Pediatric Dermatology Update: Social Media Misinformation, Atopic Dermatitis, Hair Disorders, Vitiligo, Lichen Sclerosis, and Wart Treatments

Conclusions

• Social media strongly shapes pediatric dermatology patient behavior, but many online skincare claims are biased, poorly evidenced, and potentially misleading.
• Beef tallow skincare and home light devices for acne lack strong supporting evidence, so clinicians should counsel patients with caution and transparency about uncertainty and cost.
• New topical therapies for pediatric atopic dermatitis expand treatment options, but real-world access remains a major barrier.
• Dupilumab in children with severe atopic dermatitis may be associated with fewer neuropsychiatric diagnoses, including anxiety and behavioral problems.
• Available evidence suggests live-attenuated vaccines can likely be administered safely to pediatric patients receiving dupilumab with shared decision-making.
• Minoxidil exposure can be dangerous to pets, so patients using it should receive clear storage and exposure-prevention counseling.
• Children and adolescents with atopic disease appear to have a markedly increased risk of alopecia areata, especially those with food allergy.
• Evidence for pharmacologic treatment of pediatric trichotillomania remains limited, making behavioral therapy the most effective first-line approach.
• Vitiligo in children may be linked to higher rates of ocular and auditory comorbidities, supporting consideration of eye and hearing screening.
• Prepubertal-onset anogenital lichen sclerosus may persist or recur despite apparent clinical resolution, so long-term surveillance remains important.
• Saturated saline immersion may be a promising, inexpensive home treatment for refractory plantar warts, but the evidence is still preliminary and uncontrolled.