Ep 109: Pediatric HS - Earlier Recognition, Better Care with Dr. Cathryn Sibbald

“You can’t just rely on patients to bring up these concerns.”

Dr. Cathryn Sibbald returns to JCMS Author Interviews for a practical discussion of pediatric hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) with host Dr. Kirk Barber. From recognizing early signs to deciding when to escalate treatment, they explore how clinicians can help prevent irreversible scarring and address the profound effects of HS on school, friendships and mental health.

Their conversation covers:

• Screening for HS, including in children with trisomy 21.
• When to consider systemic treatment and advanced targeted therapies.
• The roles of antibiotics, biologics, hormonal treatments, laser and surgery.
• Adapting adult treatment evidence to pediatric care.
• Simple questions that reveal the impact of disease on a young patient’s life.

Dr. Sibbald is a pediatric dermatologist at SickKids in Toronto and an associate professor at the University of Toronto, cross-appointed in pediatrics and medicine. Her research focuses on inflammatory skin diseases, alongside education and research leadership through the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance.

The discussion draws on “Clinical Characteristics and Management of Pediatric Hidradenitis Suppurativa,” published in the September/October 2026 issue of JCMS, and the forthcoming “Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Living International Guidelines for Advanced Targeted Therapies.”

For more clinical insights from Dr. Sibbald, listen to Episode 90, featuring her practical guide to treating alopecia areata.

And be sure to check out the new season of Dermalogues, the CDA’s resident podcast hosted by Dr. Kerri Purdy. New episodes are dropping now.

This podcast is produced for the CDA by David McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca

To learn more about the work of the CDA visit dermatology.ca