Lawrence Eichenfield, MD

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.

Highlighting Therapeutic Updates for Atopic Dermatitis and Itch, With Lawrence Eichenfield, MD

, the ‘Atopic Dermatitis and Pruritus: Current Concepts and Therapeutics for 2026’ talk was presented, with 3 speakers highlighting the emergence of monoclonal antibodies, oral Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and topical non-steroidal drugs into dermatology practices.

Lawrence F. Eichenfield, MD, chief of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the UC San Diego School of Medicine, was 1 such presenter. Eichenfield spoke in an interview with 

“My duty was to go through some of the topical treatments, and that's been a remarkably rapidly changing place,” Eichenfield explained. “I went through what I called our sort of new, younger non-steroids and our more senior non-steroid topicals.”

Throughout their session, Eichenfield and his fellow panelists covered advancements in dermatology, focusing on topical drugs and systemic medicines. The updates included the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of new non-steroidal topicals such as tapinarof and ruxolitinib.

They also touched on the extended approval of ruxolitinib for younger patients. In their talk, the panelists’ discussion also covered the importance of managing topical steroid withdrawal, also known as TSW. The 3 panelists highlighted counseling in atopic dermatitis and systemic treatments for children as young as 6 months with the skin disease.

Eichenfield was asked about future developments in the dermatology field in 2026, including OX40 and IL-13 mediator pathway targets. Alopecia areata and vitiligo were described as continuing to see significant research, with topical ruxolitinib showing promise.

To find out more insights on various dermatologic conditions, view updates to coverage of the 

The quotes included in this video summary were edited for clarity.

Disclosures: Eichenfield previously reported receiving personal fees from Pfizer Inc; grant funding from AbbVie, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Bausch + Lomb, Castle Biosciences, Dermavant Sciences Inc, Galderma SA, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron, and Sanofi SA and consulting for ASLAN Pharmaceuticals, AbbVie, Almirall, SA, Arcutis Biotherapeutics, Arena Pharmaceuticals Inc, Dermavant Sciences Inc, Galderma SA, Incyte Corporation, LEO Pharma A/S, Eli Lilly and Company, Ortho Dermatologics, Pfizer Inc, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, Sanofi SA, and UCB; and serving on the board of directors of Forté Pharma.

Gallagher K, Halperin-Goldstein S, Paller AS. New treatments in atopic dermatitis update. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2025 Nov;135(5):498-510.e10. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2025.06.020. Epub 2025 Jun 23. PMID: 40562170.

At the Maui Derm Hawaii 2026 conference, Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, spoke about highlights from his talk, ‘Atopic Dermatitis and Pruritus: Current Concepts and Therapeutics for 2026.’

Acne and Rosacea Treatment Updates for 2026, With Lawrence Eichenfield, MD

, a session was presented titled ‘Acne and Rosacea: Update 2026,’ featuring a discussion of challenging case scenarios and new insights into acne and rosacea treatment paradigms.

This session was presented by several speakers, 1 of whom was Lawrence F. Eichenfield, MD, chief of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the UC San Diego School of Medicine. Eichenfield sat down with 

 to discuss takeaways from his acne and rosacea talk.

“There have been some new data that have come up,” Eichenfield stated. “There are questions that have remained in relation to isotretinoin in patients that come up all the time in practice. So I went through some of the data on them, especially the new data.”

Eichenfield noted recent, well-designed studies have come out suggesting isotretinoin does not adversely impact height among pediatric patients, addressing longstanding concerns some have expressed regarding premature epiphyseal closure. He also touched on evidence supporting cumulative dosing, rather than daily dose intensity, as the key element affecting the likelihood of relapse or need for repeat courses.

Additionally, Eichenfield spoke about updates related to hormonal therapies in acne. In particular, he spoke on the evolving guidelines related to oral contraceptive use in teenage adolescents with acne. Eichenfield pointed to forthcoming recommendations suggesting avoidance of oral contraceptives for acne treatment in individuals under the age of 16 years until they are at least 2 years post-menarche, given considerations around bone mineral density and pubertal development.

“That's a balance of the need for the treatment of acne with things like bone mineral density, where 90% of that happens up to the adolescent time period, as well as general pubertal health,” Eichenfield said. “And there are exceptions that are made if there are other conditions [such as] abnormal uterine bleeding, [polycystic ovary syndrome] syndrome that might give a reason to use OCPs for acne, plus other conditions.”

In the therapeutic realm, Eichenfield reinforced the continued central role of topical medications, highlighting strong study findings supporting the implementation of triple-combination topical treatments as highly effective monotherapies. These drugs, he noted, may be capable of diminishing one’s reliance on oral antibiotics. He addressed concerns about antibiotic resistance, highlighting data suggesting benzoyl peroxide–containing combinations mitigate this risk.

Eichenfield also spoke about newer hormonal approaches, noting certain topical agents can reduce sebum production. He reaffirmed isotretinoin’s role as a reliable “backstop” therapy capable of attaining near-universal clearance in those with severe acne.

For more news on recent trial data and insights into various dermatologic diseases, view 

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

Eichenfield L, Harper J, Baldwin H. Acne and Rosacea: Update 2026. Presented at: Maui Derm Hawaii 2026; January 25-29, 2026; Maui, Hawaii.

Picardo M, Eichenfield LF, Tan J. Acne and Rosacea. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017 Jan;7(Suppl 1):43-52. doi: 10.1007/s13555-016-0168-8. Epub 2017 Feb 1. PMID: 28150107; PMCID: PMC5289119.

This interview from the Maui Derm 2026 conference features Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, discussing takeaways from his talk ‘Acne and Rosacea: Update 2026.’

US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval

 of roflumilast (Zoryve) cream 0.05% for atopic dermatitis in patients aged 2 - 5 years, 

 interviewed Lawrence Eichenfield, MD, about his team’s data on the new non-steroidal option.

Roflumilast cream’s safety and efficacy as a long-term alternative to topical corticosteroids for children was highlighted in this recent interview by Eichenfield, the chief of pediatric and adolescent dermatology at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego and professor of dermatology and pediatrics at UC San Diego’s School of Medicine. In this segment of his interview, he was asked about additional information on the drug.

Comparing Roflumilast Cream to Other Topicals for Atopic Dermatitis, With Lawrence Eichenfield, MD

“This is a classic vehicle control study of children 2 to 5 years of age, mild to moderate atopic dermatitis,” Eichenfield noted. “The application is once-a-day, for a 4-week time course, and with all the [roflumilast] product for atopic dermatitis, similarly in the older age group, they did a 4-week time course…And with the core outcomes, we looked at what percentage of patients get to clear or almost clear, and at least a 2-step improvement. So all the patients who started as mild, to count as [having] treatment success, have to make it totally clear.”

Eichenfield highlighted other elements of these data leading to the FDA approval of roflumilast cream. INTEGUMENT-PED trial, the INTEGUMENT-OLE long-term extension study, and a phase 1 pharmacokinetic study all showed positive results across all efficacy endpoints, with the drug being safe and well-tolerated among study participants.

Eichenfield was asked about the drug’s implementation among children with mild to moderate disease, highlighting its potential for use by caregivers.

“You're not going to, say, use 8 weeks of a steroid and keep using it,” Eichenfield said. “You have a different regimen, because you can't do it that way. I do think that you know they can use it, they can use it as-needed, but it wouldn't be an expectation that they necessarily need to use it every day as they come under control.”

For any additional information on roflumilast cream 0.05% and its use among children with atopic dermatitis, view the interview posted above.

The quotes used in this summary were edited for the purposes of clarity.

Eichenfield previously reported grants and personal fees from Arcutis, as well as from Amgen, AbbVie, Dermavant, Galderma, Incyte, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Regeneron, and Sanofi.

Brooks A. FDA Approves Roflumilast (Zoryve) Cream 0.05% for Atopic Dermatitis in Children Aged 2-5 Years. HCPLive. October 6, 2025. Accessed October 8, 2025. 

https://www.hcplive.com/view/fda-approves-roflumilast-zoryve-cream-0-05-for-atopic-dermatitis-in-children-aged-2-5-years

Arcutis Biotherapeutics. FDA Approves Arcutis’ ZORYVE® (roflumilast) Cream 0.05% for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis in Children Ages 2 to 5. October 6, 2025. Accessed October 8, 2025. 

https://investors.arcutis.com/news-releases/news-release-details/fda-approves-arcutis-zoryver-roflumilast-cream-005-treatment

In this interview, additional information on roflumilast (Zoryve) cream 0.05% for patients aged 2-5 years with atopic dermatitis was highlighted.


Lawrence Eichenfield, MD

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