Best of JAAD - Cognitive Bias and Clinical Insights in Dermatology

During a presentation on cognitive bias in dermatology, the speaker discussed how filtering out irrelevant information can lead to diagnostic errors, illustrated by a study where expert radiologists missed a gorilla in radiographs because they were focused solely on tumors. The need for careful scrutiny in inflammatory myopathy screenings was emphasized, with evidence suggesting a third of tests may miss critical antibodies indicative of cancer or lung disease. Other topics included treatment strategies for refractory dermatomyositis, where newer agents like JAK inhibitors show better compliance and outcomes. The efficacy of micro needling to enhance topical treatment delivery was also highlighted. The discussion transitioned to addressing complex dermatological conditions, emphasizing innovative therapies like hyaluronidase for scleroderma-related oral aperture improvement and painless options like non-thermal atmospheric plasma. Additionally, the integration of new biologics and alternative treatments for advanced skin cancers, such as itraconazole, was presented along with specific cautions regarding biologic use in patients with hepatitis. The event concluded by recommending curettage combined with cryotherapy for basal cell carcinoma treatments over traditional electro desiccation, fostering discussions on novel therapeutic approaches and practical advice for managing various dermatologic conditions that impact patient quality of life.