Episode 38 - Aging, Inflammation, and the Business of Skin | The Future of Dermatology Podcast

Summary: Dr. Daniel Butler, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant dean of student affairs at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, discusses his research on aging skin and inflammatory diseases. He explores how aging independently becomes a risk factor for certain skin diseases and how age can affect access to medications. Dr. Butler emphasizes the need to understand the unique challenges and presentations of skin diseases in older adults. He also discusses the importance of dermatologists having a presence on social media to engage with patients and provide credible information. Takeaways: Aging independently becomes a risk factor for certain skin diseases and can affect how these diseases manifest in older adults. Access to medications can be more challenging for older adults, and age can be a modifiable risk factor in healthcare delivery. Dermatologists need to understand the unique challenges and presentations of skin diseases in older adults and avoid making assumptions based on age. Having a presence on social media allows dermatologists to engage with patients, provide credible information, and bridge the gap between academic knowledge and what is available on social media. The future of dermatology includes targeted therapies for various skin diseases and equipping the next generation of dermatologists with the skills to change lives. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Background of Dr. Daniel Butler 02:01 - Research on Aging Skin and Inflammatory Diseases 06:16 - Understanding the Mechanisms of Aging Skin 10:54 - The Role of Dermatologists on Social Media 15:23 - Should Academic Physicians be on Social Media? 29:15 - The Future of Dermatology: Targeted Therapies and Next Generation Dermatologists