SUMMARY
The research interests of Mark Denis P. Davis, M.D., include the epidemiology of skin diseases; inflammatory skin conditions, such as dermatitis and connective tissue disease; complex medical dermatology; hospital dermatology; allergic contact dermatitis with associated patch testing; as well as the causes of wounds and wound care. Dr. Davis also is interested in vascular disorders. These include erythromelalgia and acrocyanosis, flushing, and skin conditions that are the result of small fiber neuropathy.
Mayo Clinic is a world leader in treating patients with rare and serious conditions. As a leader in Mayo Clinic's Department of Dermatology, Dr. Davis has opportunities to observe and describe these conditions in great depth. This includes providing insights into the clinical presentations and diagnoses of these conditions, as well as reporting on the results of therapeutic interventions.
Focus areas
- Epidemiology of skin diseases. Dr. Davis and his colleagues have been able to describe the incidence and prevalence of multiple skin diseases utilizing resources from the Rochester Epidemiology Project.
- Inflammatory skin diseases. Dr. Davis and his colleagues have done several studies looking back at groups of patients with inflammatory skin diseases. In these studies, they have investigated conditions including different forms of dermatitis and connective tissue diseases.
- Hospital dermatology. Mayo Clinic's Department of Dermatology has an active hospital service. Dr. Davis and his group frequently publish observations on hospital patients with skin diseases.
- Allergic contact dermatitis and patch testing. Dermatitis, which is often caused by a contact allergy, is best diagnosed with patch testing. Members of Mayo Clinic's dermatology department process some of the largest numbers of patch tests in the U.S. and frequently publish their findings. Dr. Davis and his colleagues are observing new and upcoming allergens that may be relevant to the dermatitis experienced by patients.
- Wounds and wound care. Dr. Davis and his colleagues see many patients with unusual wounds. They often publish observations concerning the causes and guidance on how to best manage these wounds. Topics vary from infectious to noninfectious diseases including pyoderma gangrenosum.
- Vascular disorders including flushing disorders. Flushing disorders, including erythromelalgia and acrocyanosis, are among the most difficult conditions to treat. Dr. Davis and colleagues have accumulated a large amount of experience seeing patients with these flushing disorders, particularly erythromelalgia. The department publishes some of the largest numbers of experiences in the world literature on these conditions.
- Small fiber neuropathy and the skin. Many conditions associated with small fiber neuropathy may show up in the skin. Dr. Davis and other department members have a special interest in this area. They work with colleagues in neurology to care for patients with skin signs of small fiber neuropathy.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Davis' research is driven by his direct experience with patients. Meanwhile, his research describing large groups of patients with similar issues can provide insights into why a condition occurs, as well as how to best recognize and treat it. His work helps Mayo Clinic develop new therapeutics, both topical and systemic, to treat multiple complex conditions affecting the skin.
Professional highlights
- Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic:
- Chair, 2017-present.
- Teacher of the Year Award, 2000.
- Paul A. O'Leary Award for Excellence in Clinical Care, 1997.
- Citation for reviewing Erythromelalgia Report, National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), 2023.
- International Leadership Certificate of Appreciation, International League of Dermatological Societies, 2022.
- Presidential Citation Award, American Academy of Dermatology, 2022.
- Outstanding Faculty Award, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic, 2018.
- Excellence in Teaching Recognition, Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine:
- Second prize, Clinical Presentation Award, 8th Congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 1999.