Local Anesthesia Mastery for Dermatology Residents: Core Knowledge and Practical Technique
Local anesthesia is a cornerstone of dermatologic practice. From biopsies and excisions to cosmetic and laser procedures, dermatologists rely on local anesthetics daily. Mastery of anesthetic technique not only improves procedural efficiency but also dramatically enhances the patient experience. Patients may not remember every detail of their diagnosis, but they will remember how a procedure made …
Local anesthesia is a cornerstone of dermatologic practice. From biopsies and excisions to cosmetic and laser procedures, dermatologists rely on local anesthetics daily. Mastery of anesthetic technique not only improves procedural efficiency but also dramatically enhances the patient experience. Patients may not remember every detail of their diagnosis, but they will remember how a procedure made … 
Skin of color dermatology is a growing field that is gaining more attention as the U.S. population diversifies. While there’s an understanding that some skin conditions are more prevalent in certain racial and ethnic groups, there’s little understanding as to why. In addition, self-reported race and ethnicity is not a fail-safe way of understanding a person’s skin. People are often multiraci … 
Welcome to "JDD February 2026 Issue Highlights," your quick tour of this month’s Editor’s Picks from the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, curated by the Next Steps in Derm Team. This issue pairs practical algorithms, novel therapeutics, real‑world effectiveness data, equity analyses, and procedural reports, all with immediate clinical relevance.
Explore this month’s top picks below:
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GLP-1 receptor agonists are an increasingly popular treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity. Additionally, some dermatologists are finding success with treating psoriasis and hidradenitis suppurativa with GLP-1s independent of an impact on weight loss. As GLP-1 use becomes even more common in medicine, it’s important to understand side effects, including skin effects that could lead GLP-1 pati … 
This article was originally published on October 22, 2019, and updated on February 2, 2026, by the Next Steps in Derm Editorial Team to include updated links to recent research on the use of biotin for hair loss, as well as a CME opportunity for clinicians seeking advanced training in hair and scalp disorders.
A full head of hair. This is how I came away from Dr. Heather Woolery-Lloyd’s lectu …