Derm Boot Camp Updates

Derm Boot Camp Week 26 wraps up the series with a focused discussion on local anesthesia, key dermatologic surgery principles, and bonus case reviews designed to bring everything together. The episode concludes with high-yield bonus cases that integrate procedural decision-making with core dermatology knowledge, reinforcing clinical reasoning and surgical judgment. It’s a comprehensive and practic...

In Week 25 of Derm Boot Camp , we take a closer look at some of the most clinically nuanced and high-yield dermatologic conditions. This episode covers rashes around the mouth , including key differentials and management strategies for perioral presentations you can’t afford to miss. We then dive into cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) — recognizing early findings, understanding diagnostic pitfalls,...

Week 24 dives into high-yield pathology every dermatology provider needs to recognize with confidence. This episode focuses on tumors not to miss —the critical lesions that demand early identification to prevent morbidity and mortality. We break down distinguishing clinical and histologic features, red flags on exam, and the practical pearls that help you separate benign mimickers from dangerous m...

In Episode 23, we break down lichen planus from the classic presentation to its many variations including cutaneous, oral, genital, scalp/lichen planopilaris, nail, hypertrophic, actinic, and pigmentosus so you can recognize patterns quickly, confirm the diagnosis when it’s subtle, and avoid common look-alikes. We also address the clinical reality that there is no FDA-approved treatment specifical...

In Episode 22, we’re diving into Immunology with a practical, clinic-ready breakdown of BMS (blistering mucosal syndromes) and other chronic blistering dermatoses . We connect the “why” (autoantibodies, target antigens, inflammation pathways) to the “what you do next” (how they present, how to confirm the diagnosis, and how to treat effectively without overcomplicating the workup). You’ll get a cl...

Week 21 of Derm Boot Camp focuses on disorders of pigmentation and the clinical reasoning behind diagnosing and managing them. This episode covers vitiligo , post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation , and other disturbances of pigmentation, with an emphasis on pathophysiology, visual recognition, and patient counseling. We also discuss phototherapy when to use it, how it works, and...

Week 20 is Part 2 of our viral infection series, picking up right where Week 19 left off. We break down the viral derm conditions you’ll see in real practice focusing on poxvirus presentations like molluscum contagiosum how to recognize them quickly, what to rule out, and how to treat them efficiently. This episode covers practical management: when to treat vs. observe, patient-friendly counseling...

This week’s episode focuses on three of the most common viral conditions seen in clinical practice: herpes simplex virus (HSV) , varicella-zoster virus (VZV) , and warts . We break down how these conditions present in real patients, how to differentiate similar-looking eruptions, and how to approach evaluation and treatment with confidence. You’ll also hear practical tips for patient communication...

Week 18 of Derm Boot Camp is all about yeast and fungal infections. We dive deep into the different presentations you’ll see in clinic and how to quickly narrow the differential, then focus on the practical steps that drive better outcomes—collecting the most accurate samples, choosing the most effective treatment plan (topical versus systemic, duration, and follow-up), and setting clear expectati...

Week 17 of Derm Boot Camp is all about topical antifungals—and the skin conditions caused by fungi and yeast. If you’ve ever been unsure why a rash won’t clear, when an antifungal cream is actually the right move, or what causes these infections to keep coming back, this episode breaks it down in a practical way. We cover common presentations, how to approach treatment, and the mistakes that lead...

Week 16 is all about bacterial skin infections, how to spot them fast and treat them correctly. We break down staph (“staph,” short for Staphylococcus ) infections, including the different ways they can present, how to tell common look-alikes apart, and what clinical clues matter most. This episode also covers the broader bacterial infection spectrum in derm and the key “don’t-miss” considerations...

This week, Dr. Boswell dives into one of his favorite areas to diagnose: connective tissue diseases. We break down how these conditions show up on the skin, what they can reveal about a patient’s overall health, and why getting the diagnosis right can quite literally change a life. Dr. Boswell also walks through the role of systemic medications when topical treatments aren’t enough, how he thinks...

In this episode, we dive into urticaria and erythema with a focus on intense itch, what’s actually driving the sensation and how to calm it down. We break down the role of histamine, when to consider H2 receptor blockers alongside H1s, and where some of the newer FDA-approved treatment options fit into your algorithm for stubborn cases. We also talk through practical pearls for counseling itchy pa...

This week, we dive into allergic reactions and contact dermatitis —two conditions that look similar on the surface but require completely different approaches to diagnose and treat. We break down the difference between irritant vs. allergic contact dermatitis , why some patients flare from everyday products, and how the immune system can overreact to seemingly harmless ingredients. We also cover p...

This week, we dive into eczema — and why treating it goes far beyond comfort and cosmetics. Recent findings show that chronic eczema can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke , making proper management a matter of long-term health, not just skin care. We’ll explore the systemic impacts of inflammation , the link between eczema and cardiovascular health, and why reducing flare-ups can also l...

This week’s episode explores the complex world of itch and pruritus — and why it’s not all about histamine . We break down how chronic itch can stem from immune dysregulation and cytokine activity , not just allergic reactions. Patients with chronic itch often face stigma, being told it’s “in their head,” but the truth is far deeper. We discuss how autoimmune factors, neurochemical pathways, and e...

This week’s episode dives into modern psoriasis management exploring how far treatment has come beyond traditional topicals and steroids. We discuss biologic therapies , how they work to target inflammation at its source, and what makes them a game-changer for many patients. Plus, we break down how to navigate insurance approvals and advocate for proper access to these advanced treatments. #DermBo...

This week, we’re tackling two common and often confusing skin conditions: seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis . We’ll cover the latest updates in treatment, including a newly approved non-steroidal medication that’s changing how we approach seb derm. You’ll learn why Head & Shoulders and other classic shampoos aren’t as effective for many patients anymore, and how rotating different medicated...

In this episode, we dive into Alopecia Areata , an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss on the scalp or body. We break down the clinical presentation , common triggers , and how to differentiate it from other forms of alopecia. We also explore the groundbreaking development of JAK inhibitors —a new class of targeted medications...

This week, we dive into nevi (moles) and melanoma , breaking down how to distinguish benign from malignant lesions. We discuss the characteristics of blue nevi benign deep dermal moles and when a punch biopsy is appropriate, depending on lesion size and clinical suspicion. Plus, we cover real-world “nightmare cases” that highlight why proper biopsy technique and early recognition are critical.

This week on Derm Boot Camp, we’re diving deep into the world of lumps, bumps, cysts, and skin neoplasms the everyday lesions that can make or break a good differential diagnosis. We’ll cover how to recognize common presentations, when to biopsy vs. observe , and practical biopsy tips to improve accuracy and patient outcomes. Whether it’s a benign cyst or a suspicious growth, this episode helps yo...

This week we dive into one of the most important topics in dermatology: Mohs micrographic surgery and its role in treating non-melanoma skin cancers . We’ll break down why Mohs is considered the gold standard, the differences between basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma , and why SCC deserves more respect than it often gets. From high cure rates to the serious risks of metastasis, this...

This week we cover isotretinoin (Accutane) —one of the strongest acne treatments available. Many patients think their medication “isn’t working,” but in reality, it’s often about how they’re taking it . We explain why isotretinoin should always be taken with a fatty meal to ensure proper absorption. Without this, the body may only absorb a fraction of the dose, leading to poor results and frustrat...

In Episode 3 of Derm Boot Camp Updates with Dr. Boswell , we turn our focus to acne and the latest developments shaping how it’s treated. Dr. Boswell reviews new discoveries in the acne space, including emerging topical creams designed to better combat breakouts and improve patient outcomes. He also breaks down recent evidence showing that doxycycline is not directly linked to irritable bowel synd...

In Episode 2 of Derm Boot Camp Updates with Dr. Boswell , we focus on the essentials of proper coding in dermatology. Dr. Boswell explains how accurate coding not only ensures fair reimbursement but also reduces the number of denied claims, helping providers streamline the billing process while saving patients money. The episode also explores skin diseases caused by physical factors, offering prac...