We have said it before, but it bears repeating
From the Editor
Dr. Schwarzenberger is the former physician editor of DermWorld.
By Kathryn Schwarzenberger, MD, FAAD, October 1, 2025
Kids are not just little adults. This is certainly important to remember when treating skin diseases in children, but it turns out making the diagnosis of even some of our more common skin conditions can be challenging when they show up in our pediatric patients. Psoriasis, alopecia areata, and even atopic dermatitis can be misdiagnosed if you are not attuned to the often-subtle differences in clinical presentation of these conditions in children (and your dermatopathologist cannot always save you!) I am eternally grateful to my pediatric dermatology colleagues and teachers who have helped me care for children with skin diseases over the years, and I very much appreciate those who shared their wisdom with us in this month’s cover feature article. Hopefully, their clues will help you nail the diagnosis the next time you encounter a pediatric “disease in disguise.”
I intermittently see posts on social media from members asking, “What is the AAD doing about XXX?” My years serving on the Board of Directors helped me understand how many vital efforts the AAD has going on at any given time, addressing a wide diversity of issues of importance to our members. While some of these efforts are high profile and known to the membership, others happen more quietly, even behind the scenes. Such is often the case with our private payer advocacy efforts. Our AADA staff devotes considerable time and energy engaging with private payers, cultivating relationships that have allowed us to engage quickly when faced with issues of concern regarding key topics including reimbursement, prior authorization, and coding. These relationships have contributed to some significant advocacy successes. I encourage you to read about them, and to be assured that the AAD/A has our back in this and many other arenas.
I would like to take this time to recognize the outstanding and dedicated work of our editorial advisors. This diverse workgroup of physicians identifies subjects of importance to our membership that come together with their assistance in the yearly editorial calendar. They are also responsible for our ever-popular monthly column What’s Hot! I never fail to learn something new from the “hot” topics they choose to discuss, and I very much value their unique perspectives. While some of our advisors are relative newcomers to the pack, others have demonstrated an incredible level of commitment with their willingness to contribute for many years running. I offer special thanks to Drs. Rosalie Elenitsas, Sylvia Hsu, Chris Mowad, and Ken Katz who have stuck with DermWorld for the entirety of my eight-year term as physician editor. It has been an honor to work with all of you!
Enjoy all the beauty that is autumn and be kind to yourself.
