4th Annual Pigmentary Disorders Exchange (PDE) Symposium

4th Annual Pigmentary Disorders Exchange (PDE) Symposium is organized by MedscapeLIVE and will be held from Jun 06 - 07, 2026 at Loews Chicago Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America.

Description:
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

Learning Objectives:
As a result of participating in this live activity, participants should be better able to:

• Review the epidemiology, prevalence and etiopathogenesis of pigmentary disorders across all skin phototypes.
• Identify the clinical features of pigmentary disorders that contribute to the burden of disease, psychosocial implications, and diminished quality of life.
• Apply best practices for achieving a timely and accurate diagnosis of pigmentary disorders to initiate appropriate treatment.
• Evaluate available clinical evidence on the mechanism of action, efficacy, safety, and tolerability of available treatment modalities for pigmentary disorders.
• Discuss new and emerging treatments in the context of disease pathogenesis, as well as recent clinical trial results.
• Summarize features and benefits of cosmeceutical and photoprotection product use as part of a comprehensive treatment care regimen for dyspigmentation.
• Select multimodality treatment plans for pigmentary disorders that reflect current evidence-based recommendations and take patient-specific factors into consideration.
• Describe the indications for the use of lasers and phototherapy devices in patients with pigmentary disorders across skin phototypes, and how to mitigate the risks of complications with laser use.
• Integrate mental health screening and patient education strategies to encourage adherence to therapeutic regimens, prevent recurrence, and improve quality of life.
• Apply confidence in their ability to communicate effectively and work as part of the interprofessional team to optimize patient care.