Tackling Tough Issues: How to Talk to Patients and Their Families

This expert panel fields multidisciplinary questions on maskne, compliance, access to care and more.

Acne patients are benefitting from a robust pipeline with treatments that hold promise for increased efficacy and safety. First-in-class additions to the FDA-approved armamentarium, such as the novel antiandrogen clascoterone (Winlevi; Sun Pharma), give dermatologists and pediatricians new tools to combat this skin condition. Speakers offer insights on matching medications to individual patient needs and controlling costs.

Speaking from their unique perspectives, physicians and a psychologist share their success strategies for opening a dialogue with pediatric patients and their families about acne’s sometimes devastating impact on their mental wellbeing and quality of life, danger signals to watch, and why the term “bullying” has no place in the conversation.

Panelists provide pearls on how to make a smarter diagnosis, tailor treatment plans to patients’ lifestyles and preferences, and motivate pediatric patients to adhere to their treatment plan.

The initial visit with a pediatric or adolescent patient with acne and their parent or guardian goes beyond obtaining a detailed medical history. The conversation needs to address a broad range of acne’s physical symptoms and psychological effects on the patient and their family. The panelists offered best practices on how to drill down for that information within the limitations of time and scope each individual doctor faces.

Acne may be the most common skin condition in the United States, with various studies estimating 79% to 95% of Americans age 12 to 24 experience at least a minor case, but diagnosing, treating, and managing care for pediatric patients affected by it has never been more complex. Dermatology Times® and its sister brands, Contemporary Pediatrics® and Psychiatric Times™, asked thought leaders across disciplines to share their insights as speakers for this exclusive webinar.