Message from the President

Dear ACDS Member:

As we embark on the new year, I wanted to thank every one of you for your involvement, your dedication to your patients, and your support over the last year. Our society continues to succeed and grow because of you.

Some updates:

The ACDS has been working in collaboration with the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA), the American Associate of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Association (AAAAI), and the American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology (ACAAI) to send a letter addressed to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to request a meeting to discuss potential regulatory changes in allergen accessibility in the United States. We will keep you all, the stakeholders, abreast of any updates as they come.

Registration is now open for the ACDS 37^th Annual Meeting in Denver, CO on March 26, 2026 at the Grand Hyatt Denver. Please do not miss this exciting meeting filled with topics relevant to new and established patch testers! As always, we will be doing the exciting Allergen Bee competition at the end of the meeting. Please submit your residents and fellows to info@contactderm.org to have them be in the running for the title of “King or Queen Bee”!

Also, do not miss the European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD) meeting taking place in Copenhagen from June 24-27. The content of this meeting is outstanding in both breadth and depth, featuring speakers from around the world. The last time I checked, we were still invited. All kidding aside, we will expect to have 3 individual sessions at this conference with presentations from our ACDS and North American Contact Dermatitis Group (NACDG) colleagues. We would love to see all of our members there!

We continue to expand and improve CAMP 2.0 with new products, new sponsors, new educational materials, and new tech. Under the leadership of Dr. Amber Atwater, CAMP 2.0 continues to evolve to meet the needs to all patch testing dermatologists. Spanish translations for the allergen sheets are coming as well as new allergen sheets for more allergens.

If you have member news or information you would like highlighted in a future ACDS Newsletter, please email it to info@contactderm.org.

Sincerely,

JiaDe (Jeff) Yu, MD, MS
ACDS President

American Contact Dermatitis Society
555 E. Wells Street, Suite 1100 | Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: (414) 918-9805 | Fax: (414) 276-3349 | Email: info@contactderm.org
www.contactderm.org

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Accepting 2026 ACDS Membership Applications & Renewals

Haven't Renewed Yet?

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Need an alternate renewal method?

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Membership Benefits Active
through February 28^th

Renew Today !

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Registration OPEN!

Early Bird Deadline: February 20, 2026 at 11:59pm CT

We look forward to welcoming attendees to Denver, CO for the ACDS 37^th Annual Meeting, Thursday, March 26, 2026, to be held at the Grand Hyatt Denver.

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Hot Topics

The ACDS 2026 Annual Meeting Committee is excited to showcase the following Hot Topics at this ACDS event:

• The Inner Workings of the CAMP Cross Reactors
• Sunscreens and Photo Patch Testing
• Dermatopathology Findings and Contact Dermatitis
• Dental Implant Material Allergies
• New Drugs for Chronic Urticaria
• Interesting ACD Cases from Inpatient Wards - Panel Discussion

View the full agenda* here or by clicking the banner below!

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Register Today!

Early Bird registration ends at 11:59pm CST on Friday, February 20, 2026. Registration after this date will result in the regular rate being applied.

Remember:

To take advantage of the membership discount rate, your membership must be current prior to registering for the Annual Meeting. Make sure your membership is active for 2026 by visiting your Personal Snapshot before starting event registration. To ensure you are registered for the correct registration rate, please review and update your Profile and Professional Background information as well.

Please email info@contactderm.org with any questions.

See you in Denver!

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ACDS is recruiting committee members for the 2026 year. Committees play a significant role in the continued growth and success of ACDS and provides a unique perspective and approach to ensuring ACDS's mission and vision is the core factor behind all initiatives and programs.

One essential committee is the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Healthcare Disparities Committee which is responsible for developing research, education and mentorship opportunities that promote diversity, equity and inclusion within the ACDS. They are specifically looking for individuals who might be interested in starting a mentorship program, updating education materials for a wider patient population and establishing partnerships with other societies.

For a complete list of available committees and their responsibilities and terms, click here. Committee terms will begin April 1, 2026, following the ACDS 37^th Annual Meeting.

Those interested in serving on a committee may submit a committee interest form. Please contact info@contactderm.org or call (414) 918-9805 with any questions.

We look forward to working with you!

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Report from the ACDS Health Policy Committee and ACDS/AMA Delegation

The AMA House of Delegates met November 14–18, 2025, in National Harbor, Maryland.

This summary highlights the most relevant actions for ACDS members, focusing on dermatology specific issues and policies affecting clinical practice.

Authors: ACDS Delegate Bruce Brod MD, MHCI, FAAD and ACDS Alternate Delegate James S. Taylor MD, FAAD, who both serve as members of the American Academy of Dermatology Association, AMA Dermatology Section Council (DSC) along with representatives from 7 other dermatological societies and 8 state medical association delegations.

At least 36 Resolutions relevant to ACDS and to dermatology were considered by the AMA HOD; Selected highlights included:
 

Establishing Fire Risk Standards for Civilian and Non-Industrial Clothing

AMA considered a proposal to update fire safety labeling for civilian clothing. The DSC emphasized dermatologic concerns, noting that flame-resistant and chemically treated textiles may contain skin sensitizers. Because other delegations also raised questions about possible endocrine effects, the AMA referred the resolution for further study (Resolution 930).
 

Preserving Evidence-Based, Equitable Grooming Standards in Uniformed Services

The AMA adopted a resolution which was primarily sponsored by the DSC protecting evidence-based shaving waivers for service members with pseudofolliculitis barbae. The policy calls for consistent waiver standards across all Uniformed Services and supports permanent waivers for severe or refractory cases. This is in response to proposed changes to grooming standards by the Department of War (Resolution 931).

Prior Authorization, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Deep-Fake Resolutions

The AMA was directed to continue working to improve prior authorization by ensuring greater accountability and regulatory oversight related to the use of AI for review of patient claims and prior authorization requests. Especially that there be transparency and accountability by a qualified human clinician overseer (augmented intelligence) for all service denials, including medications previously approved by payers. And to provide a robust appeals process and guardrails to prevent algorithmic discrimination and ensure equitable access to care (Resolution 823).

The AMA will work with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service to advocate to streamline administrative processes that will eventually replace prior authorization (Resolution 827), to create a public scorecard on insurer delays in care and payment caused by prior authorization (Resolution 828) to publicize insurer financial gains from delayed care and payment (Resolution 829) and to advocate that low-cost medications and procedures should not require prior authorization (Resolution 808).

The AMA was also directed to develop and disseminate model AI learning objectives and curricular toolkits integrating AI literacy into undergraduate and graduate education; and to support AI CME offerings to upskill the current workforce and advocate for funding and faculty development resources to implement and evaluate AI training initiatives (Resolution 307).

The AMA also called for comprehensive federal legislation and regulations regarding deep-fake technology to uphold medical profession integrity, increase awareness of the associated risks, and safeguard patients (Resolution 202).

Wearable Devices

The AMA was directed to develop new ethical guidance to address the use of personal or wearable recording devices by physicians and patients in clinical encounters. Further study is needed for more extensive recommendations, explicitly to define such devices, their use context, and issues of physician and patient privacy, safety, and security (Resolution 002).

Non-Medical Switching

The AMA was directed to oppose the practice of non-medical switching by PBMs and insurers, except when clinically justified and approved by the prescribing physician. And to provide and disseminate a detailed study on patient outcomes, medication adherence, and the clinical and economic impact of this entire process (Resolution 811).

Laser Surgery Delegation

The DSC shaped and strongly supported the AMA adopted new policy affirming that laser surgery should only be performed by physicians, or by non-physicians only when they are appropriately licensed and directly supervised by a physician trained in the procedure. This ensures patient safety and maintains high standards for laser-based treatments, which continue to expand in outpatient dermatologic care.

For dermatology, this policy clarifies the appropriate role of non-physician clinicians while preserving necessary physician oversight particularly important given the growing number of aesthetic and laser procedures performed outside traditional medical settings (BOT Report 22).

NP/PA Movement Between Specialties

The DSC strongly supported that AMA adopt a comprehensive report addressing the movement of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) between medical specialties. The policy encourages hospitals and employers to ensure that the training and certification of NPs and PAs match the specialty in which they practice, rather than allowing unrestricted movement without corresponding specialty experience.

The report also calls for educating policymakers on the implications of inter-specialty movement and supporting research on how such transitions affect care quality, patient safety, and system costs (BOT Report 22).

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Update on FDA Workshop on Patch Testing

A public workshop on the Approval of New Patch Tests for the Diagnosis of Allergic Contact Dermatitis was held by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on October 23, 2025. A robust discussion was held on allergic contact dermatitis and patch testing with involvement by multiple ACDS members including Drs. Alison Ehrlich, Jennifer Chen, Jeff Yu, Donald Belsito, Joel DeKoven, Amber Atwater, Bruce Brod, Alexandra Flamm, Jim Taylor, and Joseph Fowler.

The FDA will be publishing the proceedings of this workshop in an upcoming issue of Dermatitis. Additionally a joint letter with the ACDS, American Academy of Dermatology, American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, and American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, was sent to the FDA to advocate for continued access to a broad array of allergens via comprehensive patch testing and to request a meeting to further collaborate on this important topic.

Submitted by:
Bruce A. Brod, MD, FAAD
Alex Flamm, MD, FAAD
James S. Taylor, MD, FAAD

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The Next Five Years of DERMATITIS….

After close to 20 years of outstanding leadership of our journal, DERMATITIS, Ponciano “Chito” Cruz, stepped away from the Editor-In-Chief position at the end of 2020. I assumed my duties as Editor-in-Chief on January 1, 2021, with a five-year contract with the American Contact Dermatitis Society (ACDS), which expired December 31, 2025. The time has passed quickly. Earlier in 2025, I renewed my contract with the ACDS to continue my activities as Editor-In-Chief of our journal, allowing me to serve as Editor-In-Chief for another five years.

During the past five years, there has been a lot of change with the journal. There have been changes in the composition of editorial board to include resignations and recruitment of new editorial board members, new features for the journal such as a fifth domain of interest (Environmental Dermatitis), themed “bonus” issues related to Atopic Dermatitis, a special issue in 2025 related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Other new features include “Practical techniques” and “Images in Dermatitis”, continuing medical education (CME) credits for completing the self-assessment quiz and for completing manuscript reviews for the journal.

There was a change in our publisher from Wolters Kluwer to MaryAnn Liebert which occurred during 2022. In 2025, MaryAnn Leibert was purchased by SAGE publishing company, and our current publisher is MaryAnn Liebert/SAGE. In 2025, we also launched a social media platform (LinkedIn) to disseminate information about the journal and we are planning to expand our presence to other social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. The journal has evolved and embraced all of these changes.

It has been an honor and privilege to lead the journal over the last five years. I have had the pleasure of working with thoughtful, dedicated volunteers who support the journal by generously donating their time to support our efforts. These include the editorial board members (deputy, associate and section editors), the advisory board, the publication committee and the numerous reviewers who repeatedly lend their expertise to the journal in the peer-review process. As part of my duties, I have seen a great number of tremendous research manuscripts submitted to the journal. These manuscripts are a testament to the creativity, work ethic and organizational skills of the authors.

The ACDS and its administrative staff and the executive committee have been tremendously supportive of the journal and have a major role in the journal’s success. Lastly, the efforts of our administrative assistant in the DERMATITIS Editorial Office, Ms. Jo Urquhart deserves special mention and thanks. Her dedication is tremendous, as she has held this position for over twenty years. She tirelessly runs the day-to-day operations of the journal and serves as a liaison with our publisher. She truly is the "glue" that holds the journal together.

I look forward to the next five years and I am optimistic about the future for the journal. The challenges we face in the near future include enhancing the scientific standing of the journal in the dermatology and contact dermatitis communities and managing its growth as well as addressing any unanticipated challenges that arise. Considering all of the outstanding support available to the journal, I am confident DERMATITIS will continue to thrive.
 

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Enhanced Reviewer Reward Program

During the 2025 calendar year, we have had over 200 unique reviewers who have served as peer-reviewers for close to 600 manuscripts that have been submitted during this past calendar year. Many of these reviewers have served as referees for new submissions as well as revised manuscripts and have provided their expertise on a volunteer basis. Additionally, many of these peer-reviewers have critiqued multiple unique submissions during 2025. The journal is extremely grateful for all of these reviewers who have selflessly donated their time and unique expertise to support our mission of publishing the best science in DERMATITIS.

Our past reviewer reward program consisted of 1 hour of category I continuing CME credits for the review of five unique manuscripts (either studies or reviews). Our reviewers take advantage of this CME, which is required in many states for renewal of medical licenses. This CME program will continue.

A new program has just been launched for reviewers for DERMATITIS. In addition to our existing CME program for manuscript reviews, SAGE publishing group now offers to our reviewers the following free advantages:

• 60 days access to all Sage journals
• 20% discount for Sage Author Services

Please visit the following link to explore the world of SAGE journals. In addition to DERMATITIS, SAGE Publishing offers over 1,100 peer-review journals, including humanities, social sciences, science, technology, engineering and medicine. Reviewers will receive instructions on how to access rewards via email, once they have successfully submitted their review to the Journal’s online manuscript system.

www.sagepub.com/journals/information-for-reviewers/reviewer-benefits

I have already accessed this link. Under the medicine category, there are many titles that are of interest to the reviewers for DERMATITIS. Some of the topics covered by these journals are as follows: AIDS care, Allergy, Antiviral therapy, Pediatrics, Clinical Trials, Immunology, Environmental Medicine, Women’s Health, Toxicology, Pathology, Public Health, Aging, Plastic Surgery, LGBT Health, and many other medical subjects of interest to those in the Health Sciences.

Submitted by:
Anthony Gaspari, MD
Dermatitis Editor-in-Chief

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The American Contact Dermatitis Society is committed to advancing the care and understanding of dermatology and allergy through the promotion of education, research and advocacy. As part of this initiative, ACDS offers the following educational awards to help encourage research in these areas:

Clinical Research Award

The American Contact Dermatitis Society offers awards for the purpose of relevant clinical studies directed toward the subject of contact dermatitis. Studies that focus on clinical problems or have applications to clinical problems will receive preferential consideration.

Click here to see a list of past Clinical Research Award recipients.

Mentoring Award

ACDS Mentoring Awards are granted for the purpose of assisting young dermatologists including dermatology residents, dermatology fellows, or dermatologist up to 5 years out of residency to become leaders/experts in the field of contact dermatitis by acquiring additional academic skills which may not be available at their training institutions.

Click here to see a list of past Mentoring Award recipients.

Mid-Career Award

The ACDS Mid-Career Development Award provides financial support for ACDS members to defray the cost of acquiring specific skills and knowledge to enhance their professional development in some aspect of contact dermatitis and/or occupational dermatology.

Click here to see a list of past Mid-Career Award recipients.

For more information on any of these opportunities,
please visit our website here.

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CAMP Update

2025 has been a busy year for CAMP! Closing out the year with over 80,000 registered users and officially running CAMP 3.0, the team worked hard to upgrade the system in several ways: 

1. Comprehensive review of all existing Allergen Information sheets in preparation for translation into Spanish.
2. Development of 8 new Diet Resource sheets. 
3. Activation of the “Purchase” feature for select brands enabling users to purchase safe products in CAMP directly from online retailers. 
4. Expanded and updated selection of prescription medication and glove options.
5. Upgraded software to improve UPC scanning functionality. 
6. And more! 

Please read below for more details on the latest CAMP updates!
 

CAMP Internship Opportunity

The ACDS is pleased to announce the Dave Severson CAMP internship, available to medical students, dermatology residents and dermatology fellows who have a strong interest in contact dermatitis. This internship will be conducted over a twelve-week period, throughout the months of June, July, and August of 2026, and will focus on developing CAMP training materials and designing and writing a CAMP-related publication. The internship will require a minimum of 20 hours per week and will include a $2,000 stipend. 

If you know someone who would be a good fit for this internship, we invite you to pass this information along and encourage them to apply by Wednesday, April 15, 2026; 11:59pm CST at the link below. Additional questions can be forwarded to info@contactderm.org.
 

Apply Now!
 

Research with CAMP

We are now accepting data requests under the newly developed CAMP Research Program. This exciting new program was developed by the ACDS as part of its commitment to advancing the care and understanding of dermatitis and allergy and is intended to be a formal platform for accessing CAMP data for approved research projects. 

Please click below to learn more about project eligibility and how to submit a data request.
 

Learn More
 

UPC Scanner Update

We recently released an update to the CAMP app with an upgraded UPC Scanning Tool.  This is a very popular tool with CAMP patient users, and the upgraded version will provide improved functionality with scanning speed, camera focusing, and variable lighting conditions across a more comprehensive range of Android and iPhone models with various operating system versions.  

The CAMP app is programmed to alert users when an update has been released. However, some users are in the habit of accessing CAMP on a monthly or yearly basis, so please mention this important update to all new and existing patients to ensure they have CAMP Version 3.0 installed on their phones. Users can visit the App Store or Google Play Store, depending on their device, and search ACDS CAMP to verify and update their app. 
 

Educational Resources – Spanish versions coming soon!

We want to extend a HUGE thank you to the CAMP Education Committee for all their hard work updating existing, and creating new, educational handouts for CAMP. 

Round 1 Allergen Narratives: The committee just wrapped up a comprehensive review of all existing handouts published with the CAMP 2.0 launch. The fully updated handouts have been uploaded in CAMP. They are available in the Provider View Learning Center and will automatically update for all patients registered with a relevant allergen. These Round 1 narratives are currently being translated into Spanish and are expected to be available in CAMP in early March. Stay tuned for additional announcements on accessing Spanish resources to make them available for your patients. 

Round 2 Allergen Narratives: The committee has begun the process of creating another round of educational handouts for an additional 60 allergens. Round 2 narratives are expected to be finalized this spring and will be available in both English and Spanish formats. 

Diet Sheets: We are excited to announce that the following diet sheets are now available in CAMP: 

• Nickel
• Cobalt
• Benzoic Acid
• Propylene Glycol
• Parabens
• Chromium
• Balsam of Peru
• Formaldehyde 

Spanish versions are expected to be available in early March. As a reminder, Diet Sheets are not automatically included in your patient’s CAMP account. Please see the graphic below for details on how Allergen Information Sheets and Dietary Sheets are programmed in CAMP:

For more information, and for tips on creating a safe list, click below to access the Safe List Settings Tips handout:
 

Access Tips Handout
 

New Cross-Reactor Changes

A big shoutout to the CAMP Cross-Reactor Committee for their continued work managing the many CAMP cross-reactor lists. After a recent review, we would like to let you know about changes in programming to the para-phenylenediamine (PPD) cross-reactor group. 

Previously in CAMP, the PPD cross-reactor group excluded all PPD and toluene-2,5-diamine sulfate (PTDS)-related ingredients for patients who tested positive to PPD, PTDS, or both.  

In an effort to expand safe product options, especially hair dye, the cross-reactor groups have been adjusted. Options will include Restrictive, PPD positive PTDS negative, and PPD negative PTDS positive.
 

Updating Allergen Search Codes 

It is possible that you will need to adjust to your patient’s allergen list after they have registered an account with the initial set of search codes you gave them. 

CAMP is programmed so that the settings associated with a set of codes can be easily changed through the Update feature. It is not necessary to issue new codes each time you need to make changes to a patient’s safe list. 

Remember to modify Allergen Search Codes when: 

• There are new allergens after a late read or additional patch testing has been completed.
• You want to modify cross-reactor settings to be more or less restrictive
• You want to add handouts to your patient’s account, like a diet sheet

Click below to watch this quick video about how to update allergen search codes: 

Visit the Learning Center in your ACDS member account for more information about CAMP and for helpful resources on how the CAMP system works:
 

Learning Center

Questions? Contact the CAMP team at:

campinfo@contactderm.org
(414) 918-9805

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American Contact Dermatitis Society^®
555 East Wells Street, Suite 1100 | Milwaukee, WI 53202
P: (414) 918-9805 | F: (414) 276-3349 | info@contactderm.org

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