Dermatology Research

Penn Dermatology has a long history of driving innovation in research involving the skin and its diseases. In recent years, it has continually ranked among the top five dermatology departments in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, and is often ranked at the top. In recent years, the Dermatology Online Journal has ranked Penn Dermatology first in the country.

As a national leader in basic science, translational research and clinical trials, Penn Dermatology offers patients access to the latest treatment options before they are widely available elsewhere. Many methods used around the world for diagnosing and treating skin disorders, skin diseases and hair and nail problems were developed by Penn researchers.

Penn Dermatology is one of the few institutions in the country with dedicated dermatologic research laboratories and dermatopathology facilities providing comprehensive diagnostic testing to Penn and community-based physicians across the country.

Penn Dermatology offers a world-renowned program in hair follicle biology and skin regeneration and conducts leading skin cancer research. In addition, the department has taken an early initiative in conducting skin microbiome research, a newer area of study in dermatologic research.

Penn's dermatology research interests include several areas:

• Basic biology and pathophysiology of stratified squamous epithelia, including epidermis and hair
• Pathophysiology and immunology of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
• Dermatoepidemiology and clinical studies
• Clinical care and basic pathophysiology of autoimmune blistering and rheumatologic skin diseases

Penn Dermatology trains many postdoctoral research fellows and is one of the few dermatology departments in the country with dedicated dermatologic research laboratories, centers and training opportunities, including a T32 Training Grant and Skin Disease Research Center.