Allergic skin disease and drug allergy

By the end of the course, participants should be able to:

• Critically evaluate the interaction between genetics, skin barriers and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of atopic eczema both in the literature and in practice examples.
• Identify the pathogenic factors within potential preventative, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for allergic skin diseases and drug allergy.
• Design diagnostic and management plans to address a range of scenarios in practice, including complex or uncommon cases.
• Propose a differential diagnosis and diagnostic work-up based on the clinical history and examination in children and adults with allergic skin diseases and drug allergy.
• Integrate the findings of the clinical history, examination and diagnostic tests to formulate a proposed diagnosis in children and adults with allergic skin diseases and drug allergy.
• Formulate an optimal management plan in children and adults with allergic skin diseases and drug allergy, including complex and uncommon cases.
• Assess current controversies and knowledge gaps in the prevention, diagnosis and management of allergic skin diseases and drug allergy, and how these apply to specific scenarios or patients.

Teaching delivery format
The course has been devised in an attractive and innovative format combining asynchronous materials (e.g. pre-recorded sessions, reading lists and web-based resources) as well as live interactive sessions, both online and on campus. A range of formats will be used to encourage active learning, including ‘meet the expert question & answer’ sessions, focused discussions, interactive case-based sessions as well as group work. Practical ‘hands-on’ elements will be covered on the optional on campus half day.

A ‘course launch webinar’ will be held in April for registered participants to introduce the course and help you get organised to maximize your learning experience. 

Key dates & provisional times (UK time): 

• 14 April 2025  (3pm, 20 mins): Launch webinar (online)
• 24 April 2025 (approx. 2.00 - 6.00pm):  Live online teaching
• 6 May 2025 (approx. 1.30 - 6.00pm): Live online teaching
• 22 May 2025 (approx. 9.00am - 12.30pm): Live teaching – students can choose to attend online or on campus*.

*The on-campus teaching will be held at our South Kensington or Royal Brompton campus – live streaming will be made available for those that choose to follow the course online.

Planned sessions & topics

• The skin immune system
• Prevention strategies for atopic eczema
• Diagnosis and differential diagnosis in atopic eczema
• Advanced management of difficult atopic eczema
• Food Allergy and Skin
• Photodermatoses
• Diagnosis and Management of contact Dermatitis (advanced)
• Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions
• Update in Chronic urticaria
• Management of hereditary and acquired angioedemas
• Mastocytosis and mast cell activation disorders
• Complex skin allergy case studies in paediatrics
• Complex skin allergy Case studies in adults
• Case based discussions, including group work and student-led sessions
• Hands-on practical aspects of diagnosis and management of allergic skin disease (topical products, advanced treatment plans, patch testing)
• Interactive case in Severe Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions
• Drug desensitization

The course is suitable for doctors (GPs, specialist trainees and consultants in Allergy, Paediatrics, Dermatology), as well as nurses and other healthcare professionals wishing to improve their ability to manage patients with allergic skin diseases in daily practice. The course is also suitable for basic scientists and professionals working in industry willing to further their career in the field of allergic skin diseases.

CME approval from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) will be sought.  All participants will be awarded an Imperial College London Certificate of Attendance on completion of the course.

Participants have the option of completing an assessment component and on completion will be provided with an official Imperial College London transcript of results. Please note that there is an additional assessment fee payable in full prior to submission date.

The assessments will take place usually 1-3 weeks after the course dates This course includes two individual assessments, as follows:

A 1500 word critical review article on skin manifestations of hypersensitivity reactions to drugs. You will be asked to assess and critique the current understanding of pathophysiology, phenotypes, mechanisms, diagnosis, investigation and management of non-immediate (Type IV) cutaneous adverse drug reactions with reference to national/international guidelines and contemporary literature. This accounts for 80% of the final mark for this course.

A 20 questions timed online quiz with a strong case/image-basis and practical focus, addressing questions on the pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis and management of allergic skin conditions. This accounts for 80% of the final mark for this course.

Full details of the assessment and deadline for submission will be given during the course. Please contact us for further information.