Ladan Afifi Straker
Assistant Professor, Dermatology
School of Medicine
School of Medicine
Associate Residency Program Director, Dermatology
School of Medicine
School of Medicine
M.D., University of Miami - Miller School of Medicine, 2018
M.S., Columbia University Medical Center, 2011, Human Nutrition
B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 2009, Public Health
M.S., Columbia University Medical Center, 2011, Human Nutrition
B.A., University of California, Berkeley, 2009, Public Health
Email: lafifi@uci.edu
University of California, Irvine
118 Medical Surge 1
Irvine, CA 92697
118 Medical Surge 1
Irvine, CA 92697
Awards and Honors
2026 – Orange County Physicians of Excellence Honor Nominee
2025 – Orange County Physicians of Excellence Honor Nominee
2021 – UCLA Division of Dermatology Team Player Award
2020 – Women’s Dermatologic Society Mentorship Award
2018 – American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow-Rubin Award
2017 – Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
2017 – Gold Humanism Honor Society
2025 – Orange County Physicians of Excellence Honor Nominee
2021 – UCLA Division of Dermatology Team Player Award
2020 – Women’s Dermatologic Society Mentorship Award
2018 – American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow-Rubin Award
2017 – Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society
2017 – Gold Humanism Honor Society
Publications
1. Gleason L, Afifi L, Banner L, Talasila S, Joffe D, Bhatti S, Alpdogan O, Porcu P, Nikbakht N. Challenges in utilizing ALK expression to distinguish primary cutaneous from systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Mol Clin Oncol. 2024 Mar 19;20(5):35.
2. Noveir SD, Afifi L, Nguyen KA, Cheng CE, Bach DQ. Patterns and determinants of pediatric dermatologic care in the United States: An evaluation of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2009 to 2015. Pediatric Dermatology Sep-Oct 2023; 40(5): 829-834.
3. Afifi L, Oparaugo NC, Hogeling M. Review of traction alopecia in the pediatric patient: Diagnosis, prevention, and management. Pediatr Dermatol. 2021 Nov;38 Suppl 2:42-48.
4. Dupuy E, Afifi L, Jonas SJ, Cheng CE, Hogeling M. A Case of severe mosquito bite allergy complicated by fatal hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Pediatr Dermatol. 2022 May;39(3):443-446.
5. Wu J, Afifi L, Sachsman SM. Diffuse subcutaneous nodules in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Int J Dermatol. 2021 Jul;60(7):829-830.
6. Afifi L, Hogan S: Laser Treatment for Scars; Advances in Cosmetic Surgery: 4 (2021):9-23.
7. Young AT, Vora NB, Cortez J, Tam A, Yeniay Y, Afifi L, Yan D, Nosrati A, Wong A, Johal A, Wei ML. The role of technology in melanoma screening and diagnosis. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2021 Mar;34(2):288-300.
8. Afifi L, Ortega-Loayza AG, Shinkai K. Management of classic ulcerative pyoderma gangrenosum. Cutis. 2020 Sep;106(3):119-123.
9. Sanchez IM, Shankle L, Wan MT, Afifi L, Wu JJ, Doris F, Bridges A, Boas M, Lafoy B, Truman S, Orbai AM, Takeshita J, Gelfand JM, Armstrong AW, Siegel MP, Liao W. Building a Citizen Pscientist: Advancing Patient-Centered Psoriasis Research by Empowering Patients as Contributors and Analysts. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2018 Sep;8(3):405-423.
10. Chang HW, Yan D, Singh R, Liu J, Lu X, Ucmak D, Lee K, Afifi L, Fadrosh D, Leech J, Vasquez KS, Lowe MM, Rosenblum MD, Scharschmidt TC, Lynch SV, Liao W. Alteration of the cutaneous microbiome in psoriasis and potential role in Th17 polarization. Microbiome. 2018 Sep 5;6(1):154.
11. Ahn R, Yan D, Chang HW, Lee K, Bhattarai S, Huang ZM, Nakamura M, Singh R, Afifi L, Taravati K, Munoz-Sandoval P, Pauli M, Rosenblum MD, Liao W. RNA-seq and flow-cytometry of conventional, scalp, and palmoplantar psoriasis reveal shared and distinct molecular pathways. Sci Rep. 2018 Jul 27;8(1):11368.
12. Yan D, Afifi L, Jeon C, Cordoro KM, Liao W. A cross-sectional study of the distribution of psoriasis subtypes in different ethno-racial groups. Dermatol Online J. 2018 Jul 15;24(7).
13. Afifi L, Sanchez IM, Wallace MM, Braswell SF, Ortega-Loayza AG, Shinkai K. Diagnosis and management of peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum: A systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018 Jun;78(6):1195-1204.
14. Beck KM, Yang EJ, Afifi L, Yan D, Bhutani T. Oral Agents for Psoriasis. Evidence-Based Psoriasis: Diagnosis and treatment Springer; 1st ed. 2018 edition: 55-71, June 2018.
15. Sekhon S, Jeon C, Nakamura M, Afifi L, Yan D, Wu JJ, Liao W, Bhutani T. Review of the mechanism of action of coal tar in psoriasis. J Dermatolog Treat. 2018 May;29(3):230-232.
16. Afifi L, North JP, Shinkai K. An enlarging, ulcerated scalp nodule. JAAD Case Rep. 2018 Feb 21;4(3):211-213.
17. Patel ZS, Hoffman LK, Buse DC, Grinberg AS, Afifi L, Cohen SR, Lowes MA, Seng EK. Correction to: Pain, Psychological Comorbidities, Disability, and Impaired Quality of Life in Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2017 Nov 18;21(12):52. doi: 10.1007/s11916-017-0653-5. Erratum for: Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2017 Nov 1;21(12):49.
18. Sekhon S, Jeon C, Nakamura M, Yan D, Afifi L, Bhutani T, Levin E. Clinical utility of ixekizumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis (Auckl). 2017 Nov 16;7:65-72.
19. Yan D, Afifi L, Jeon C, Cordoro KM, Liao W. A cross-sectional study of psoriasis triggers among different ethno-racial groups. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Oct;77(4):756-758.e1.
20. Jeon C, Sekhon S, Yan D, Afifi L, Nakamura M, Bhutani T. Monoclonal antibodies inhibiting IL-12, -23, and -17 for the treatment of psoriasis. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2017 Oct 3;13(10):2247-2259.
21. Nakamura M, Lee K, Jeon C, Sekhon S, Afifi L, Yan D, Lee K, Bhutani T. Guselkumab for the Treatment of Psoriasis: A Review of Phase III Trials. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017 Sep;7(3):281-292.
22. Nosrati A, Afifi L, Danesh MJ, Lee K, Yan D, Beroukhim K, Ahn R, Liao W. Dietary modifications in atopic dermatitis: patient-reported outcomes. J Dermatolog Treat. 2017 Sep;28(6):523-53.
23. Afifi L, Shankle L, Armstrong AW, Boas M, Bridges A, Chiguil V, Doris F, Callis Duffin K, Fielding E, Fleischmann R, Gelfand JM, Kiselica M, Kiselica C, LaFoy B, Latella JJ, Takeshita J, Truman S, Wan MT, Wilkerson V, Wu JJ, Siegel MP, Liao W. National Psoriasis Foundation Priorities for Patient-Centered Research: Proceedings from the 2016 Conference. J Psoriasis Psoriatic Arthritis. 2017 Summer;2(3):73-80.
24. Afifi L, Danesh MJ, Lee KM, Beroukhim K, Farahnik B, Ahn RS, Yan D, Singh RK, Nakamura M, Koo J, Liao W. Dietary Behaviors in Psoriasis: Patient-Reported Outcomes from a U.S. National Survey. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017 Jun;7(2):227-242.
25. Yan D, Issa N, Afifi L, Jeon C, Chang HW, Liao W. The Role of the Skin and Gut Microbiome in Psoriatic Disease. Curr Dermatol Rep. 2017 Jun;6(2):94-103.
26. Afifi L, Saeed L, Pasch LA, Huddleston HG, Cedars MI, Zane LT, Shinkai K. Association of ethnicity, Fitzpatrick skin type, and hirsutism: A retrospective cross-sectional study of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017 Mar 13;3(1):37-43.
27. Afifi L, Shinkai K. Communication strategies for a successful inpatient dermatology consultative service: a narrative review. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2017 Mar;36(1):23-27.
28. Afifi L, Shinkai K. Optimizing education on the inpatient dermatology consultative service. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2017 Mar;36(1):28-34.
29. Afifi L, Maranda EL, Zarei M, Delcanto GM, Falto-Aizpurua L, Kluijfhout WP, Jimenez JJ. Low-level laser therapy as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Lasers Surg Med. 2017 Jan;49(1):27-39.
30. Yan D, Afifi L, Jeon C, Trivedi M, Chang HW, Lee K, Liao W. The metabolomics of psoriatic disease. Psoriasis (Auckl). 2017;7:1-15.
31. Lim V, Simmons BJ, Maranda EL, Afifi L, Kallis PJ, Jimenez J. Sugaring-Modern Revival of an Ancient Egyptian Technique for Hair Removal. JAMA Dermatol. 2016 Jun 1;152(6):660.
32. Welch MG, Hofer MA, Stark RI, Andrews HF, Austin J, Glickstein SB, Ludwig RJ, Myers MM; FNI Trial Group ((Ladan Afifi, Amy Bechar, Beatrice S. Beebe, Susan A. Brunelli, Kathryn E. Carnazza, Christine Y. Chang, Patricia A. Farrell, Ewelina S. Fiedor, Qais Karim, Shanna Kofman, Yasmine A. Koukaz, Mary T. McKiernan, William P. Fifer and Sorana Sopterian). Randomized controlled trial of Family Nurture Intervention in the NICU: assessments of length of stay, feasibility and safety. BMC Pediatr. 2013 Sep 24;13:148.
33. Welch MG, Hofer MA, Brunelli SA, Stark RI, Andrews HF, Austin J, Myers MM; Family Nurture Intervention Trial Group (Ladan Afifi, Amy Bechar, Beatrice S. Beebe, Susan A. Brunelli, Kathryn E. Carnazza, Christine Y. Chang, Patricia A. Farrell, Ewelina S. Fiedor, Qais Karim, Shanna Kofman, Yasmine A. Koukaz, Mary T. McKiernan, William P. Fifer and Sorana Sopterian). Family nurture intervention (FNI): methods and treatment protocol of a randomized controlled trial in the NICU. BMC Pediatr. 2012 Feb 7;12:14.
34. Ochner CN, Laferrère B, Afifi L, Atalayer D, Geliebter A, Teixeira J. Neural responsivity to food cues in fasted and fed states pre and post gastric bypass surgery. Neurosci Res. 2012 Oct;74(2):138-43.
35. Ochner CN, Stice E, Hutchins E, Afifi L, Geliebter A, Hirsch J, Teixeira J. Relation between changes in neural responsivity and reductions in desire to eat high-calorie foods following gastric bypass surgery. Neuroscience. 2012 May 3;209:128-35.
2. Noveir SD, Afifi L, Nguyen KA, Cheng CE, Bach DQ. Patterns and determinants of pediatric dermatologic care in the United States: An evaluation of the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey from 2009 to 2015. Pediatric Dermatology Sep-Oct 2023; 40(5): 829-834.
3. Afifi L, Oparaugo NC, Hogeling M. Review of traction alopecia in the pediatric patient: Diagnosis, prevention, and management. Pediatr Dermatol. 2021 Nov;38 Suppl 2:42-48.
4. Dupuy E, Afifi L, Jonas SJ, Cheng CE, Hogeling M. A Case of severe mosquito bite allergy complicated by fatal hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Pediatr Dermatol. 2022 May;39(3):443-446.
5. Wu J, Afifi L, Sachsman SM. Diffuse subcutaneous nodules in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Int J Dermatol. 2021 Jul;60(7):829-830.
6. Afifi L, Hogan S: Laser Treatment for Scars; Advances in Cosmetic Surgery: 4 (2021):9-23.
7. Young AT, Vora NB, Cortez J, Tam A, Yeniay Y, Afifi L, Yan D, Nosrati A, Wong A, Johal A, Wei ML. The role of technology in melanoma screening and diagnosis. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res. 2021 Mar;34(2):288-300.
8. Afifi L, Ortega-Loayza AG, Shinkai K. Management of classic ulcerative pyoderma gangrenosum. Cutis. 2020 Sep;106(3):119-123.
9. Sanchez IM, Shankle L, Wan MT, Afifi L, Wu JJ, Doris F, Bridges A, Boas M, Lafoy B, Truman S, Orbai AM, Takeshita J, Gelfand JM, Armstrong AW, Siegel MP, Liao W. Building a Citizen Pscientist: Advancing Patient-Centered Psoriasis Research by Empowering Patients as Contributors and Analysts. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2018 Sep;8(3):405-423.
10. Chang HW, Yan D, Singh R, Liu J, Lu X, Ucmak D, Lee K, Afifi L, Fadrosh D, Leech J, Vasquez KS, Lowe MM, Rosenblum MD, Scharschmidt TC, Lynch SV, Liao W. Alteration of the cutaneous microbiome in psoriasis and potential role in Th17 polarization. Microbiome. 2018 Sep 5;6(1):154.
11. Ahn R, Yan D, Chang HW, Lee K, Bhattarai S, Huang ZM, Nakamura M, Singh R, Afifi L, Taravati K, Munoz-Sandoval P, Pauli M, Rosenblum MD, Liao W. RNA-seq and flow-cytometry of conventional, scalp, and palmoplantar psoriasis reveal shared and distinct molecular pathways. Sci Rep. 2018 Jul 27;8(1):11368.
12. Yan D, Afifi L, Jeon C, Cordoro KM, Liao W. A cross-sectional study of the distribution of psoriasis subtypes in different ethno-racial groups. Dermatol Online J. 2018 Jul 15;24(7).
13. Afifi L, Sanchez IM, Wallace MM, Braswell SF, Ortega-Loayza AG, Shinkai K. Diagnosis and management of peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum: A systematic review. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018 Jun;78(6):1195-1204.
14. Beck KM, Yang EJ, Afifi L, Yan D, Bhutani T. Oral Agents for Psoriasis. Evidence-Based Psoriasis: Diagnosis and treatment Springer; 1st ed. 2018 edition: 55-71, June 2018.
15. Sekhon S, Jeon C, Nakamura M, Afifi L, Yan D, Wu JJ, Liao W, Bhutani T. Review of the mechanism of action of coal tar in psoriasis. J Dermatolog Treat. 2018 May;29(3):230-232.
16. Afifi L, North JP, Shinkai K. An enlarging, ulcerated scalp nodule. JAAD Case Rep. 2018 Feb 21;4(3):211-213.
17. Patel ZS, Hoffman LK, Buse DC, Grinberg AS, Afifi L, Cohen SR, Lowes MA, Seng EK. Correction to: Pain, Psychological Comorbidities, Disability, and Impaired Quality of Life in Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2017 Nov 18;21(12):52. doi: 10.1007/s11916-017-0653-5. Erratum for: Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2017 Nov 1;21(12):49.
18. Sekhon S, Jeon C, Nakamura M, Yan D, Afifi L, Bhutani T, Levin E. Clinical utility of ixekizumab in the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis (Auckl). 2017 Nov 16;7:65-72.
19. Yan D, Afifi L, Jeon C, Cordoro KM, Liao W. A cross-sectional study of psoriasis triggers among different ethno-racial groups. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Oct;77(4):756-758.e1.
20. Jeon C, Sekhon S, Yan D, Afifi L, Nakamura M, Bhutani T. Monoclonal antibodies inhibiting IL-12, -23, and -17 for the treatment of psoriasis. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2017 Oct 3;13(10):2247-2259.
21. Nakamura M, Lee K, Jeon C, Sekhon S, Afifi L, Yan D, Lee K, Bhutani T. Guselkumab for the Treatment of Psoriasis: A Review of Phase III Trials. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017 Sep;7(3):281-292.
22. Nosrati A, Afifi L, Danesh MJ, Lee K, Yan D, Beroukhim K, Ahn R, Liao W. Dietary modifications in atopic dermatitis: patient-reported outcomes. J Dermatolog Treat. 2017 Sep;28(6):523-53.
23. Afifi L, Shankle L, Armstrong AW, Boas M, Bridges A, Chiguil V, Doris F, Callis Duffin K, Fielding E, Fleischmann R, Gelfand JM, Kiselica M, Kiselica C, LaFoy B, Latella JJ, Takeshita J, Truman S, Wan MT, Wilkerson V, Wu JJ, Siegel MP, Liao W. National Psoriasis Foundation Priorities for Patient-Centered Research: Proceedings from the 2016 Conference. J Psoriasis Psoriatic Arthritis. 2017 Summer;2(3):73-80.
24. Afifi L, Danesh MJ, Lee KM, Beroukhim K, Farahnik B, Ahn RS, Yan D, Singh RK, Nakamura M, Koo J, Liao W. Dietary Behaviors in Psoriasis: Patient-Reported Outcomes from a U.S. National Survey. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017 Jun;7(2):227-242.
25. Yan D, Issa N, Afifi L, Jeon C, Chang HW, Liao W. The Role of the Skin and Gut Microbiome in Psoriatic Disease. Curr Dermatol Rep. 2017 Jun;6(2):94-103.
26. Afifi L, Saeed L, Pasch LA, Huddleston HG, Cedars MI, Zane LT, Shinkai K. Association of ethnicity, Fitzpatrick skin type, and hirsutism: A retrospective cross-sectional study of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Int J Womens Dermatol. 2017 Mar 13;3(1):37-43.
27. Afifi L, Shinkai K. Communication strategies for a successful inpatient dermatology consultative service: a narrative review. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2017 Mar;36(1):23-27.
28. Afifi L, Shinkai K. Optimizing education on the inpatient dermatology consultative service. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2017 Mar;36(1):28-34.
29. Afifi L, Maranda EL, Zarei M, Delcanto GM, Falto-Aizpurua L, Kluijfhout WP, Jimenez JJ. Low-level laser therapy as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Lasers Surg Med. 2017 Jan;49(1):27-39.
30. Yan D, Afifi L, Jeon C, Trivedi M, Chang HW, Lee K, Liao W. The metabolomics of psoriatic disease. Psoriasis (Auckl). 2017;7:1-15.
31. Lim V, Simmons BJ, Maranda EL, Afifi L, Kallis PJ, Jimenez J. Sugaring-Modern Revival of an Ancient Egyptian Technique for Hair Removal. JAMA Dermatol. 2016 Jun 1;152(6):660.
32. Welch MG, Hofer MA, Stark RI, Andrews HF, Austin J, Glickstein SB, Ludwig RJ, Myers MM; FNI Trial Group ((Ladan Afifi, Amy Bechar, Beatrice S. Beebe, Susan A. Brunelli, Kathryn E. Carnazza, Christine Y. Chang, Patricia A. Farrell, Ewelina S. Fiedor, Qais Karim, Shanna Kofman, Yasmine A. Koukaz, Mary T. McKiernan, William P. Fifer and Sorana Sopterian). Randomized controlled trial of Family Nurture Intervention in the NICU: assessments of length of stay, feasibility and safety. BMC Pediatr. 2013 Sep 24;13:148.
33. Welch MG, Hofer MA, Brunelli SA, Stark RI, Andrews HF, Austin J, Myers MM; Family Nurture Intervention Trial Group (Ladan Afifi, Amy Bechar, Beatrice S. Beebe, Susan A. Brunelli, Kathryn E. Carnazza, Christine Y. Chang, Patricia A. Farrell, Ewelina S. Fiedor, Qais Karim, Shanna Kofman, Yasmine A. Koukaz, Mary T. McKiernan, William P. Fifer and Sorana Sopterian). Family nurture intervention (FNI): methods and treatment protocol of a randomized controlled trial in the NICU. BMC Pediatr. 2012 Feb 7;12:14.
34. Ochner CN, Laferrère B, Afifi L, Atalayer D, Geliebter A, Teixeira J. Neural responsivity to food cues in fasted and fed states pre and post gastric bypass surgery. Neurosci Res. 2012 Oct;74(2):138-43.
35. Ochner CN, Stice E, Hutchins E, Afifi L, Geliebter A, Hirsch J, Teixeira J. Relation between changes in neural responsivity and reductions in desire to eat high-calorie foods following gastric bypass surgery. Neuroscience. 2012 May 3;209:128-35.
Professional Societies
American Academy of Dermatology
Women's Dermatology Society
Pacific Dermatology Society
California Dermatology Society
American Medical Association
Other Experience
Full-Time Staff Dermatologist
Pennsylvania Dermatology Partners 2022—2024
Pennsylvania Dermatology Partners 2022—2024
Part-Time Staff Dermatologist
Metropolis Dermatology 2021—2022
Metropolis Dermatology 2021—2022
Graduate Programs
Dermatology
Link to this profile
https://faculty.uci.edu/profile/?facultyId=7285
https://faculty.uci.edu/profile/?facultyId=7285
Last updated
07/01/2026
07/01/2026