Overview
Training the Next Generation of Pigmentary Disorders Experts
The 4th Annual Pigmentary Disorders Exchange (PDE) Symposium will bring together world-renowned dermatology experts for an in-depth exploration of pigmentary disorders and the lasting pigmentary sequelae left behind by inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and lichen planus. Over the course of two days, our faculty will explore the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and cutting-edge treatment strategies for primary pigmentary disorders (e.g., melasma, vitiligo), including congenital conditions and acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation; secondary pigmentary disorders (e.g., post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation); as well as dyschromias of photoaging-all across the full spectrum of skin types.
Join Symposium Chair Pearl E. Grimes, MD, FAAD in Chicago, IL, for this one-of-a-kind CME/CE event brought to you by MedscapeLIVE!, in partnership with the producers of ODAC Dermatology Conference and Skin of Color Update.
Why Attend?
Unlike other meetings that provide only a surface-level review of pigmentary disorders, PDE 2026 will go further, equipping clinicians with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve treatment outcomes, avoid complications, and minimize the long-term impact of pigmentary conditions on patients' quality of life.
This year’s symposium will address:
- The impact of pigmentary disorders on patients' quality of life and the need for a paradigm shift in treatment approaches.
- The pathogenesis, nuances in clinical presentation, and full range of therapeutic options, including topical approaches, oral interventions, and procedural modalities, for the full spectrum of diseases from hyperpigmentation to hypopigmentation.
- How treatment options influence pigmentation—ensuring healthcare professionals offer optimal regimens with fewer pigmentary complications.
Why Pigmentary Sequelae Matter
From melasma and vitiligo to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by acne, eczema, and other inflammatory dermatoses, pigmentary disorders are a global phenomenon affecting all skin types.
With acne as the leading cause of PIH, and pigmentation concerns influencing treatment adherence, patient satisfaction, and psychosocial well-being, PDE 2026 will ensure clinicians understand the mechanisms behind pigmentary sequelae and the most effective strategies to prevent and treat them.
Interactive Learning & Networking
This immersive experience will include:
- Patient case discussions
- Chemical peels live demonstrations
- Thought-provoking panels
- Exchange Forum peer-to-peer sessions
- Plenty of Q&A Time
- Exhibit Hall & networking opportunities during the welcome reception and coffee breaks
Register today to receive the best available rate.
We look forward to you joining us in Chicago for the 4th Annual Pigmentary Disorders Exchange Symposium.
Meet the Chair
Pearl E. Grimes, MD, FAAD
Clinical Professor of Dermatology
University of California, Los Angeles
Director
The Vitiligo and Pigmentation Institute of Southern California
Los Angeles, California
Agenda
Please note all sessions listed in Central Time. Agenda subject to change.
Saturday, June 06
7:30 am — 6:20 pm
Registration
Saturday, June 06
7:45 am — 8:55 am
Breakfast Non-CME/CE Bonus Presentation
Saturday, June 06
9:00 am — 10:30 am
Session I: The Future of Pigmentary Disorders: Setting the Stage for Multidimensional Care
Saturday, June 06
9:00 am — 9:05 am
Session Introduction
Saturday, June 06
9:05 am — 9:20 am
Changing the Conversation: Why Pigmentary Disorders Deserve Center Stage
Saturday, June 06
9:20 am — 9:45 am
Pigmentation Biology: The Foundation for Clinical Progress
Saturday, June 06
9:45 am — 10:30 am
The Burden of Disease in Pigmentary Disorders: Progress, Pitfalls, and Patient Voices - Panel Discussion
Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, FAAD
Saturday, June 06
10:30 am — 11:00 am
Expert Exchange Roundtable: Vitiligo
Rebecca Vasquez, MD, FAAD
Saturday, June 06
10:30 am — 11:00 am
Break: Exhibit and Poster Hall Opens
Saturday, June 06
11:00 am — 1:00 pm
Session II: Photoaging and Photoprotection: Advancing Care for Pigmentary Disorders and Skin Cancer Prevention
Saturday, June 06
11:00 am — 11:05 am
Session Introduction
Saturday, June 06
11:05 am — 11:25 am
Skin Cancer and Pigmentation: The Journey From Healthy to Rogue Melanocytes
Saturday, June 06
11:25 am — 11:45 am
Unraveling Photoaging: Mechanisms and Clinical Presentations
Saturday, June 06
11:45 am — 12:05 pm
Photoprotection: Current Evidence and Practical Approaches
Saturday, June 06
12:05 pm — 12:25 pm
Innovations in Topicals, Cosmeceuticals, and Oral Agents for Photodamage
Saturday, June 06
12:25 pm — 12:45 pm
Procedural Interventions for Photodamage: Evidence, Techniques, and Outcomes
Saturday, June 06
12:45 pm — 1:00 pm
Ask Me Anything! Panel Q&A
Sewon Kang, MD, FAAD
Harvey Lui, MD, FAAD
E. Victor Ross, MD, FAAD
Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD
Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD, FAAD
Saturday, June 06
1:05 pm — 2:15 pm
Lunch Non-CME/CE Bonus Presentation
Saturday, June 06
2:20 pm — 3:50 pm
Session III: Pigmentary Pathways: Sequelae and Solutions in Inflammatory Skin Disease
Saturday, June 06
2:20 pm — 2:25 pm
Session Introduction
Saturday, June 06
2:25 pm — 2:40 pm
From Inflammation to Pigmentation: Risk Factors and Early Intervention
Saturday, June 06
2:40 pm — 2:50 pm
Pigmentary Sequelae in Acne
Saturday, June 06
2:50 pm — 3:00 pm
Addressing Dyspigmentation Patterns in Atopic Dermatitis
Saturday, June 06
3:00 pm — 3:10 pm
Unmasking Residual Pigment in Prurigo Nodularis: Causes and Care
Saturday, June 06
3:10 pm — 3:20 pm
Restoring Balance: Navigating Pigment Changes in Psoriasis
Saturday, June 06
3:20 pm — 3:35 pm
JAK Inhibitors: Transforming Inflammatory Skin Disease and Pigment Outcomes
Saturday, June 06
3:35 pm — 3:50 pm
Ask Me Anything! Panel Q&A
Neal Bhatia, MD, FAAD
Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD
Pearl E. Grimes, MD, FAAD
Rebecca Vasquez, MD, FAAD
Saturday, June 06
3:50 pm — 4:20 pm
Expert Exchange Roundtable: Photoaging & Photoprotection
Harvey Lui, MD, FAAD
Saturday, June 06
3:50 pm — 4:20 pm
Break: Visit Exhibit and Poster Hall
Saturday, June 06
4:20 pm — 5:20 pm
Independent CME Symposium
Saturday, June 06
5:25 pm — 6:20 pm
Session IV: The Fundamentals of Laser Therapy for Pigmentary Disorders
Saturday, June 06
5:25 pm — 5:30 pm
Session Introduction
Saturday, June 06
5:30 pm — 5:45 pm
Technology Deep Dive
Saturday, June 06
5:45 pm — 6:00 pm
Patient Assessment & Parameter Selection
Saturday, June 06
6:00 pm — 6:10 pm
Patient Cases: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly
Sandy Tsao, MD, FAAD
Saturday, June 06
6:10 pm — 6:20 pm
Ask Me Anything! Audience Q&A
Sandy Tsao, MD, FAAD
Saturday, June 06
6:20 pm — 6:20 pm
Day 1 Adjourns
Sunday, June 07
7:30 am — 5:30 pm
Registration
Sunday, June 07
7:45 am — 8:55 am
Breakfast Non-CME/CE Bonus Presentation
Sunday, June 07
9:00 am — 10:45 am
Session V: Melasma Masterclass: Advances in Diagnosis and Comprehensive Management
Sunday, June 07
9:00 am — 9:05 am
Session Introduction
Sunday, June 07
9:05 am — 9:25 am
Melasma Unveiled: Pathogenesis, Risk Factors, and Clinical Patterns
Sunday, June 07
9:25 am — 9:45 am
Melasma Treatment Essentials: Integrating Photoprotection, Topicals, and Cosmeceuticals
Sunday, June 07
9:45 am — 10:00 am
Melasma Treatment Essentials: Systemic Therapies
Sunday, June 07
10:00 am — 10:15 am
Procedural Approaches in Melasma: Chemical Peels
Sunday, June 07
10:15 am — 10:30 am
Procedural Approaches in Melasma: Lasers, Devices, & Beyond
Sunday, June 07
10:30 am — 10:45 am
Ask Me Anything! Panel Q&A
Nada Elbuluk, MD, MSc, FAAD
Seaver L. Soon, MD, FAAD
Sandy Tsao, MD, FAAD
Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, FAAD
Sunday, June 07
10:45 am — 11:15 am
Expert Exchange Roundtable: Melasma
Seaver L. Soon, MD, FAAD
Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, FAAD
Sunday, June 07
10:45 am — 11:15 am
Break: Visit Exhibit and Poster Hall
Sunday, June 07
11:15 am — 1:10 pm
Session VI: Vitiligo Deep Dive: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Strategy
Sunday, June 07
11:15 am — 11:20 am
Session Introduction
Sunday, June 07
11:20 am — 11:40 am
Immunopathogenesis of Vitiligo: Mechanisms of Melanocyte Loss
Sunday, June 07
11:40 am — 12:00 pm
Pharmacologic Approaches in Vitiligo: Topical, Systemic Therapies, and JAK Inhibitors
Sunday, June 07
12:00 pm — 12:20 pm
Procedural Repigmentation Techniques: Phototherapy, Laser, and Surgical Options
Sunday, June 07
12:20 pm — 12:35 pm
Adjunctive & Over-the-Counter Interventions: Evidence and Best Practices
Sunday, June 07
12:35 pm — 12:55 pm
Emerging Therapies and Future Directions: JAK Inhibitors to Cell-Based Treatments
Sunday, June 07
12:55 pm — 1:10 pm
Ask Me Anything! Panel Q&A
IItefat Hamzavi, MD, FAAD
John E. Harris, MD, PhD, FAAD
Bassel H. Mahmoud, MD, PhD, FAAD
David Rosmarin, MD, FAAD
Sunday, June 07
1:15 pm — 2:25 pm
Lunch Non-CME/CE Bonus Presentation
Sunday, June 07
2:30 pm — 4:05 pm
Session VII: Challenging the Spectrum: Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperpigmentation, Hypopigmentation, and Depigmentation
Sunday, June 07
2:30 pm — 2:35 pm
Session Introduction
Sunday, June 07
2:35 pm — 2:50 pm
When Prevention Fails: How Do We Treat Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation?
Sunday, June 07
2:50 pm — 3:10 pm
Beyond PIH: Understanding Other Acquired Disorders of Hyperpigmentation
Sunday, June 07
3:10 pm — 3:25 pm
Acquired Disorders of Hypopigmentation
Sunday, June 07
3:25 pm — 3:40 pm
Procedural Management of Hyperpigmentation: Lasers & Energy-Based Devices
Sunday, June 07
3:40 pm — 3:55 pm
Procedural Management of Hyperpigmentation: Chemical Peels
Sunday, June 07
3:55 pm — 4:05 pm
Ask Me Anything! Panel Q&A
Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, FAAD
Mona A. Gohara, MD, FAAD
Kachiu C. Lee, MD, MPH, FAAD
Rebecca Vasquez, MD, FAAD
Sunday, June 07
4:05 pm — 4:35 pm
Break: Visit Exhibit and Poster Hall
Sunday, June 07
4:35 pm — 5:30 pm
Session VIII: Superficial & Medium-Depth Chemical Peels in Practice: Science, Technique, and LIVE DEMONSTRATION
Sunday, June 07
4:35 pm — 4:40 pm
Session Introduction
Sunday, June 07
4:40 pm — 5:00 pm
Foundations of Medium-Depth & Deep Chemical Peels: Indications, Techniques, and Patient Selection
Sunday, June 07
5:00 pm — 5:20 pm
Medium-Depth Chemical Peel Live Demonstration
Jennifer Croix, MD, PhD, FAAD
Kachiu C. Lee, MD, MPH, FAAD
Sunday, June 07
5:20 pm — 5:30 pm
Ask Me Anything! Panel Q&A
Seaver L. Soon, MD, FAAD
Jennifer Croix, MD, PhD, FAAD
Kachiu C. Lee, MD, MPH, FAAD
Sunday, June 07
5:30 pm — 5:30 pm
Conference Closing Remarks
Sunday, June 07
5:30 pm — 5:30 pm
Conference Adjourns
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