Where there’s smoke, there’s fire…
From the Editor
Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of DermWorld.
By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, June 1, 2025
And now dermatologists have a new concern to watch for regarding smoke: skin cancer. Epidemiologic studies have linked environmental exposure to chemicals in smoke with exacerbations of skin diseases, such as eczema, as well as an increase in skin cancers, including melanoma. This adds an important layer to our risk stratification for our patients. Taking an occupational history to find patients who may have been exposed to toxic smoke can help us recognize those at higher risk of skin malignancies, allowing us to target our screening and better educate patients about their risk. This may be particularly true in some of our younger patients, who may serve as firefighters or have had military exposure. Melanoma, as well as head and neck cancers, including skin cancers, are accepted by the VA to be linked to burn pit exposure. This includes many of our Gulf War veterans. Please ask your patients about their potential smoke exposure; it is a wonderful way to get to know your patients, and you may identify those patients who need to be watched most carefully. I know our veterans will appreciate the consideration!
It is hard not to engage with social media these days. Whatever your preferred platform (I am solidly in the Facebook and Instagram demographic, whereas my husband cannot resist the music on YouTube), social media is open 24/7 to learn about, share, and explore pretty much any topic that might interest you. It turns out social media is also a good space for you to share your unique expertise of hair, skin, and nail issues. Many people look to social media for advice on skin care, as well as diagnosing and treating skin diseases. While we recommend avoiding the potential pitfalls of practicing medicine via social media, used appropriately, social media can be a great way to engage with present and future patients. Several of our social media savvy colleagues share their tips on how to get involved. Even if you start small, having a social media presence can enhance your practice and may even be fun!
To potentially help you on your journey, the Academy’s Health Information Technology Committee has put together a set of best practices and tools to help you adopt or update your office technology. Faiza Wasif, the Academy’s associate director of practice management, highlights the many ways the Academy can help ensure you are harnessing all the benefits of today’s technology to make your practice as efficient and enjoyable as possible.
I have often advocated for getting involved in the AAD. Yes, I will admit that I am biased, but collaborating with colleagues and AAD staff members on issues I believe in has been a very meaningful part of my career. While many of us are familiar with AAD committees and task forces, the Advisory Board remains somewhat of an enigma to many. The Advisory Board serves to provide AAD members with representation to the Board of Directors, offering a mechanism for individual members to present policy proposals to the Board, as well as serving as an intermediary for the many local, state, and regional dermatologic societies, who have representation on the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board is a unique way for members to get involved with the AAD; it truly provides members with a voice in our organization. Read our feature article on the Advisory Board and consider getting involved; perhaps it is the opportunity you have been waiting for!
