Derm Boot Camp - Week 20 Updates with Dr. Boswell

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 practical finish to the 26-week Derm Boot Camp journey.

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, and knowing when to escalate care. Finally, we explore diseases of the mucous membranes, breaking down inflammatory, autoimmune, and neoplastic processes.

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 malignancies.The discussion also expands into less common dermal diseases, clarifying patterns of presentation and how to approach them systematically in both board prep and real-world practice. We review macrophage-driven disorders, unpacking their pathophysiology, immunologic mechanisms, and characteristic cutaneous findings.To round out the episode, we cover additional skin tumor types that frequently appear in testing and clinic alike, emphasizing morphology, diagnostic strategy, and management principles. If you’re preparing for boards or sharpening your diagnostic acumen, Week 24 delivers concise, high-yield insight designed to make complex dermatopathology more approachable and clinically actionable.

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 specifically for lichen planus, and walk through how clinicians build practical, stepwise management plans focused on symptom control, inflammation reduction, and preventing flares—plus how to counsel patients on expectations. Finally, we connect the dots on errors in metabolism and metabolic derangements that can complicate inflammatory skin disease and influence your differential, workup, and long-term strategy—so you’re not just treating the eruption, you’re treating the whole patient.

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 clear framework for differentiating common blistering disorders, choosing the right tests (and biopsy technique), interpreting immunofluorescence patterns, and building treatment plans that balance speed of control, safety, and long-term maintenance. We also cover newer FDA-approved options and evolving therapeutic strategies, including where they fit in your step-up/step-down approach and which patients may benefit most.

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 where it fits into treatment plans—along with practical considerations for setting expectations and improving patient experience. This episode is designed to help learners confidently differentiate pigmentation disorders and understand evidence-based management approaches in real-world dermatologic practice.A must-listen for anyone building a strong foundation in dermatology

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 to reduce spread and recurrence, and the most effective in-office and at-home options. If you want a clear, real-world approach to common viral skin infections without the fluff Week 20 is your playbook.

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—especially for diagnoses that carry stigma, anxiety, or lots of misconceptions.

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 expectations so patients actually complete therapy. The goal isn’t just clearing the infection; it’s making the entire experience smoother for the patient with simple, confidence-building education, prevention strategies to reduce recurrence, and a process that feels efficient, respectful, and easy to follow.

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 to repeat flare-ups.