About

Professor Robert A. Schwartz is a faculty member at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, serving as Professor and Head of the Department of Dermatology within the Department of Medicine. He holds an MD degree obtained in 1974 from New York Medical College and an MPH earned in 1970 from the University of California, Berkeley. His extensive contributions to dermatology include authorship of notable publications such as 'Skin Cancer: Recognition and Management,' which has been published in multiple editions, and other significant works on dermatology diagnosis and skin cancer. Dr. Schwartz's areas of interest encompass a wide range of dermatological conditions, including Kaposi's sarcoma, Lyme disease, acanthosis nigricans, acne, cutaneous markers of internal malignancy, dermatologic allergy and immunology, epidermal keratinocyte tumors, immunotherapy applications, melanoma, necrotizing fasciitis, skin cancer, vitiligo, and vitiligo. His research and clinical focus are dedicated to the recognition, management, and treatment of these dermatological conditions, contributing substantially to the field through over 200 book chapters, 500 full publications, and 200 abstracts and other works.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Dermatology
• Political Science
• Pharmacology
• Sociology
• Internal medicine
• Intensive care medicine
• History
• Surgery
• Economics
• Law
• Immunology
• Virology
• Public relations
• Economic growth
• Demography
• Development economics

Selected publications

• Keratin-TMAO dressing accelerates full-thickness skin wound healing in diabetic rats via M2-macrophage polarization and the activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

  International Journal of Biological Macromolecules · 2025-04-22 · 4 citations

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Clinical practice guidelines for the management of basal cell carcinoma in Gorlin syndrome

  Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology · 2025-10-25

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Solar cheilosis: a comprehensive narrative review

  Italian Journal of Dermatology and Venereology · 2025-02-01

  reviewSenior author

  Solar cheilosis is a premalignant disease of the lip, typically presenting on the lower lip as a precursor to in situ squamous cell carcinoma. It is primarily caused by chronic exposure to sunlight and predominantly affects individuals with lighter skin pigmentation. This review explores solar cheilosis while providing an update on its epidemiology, etiology, pathogenesis, disease course, and other recent advancements. Specifically, we discuss the various molecular markers involved in the pathogenesis of solar cheilosis and their respective functions. Through our analysis, we aim to highlight the various clinical manifestations of solar cheilosis, emphasizing the importance of early detection, assessing risk factors, and analysis of histopathology to help confirm a diagnosis of solar cheilosis. Finally, we outline the latest available treatment modalities, ranging from conservative (non-surgical) approaches to surgical approaches. These conservative approaches include the use of laser therapy, topical agents, photodynamic therapy, and cryotherapy, while the most frequently employed surgical approach for treating solar cheilosis involves vermilionectomy.

  PublisherDOI

• Respiratory Effects of Vaping Nicotine and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)

  American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine · 2025-05-01 · 1 citations

  article

  Abstract Rationale: Electronic cigarettes (or vaping) are reported to cause pneumothorax, interstitial lung disease and several forms of non-infectious pneumonia. Their impact on lung function is poorly understood, due to evolving e-cigarette devices and vape liquid formulation. Respiratory oscillometry is an emerging modality of pulmonary function tests (PFTs), which is performed during tidal breathing and is more sensitive than standard PFT (spirometry and plethysmograph) for early detection of lung disease. Objective: To evaluate the respiratory effects of nicotine and THC vape using oscillometry and standard PFTs. Methods: We recruited non-vapers, nicotine only, THC only and dual nicotine-THC vapers between ages 18-45 years old. To be eligible, non-vapers must not have smoked cigarettes or any combustible products, nor have a history of respiratory disease. Vapers were required to have vaped at least 20 days per month for a minimum of one year and must not have smoked more than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Consented participants were assessed with both spectral and intrabreath oscillometry, standard PFT (spirometry, lung volumes, diffusing capacity), and computed tomography chest imaging at Toronto General Hospital. Results: We enrolled 81 participants (35 [12M/23F] non-vapers, 18 [9M/9F] nicotine vapers, 26 [10M/16F] THC vapers and 2 [1M/1F] dual nicotine and THC vapers). Dual users were excluded from analysis due to the small number. Standard PFTs and oscillometry were normal for all 3 groups. No statistically significant differences were observed in conventional PFTs amongst the non-vapers, nicotine-only, and THC-only vapers. However, oscillometry revealed statistically significant poorer respiratory mechanics among vapers, particularly THC vapers, compared with non-vapers. Conclusion: Although standard PFT were normal in all groups, oscillometry found worse respiratory mechanics in THC vapers. Further longitudinal analysis is needed to assess whether continuous vape use has an impact on respiratory health.

  PublisherDOI

• Hailey-Hailey disease: A review and an approach to management

  JAAD reviews. · 2025-03-09 · 2 citations

  reviewOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Hailey-Hailey disease is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis caused by a mutation of the ATP2C1 gene, located on chromosome 3, region q22.1. It is characterized by crusted, macerated erosions, and dry scaly eczematous patches in the intertriginous areas. Superinfection with bacteria and fungi is common and leads to malodorous and vegetative plaques. Diagnosis is suggested by the clinical morphology, family history, and locations limited to intertriginous areas. Histopathologic examination is required for diagnosis and reveals a characteristic "dilapidated brick wall" appearance of the epidermis. Corticosteroids and antimicrobial medications, along with lifestyle modifications, are the cornerstone of therapy for limited disease. For severe and recalcitrant disease, treatment options are scarce with a lack of substantial evidence of efficacy. In this article, we provide the most up-to-date and comprehensive review on the pathogenesis, grading system for disease severity, and an approach to management of Hailey-Hailey disease.

  PublisherDOI

• International Dermatology Congresses in Riga, Latvia, since 1990: reflections upon 35 notable years

  Dermatology Review · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Keratin‐Acetate Dressing Accelerates Diabetic Wound Healing, Promotes M2 Macrophage Polarization and Increases Cytokeratins 16 and 17 Expression–In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

  Macromolecular Bioscience · 2025-10-21 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  A novel keratin-based wound dressing enriched with sodium acetate (FKDP+0.1%Act) was developed to address the constant challenges of chronic wound healing in diabetes. By combining bioactive keratin fibers with the anti-inflammatory properties of acetate, this study explored the material's regenerative and immunomodulatory potential using in vitro models of keratinocytes and macrophages, alongside full-thickness wounds in diabetic rats. FKDP+0.1%Act markedly accelerated wound closure and improved tissue architecture during early healing. It promoted a shift toward pro-regenerative M2 macrophage polarization, reduced M1-associated markers and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) expression, and significantly upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cytokeratins 16 and 17 (KRT16/17) - key angiogenesis and epidermal repair mediators. These effects were consistently observed across in vivo and in vitro methods, highlighting a synergistic interaction between keratin and acetate. The dressing preserved structural integrity, demonstrated favorable cytocompatibility, and modulated key inflammatory and regenerative pathways. These findings underscore the translational potential of FKDP+0.1%Act as a dual-functional biomaterial capable of enhancing epithelial regeneration and reprogramming inflammatory responses in impaired diabetic wound environments.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Angina Bullosa Hemorrhagica an Elusive Localized Blood-Filled Vesiculo-bullous Condition of the Oral Mucosa Case Presentation and Literature Review

  Bratislavské lekárske listy/Bratislava medical journal · 2025-08-05 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Abstract Angina bullosa hemorrhagica (ABH) is a rare, self-limiting oral mucosal condition characterized by the spontaneous onset of blood-filled vesicles or bullae which are not associated with mucocutaneous blistering diseases, hematological malignancies, genetic/acquired bleeding diathesis or vascular anomalies. These blood-filled bullae are minimally symptomatic, leave shallow erosions upon rupture and heal without scarring. ABH usually affects middle-aged or older individuals with predilection for lining mucosa, and particularly the soft palate. Although most cases are solitary, multiple and/or recurrent lesions are possible. The etiology of ABH remains unclear but diabetes, hypertension, chronic use of inhaled corticosteroids and mucosal trauma during oral functions/procedures have been implicated as risk factors or triggers. Differentiation of ABH from serious conditions with similar oral presentation is important and in most cases; diagnosis can be accomplished on clinical grounds through a detailed history and physical, focused review of systems and screening blood work. Although microscopic exam of ABH shows subepithelial clefting, it does not have an immunopathologic basis and biopsy for direct immunofluorescence should be reserved for atypical situations. Management of ABH includes patient reassurance and education as well as symptomatic treatment, if necessary. Although cases of ABH have been reported in the dental, oral medicine and dermatology literature, this idiopathic entity is not well-recognized by clinicians. In this review, we present an illustrative case to detail the presentation, clinical course, and diagnostic algorithm of ABH as well as highlight features differentiating it from clinical mimics to raise awareness, facilitate recognition, minimize unnecessary diagnostic procedures and prevent misdiagnosis.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder: 21st Century Challenges

  International Journal of Dermatology · 2025-02-28 · 3 citations

  reviewOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Body dysmorphic disorder, now recognized as an obsessive-compulsive and related disorder, combines ideas of beauty and glamour with inordinate widespread concern, mainly affecting young people and those seeking to remain youthful. We update concepts of this disorder in an era with multiple social media providing a setting for communication and information sharing.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Netherton Syndrome -- a therapeutic challenge in childhood

  2024-03-16

  preprintOpen access

  Netherton syndrome (NS) is a rare autosomal recessive genodermatosis (OMIM #256500) characterized by superficial scaling, atopic manifestations, and multisystemic complications. It is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the SPINK5 gene, which encode a key kallikrein protease inhibitor. There are two subtypes of the syndrome that differ in clinical presentation and immune

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Frequent coauthors

• W. Clark Lambert

  Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

  218 shared

• C K Janniger

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  186 shared

• W Clark Lambert

  Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

  116 shared

• Rajendra Kapila

  Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

  93 shared

• Marc Z. Handler

  Center for Discovery

  84 shared

• Albert Alhatem

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  66 shared

• W. Clark Lambert

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  53 shared

• Muriel W. Lambert

  Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille

  43 shared

Education

• M.D.

  New York Medical College

  1974

• Other

  University of California, Berkeley

  1970