting genetic diagnostics and evolving biologic platforms. She suggested oral biologics and medications with extended dosing intervals could improve patient adherence as well as the quality of life of children and adolescents who prefer not to experience injections at an increased frequency.

In Mease’s segment of this interview, he described continued innovation across dermatology and rheumatology, noting small-molecule and biologic therapies aimed at IL-17A/F, IL-23, and TL1A pathways. Mease additionally referenced emerging long-acting biologic options potentially requiring administration only once or twice per year. This development of emerging options reflects efforts to refine molecular configurations for sustained treatment efficacy.

Nghiem spoke in his interview about AI’s growing role in dermatology, particularly in complex malignancies such as Merkel cell carcinoma. While he acknowledged potential overhype, Nghiem emphasized AI’s potential value in expanding patient access to multidisciplinary insights and surfacing considerations clinicians may not initially identify.

In his segment, Liszewski highlighted increasing awareness of chronic hand eczema (CHE) and renewed dermatology engagement in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) management, especially with the emergence of newer agents such as remibrutinib and dupilumab. These drugs, Liszewski highlighted, are reshaping treatment algorithms.

Collectively, these leading experts at Maui Derm Hawaii 2026 signaled a year defined not only by new research and emerging treatment options, but by deeper immunologic understanding, improved personalization of medications, and expanded tools to enhance patient-centered care in the field of dermatology.

For more information on research covered at the 2026 Maui Derm conference, view the full video above or check out the 

Disclosures: Stein Gold has reported serving as an investigator, advisor, or speaker for Johnson & Johnson. Lawrence Eichenfield previously reported receiving personal fees from Pfizer; grant support from AbbVie, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Castle Biosciences, Dermavant Sciences, Galderma, Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi; consulting fees from multiple pharmaceutical companies; and serving on the board of directors of Forté Pharma. Bhatia has reported serving as an advisor, consultant, and investigator for AbbVie, Almirall, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Beiersdorf, Biofrontera, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cara Therapeutics, Dermavant Sciences, EPI Health, Ferndale, Galderma, Incyte, ISDIN, Johnson & Johnson, La Roche-Posay, LEO Pharma, Lilly, Ortho Dermatologics, Pfizer, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Sanofi, Sun Pharma, and Verrica Pharmaceuticals. Dawn Eichenfield had no relevant disclosures of note for this interview. Mease has previously reported receiving research grants from AbbVie, Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma and UCB; and serving as a consultant and/or receiving speaker fees from AbbVie, Acelyrin, Aclaris, Amgen, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol Myers Squibb, Galápagos, Gilead, GSK, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Sun Pharma, UCB, Ventyx Biosciences, and XinThera. Liszewski has no disclosures of note.

Stein Gold L, Hawkes J. Best of the Best at Maui Derm. Presented at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii Conference, January 25-29.

Eichenfield L, Silverberg J, Chovatiya R. Atopic Dermatitis and Pruritus: Current Concepts and Therapeutics for 2026. Presented at: Maui Derm Hawaii 2026; January 25-29, 2026; Maui, Hawaii.

Rosen T, Bhatia N. New Drugs and Therapies in 2026. Presented at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii Conference, January 25-29.

Eichenfield D, Fallon Friedlander S, Treat J, et al. Pediatric Dermatology 2026. Presented at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii Conference, January 25-29.

Stein Gold L, Song E, Gordon K, et al. Psoriasis Update 2026. Presented at: Maui Derm Hawaii 2026; January 25-29, 2026; Maui, Hawaii.

Liszewski W. Contact Dermatitis Update 2026. Presented at: Maui Derm Hawaii 2026; January 25-29, 2026; Maui, Hawaii.

Videos

Dermatology leaders preview 2026 breakthroughs including oral psoriasis drugs, new biologics, novel acne drugs, and AI tools transforming patient care.

, Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD, of Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego and the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, spoke on-site with the 

 team regarding the rapidly shifting pediatric dermatology landscape, highlighting both therapeutic updates and various types of practical clinical considerations.

, Eichenfield emphasized the expanding set of potential systemic options now available for children, especially biologics for psoriasis.

 In this interview segment regarding additional sessions Eichenfield participated in, she pointed to the value of understanding a biologic’s mechanism of action, ongoing questions around disease modification in atopic dermatitis, and various practical pearls, including strategies to reduce injection-related anxiety and discomfort among children.

The following transcription summarizes Eichenfield’s on-site interview with 

 We would like to know more about some of the biggest takeaways from your Maui Derm workshop, the master class in pediatric dermatology.

Today, we did a workshop where we got to talk a lot more about taking care of kids. I actually talked about hair disorders, and based on looking at kids with telogen effluvium as well as alopecia areata. Actually, rarely, we sometimes get scarring disorders in pediatric dermatology as well. Then it was really nice, because we had a round table discussion with the other folks who were talking during the pediatric master class workshop. We got a chance to kind of see how other people approach really bad cases of androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata, and how they dose their minoxidil. What do they do? First, topical minoxidil, then oral minoxidil. So it was a really, it was a really great, intriguing discussion that we had.

Would you go a bit more into depth on the dosing of minoxidil that you discussed there?

You look at the pediatric literature…there was actually a recent PD study where they looked at it, and it was an international study looking at androgenetic areata. It was really interesting because in that study, most people were on topical minoxidil. Nowadays, we're starting to use a lot more oral minoxidil. So I would say, if you looked at things like five, ten years ago, people were probably just doing topical minoxidil. But now, [we use oral minoxidil more], just because we feel like low-dose oral minoxidil is a lot safer and we have a lot more evidence for its use.

Also, we're definitely using it more in our pediatric and adolescent populations. So generally, for a girl, we probably would start with a quarter of a tablet. A tablet is like 2.5 milligrams. So a quarter is like 0.625. Then for males, we would start probably with 1.25, and of course, this is in kids who don't have other medical issues. No heart issues, no issues with their blood pressure, not on other concurrent medications that would interfere or have other side effects that are related to the minoxidil.

I think the big [takeaway] is really just the fact that we sometimes underdiagnose pediatric androgenetic alopecia, and sometimes we can misdiagnose some of our pediatric hair disorders. It's also very important to come to the correct diagnosis so that we can facilitate the correct management.

What are some of the key takeaways about HSV that you hope clinicians walk away with?

 I think the case that I presented is a very interesting case in that the clinical presentation is of an immunocompromised patient. It's always when you're looking at blisters, hemorrhagic blisters, hemorrhagic crusting, or ones that look punched out when you definitely want to consider HSV. Sometimes it could be something you're not even thinking of, and it can mimic some other diseases as well. So, that's definitely something to think about for the measles case. I think in our in this day and age, when some parents are not sure about vaccinations, and when it's kind of political and controversial, I think it's important for healthcare providers to know what measles looks like, and to really consider that in their differential where they're approaching pediatric patients with rashes.

Then, finally, we covered Leishmania. It's really interesting because I live in San Diego, and we definitely get a lot of patients who kind of come across the border. We've had a number of refugees who come through, who've actually had more kinds of tropical or exotic diseases. Leishmania is one of them, because they kind of came through the Darién Gap, while we were getting some refugees from that area.

Moving to a broader subject, what are you most excited or intrigued about in the field of dermatology in 2026 and beyond?

I think there's a lot that's in development, both in science and in clinical medicine, that we're going to be excited about for pediatric dermatology. Anything genetic-related is always exciting, because we always want to be able to better diagnose our patients before we start treatments. Then finally, as I had mentioned before, our patients don't like shots. So, some of the oral biologics coming out that will be very exciting to us, there are companies that are working on looking at biologics where you're going to be able to space out how often you get the shots. That, of course, will be very interesting to our patients, because no one likes shots. I think we have so much to look forward to this year and the coming years in dermatology.

The quotes used in this interview transcript were edited for clarity.

Eichenfield had no relevant disclosures of note for this discussion.

Eichenfield D, Frieden I, Treat J, et al. Fallon Friedlander S, Treat J, et al. Master Classes in Pediatric Dermatology. Presented at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii Conference, January 25-29.

Eichenfield D. Spotlighting Pediatric Dermatology Updates for 2026, With Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD. HCPLive. January 29, 2026. Accessed February 13, 2026. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/spotlighting-pediatric-dermatology-updates-2026-dawn-eichenfield-md-phd

Articles

Eichenfield speaks in this interview about several key takeaways drawn from her master class in pediatric dermatology at Maui Derm Hawaii.

New Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis Updates for 2026, With Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD

 conference included a session titled ‘Pediatric Dermatology 2026,’ during which a panel of pediatric dermatologists touched on the latest data in pediatric dermatology, including new drugs and therapies for pediatric patients.

In a new interview filmed on-site at Maui Derm, the 

 editorial team spoke with Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD, a dermatologist at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at UC San Diego School of Medicine. Eichenfield spoke with 

 about some of the most notable takeaways from her talk, as well as related questions in the pediatric dermatology space.

The following Q&A interview is a transcript of her questions and answers:

What are the most meaningful changes in pediatric dermatology practice that clinicians should be aware of heading into 2026?

 I think that what is really exciting about pediatric dermatology is the number of treatments and therapeutics that we now have available for our kids. There was a time where we barely had any biologics for psoriasis, and now we have many. Then, in atopic dermatitis, we have, of course, dupilumab, which has been around the longest. But we now have others that are trickling down into the pediatric space.

In my talk today, I actually talked about tips and tricks for biologics. One of the ones that I spoke about was about dupilumab and about how it's really important to know the mechanism of your biologic. This is just because sometimes, if you know the mechanism, you can often use that medication off-label to treat other cytokine diseases that are mediated by that same kind of pathway.

Then there are other things, trying to figure out how to take care of different side effects that might happen from the biologic, and also, when does disease modification occur in atopic dermatitis? We're always interested in curing the disease. If we are able to get a better result, are we able to stop the medicine, and when should we try to do it, and how to do it? Those are all things that I highlighted today in my talk.

 Are there specific conditions in pediatric patients where emerging data or therapies are changing how you approach diagnosis or management?

 I think there are quite a number so genetic skin diseases. In today's day and age, with more high throughput sequencing and gene panels, I think we approach genetic skin disease very differently. We do a lot more kind of genetic testing and sequencing, for example, in epidermolysis bullosa, [which is] a big skin disease that we as dermatologists see. It used to be that there would be a day where we would take a biopsy and do electron microscopy and different things like that, trying to induce a blister.

Nowadays, the test is more based on the genetics. So, you can go ahead and just swab the kid or draw blood and send that to 1 of the commercial companies and get a diagnosis that way. They can actually find the molecular etiology. It’s the same for ichthyosis. With ichthyosis, they've actually changed the nomenclature. So we used to have ichthyosis vulgaris. Now we call it epidermal differentiation disorder with flagrant EDD dash flags. So there's lots of changes in pediatric dermatology genetic disease, where we're kind of focusing a lot more on the gene and less on the clinical presentation.

What pearls from your session can help general dermatologists feel more confident treating children in busy clinical settings?

I did talk quite a bit about how to give injections to kids in my talk. I think it's really hard, because kids are really scared of shots, but a lot of our treatments are still shot-based. There are different ways that you can ice the skin, chilling for anesthesia. There are creams that you can use. There's a little device, a vibrating device that looks like a little bee or a little ladybug, to help distract the skin. There are also different ways that you can time your injection, like sometimes if you do it a little slower, some kids might feel that less painful. So there are small little tips and tricks, but we do hope one day that we can have a painless injection.

The quotes contained here were edited for clarity.

Eichenfield had no relevant disclosures of note for this interview.

Eichenfield D, Fallon Friedlander S, Treat J, et al. Pediatric Dermatology 2026. Presented at the 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii Conference, January 25-29.


The 2026 Maui Derm Hawaii conference featured a session on pediatric dermatology, highlighting advancements in treatments and therapies for children. Dr. Dawn Eichenfield discussed the increasing availability of biologics for conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, emphasizing the importance of understanding their mechanisms for off-label use. She noted the shift towards genetic testing in diagnosing genetic skin diseases, such as epidermolysis bullosa and ichthyosis. Eichenfield also shared practical tips for administering injections to children, aiming to reduce pain and improve treatment experiences.

This Q&A interview with Dawn Eichenfield, MD, PhD, highlights notable takeaways from her session at Maui Derm Hawaii titled ‘Pediatric Dermatology 2026.’