NC Down Syndrome Virtual Speaker Series | Skin Conditions and Down syndrome

In this session, you will learn about skin conditions seen in people with Down syndrome. The skin is our biggest organ and certainly the most visible, so there will be a lot to discuss! We will start with more common conditions such as dry skin and lips, folliculitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, alopecia areata, and infections such as athlete’s foot. We will also discuss less common but important skin conditions to know about including syringomas and elastosis perforans serpiginosa. We will focus on practical tips on how to take care of these conditions. When appropriate, we will discuss how the immune system interacts with the skin and could explain why certain skin conditions are more common in people with Down syndrome.

Dr. Jillian Rork is a pediatric dermatologist at Dartmouth Health in Manchester, New Hampshire. She is also a clinical assistant professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at Dartmouth Medical School. She grew up in New Hampshire, attended Dartmouth College where she majored in French, and then Harvard Medical School. She is passionate about all things skin and Down syndrome. She specializes in treating individuals with Down syndrome and promoting education and research in this area. She is the co-chair of the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance Down Syndrome Subgroup and collaborates regularly with colleagues within the Down Syndrome Medical Interest Group. Dr. Rork loves reading, playing the saxophone, fly fishing, trying new foods, and hanging out with her husband, two kids, and lop-eared bunny.