The Healthy Skin Show

Latest Episodes:

272: Protopic Withdrawal: A Personal Story w/ Dominika O'Sullivan Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

It can be helpful to hear from others going through the same struggle or journey as you. My guest today shares her powerful story of determination and never giving up on finding the root cause for her rashes which started in childhood.

Today's guest is Dominika O'Sullivan, a former city girl thriving in the beautiful West of Ireland and transitioning to countryside living. She is a lifelong eczema warrier and Protopic withdrawal sufferer who was failed by several medical, skin and alternative medicine professionals and is currently discovering and addressing her root causes of the original condition while happily witnessing symptoms reduction and disappearance. Professionally, Dominika is a Human Resources and employment law consultant working with businesses and assisting employers in identifying simple solutions to complex people challenges.

For those who are not familiar with Protopic -- it's a non-steroidal immunosuppressant drug also called Tacrolimus.

Whether it's Protopic Withdrawal or suffering from other rashes, what has helped you on your journey? Let me know in the comments what was a turning point for you!

In this episode:

Dominika's journey of childhood to adulthood eczema + Protopic Withdrawal
The many treatments she tried (both natural + conventional)
What was the turning point for her?
Where Dominika applied Protopic
What has changed since working with Jen's practice
Dominika's advice to others struggling with Protopic Withdrawal

Quotes

“Throughout my childhood, I just remember the stories of having to wear gloves like many kids with eczema and atopic dermatitis would have to, because I was scratching so bad that my hands would be covered in blood in the morning." [01:17]

"I was probably at the verge of a nervous breakdown because I kept my full-time job, which is relatively stressful and it requires high focus of attention. But I couldn't sleep and I was experiencing all those debilitating symptoms." [7:05]

Links

Follow Dominika on Instagram here (Please note she can pick up messages but doesn't post.)

TSW Podcast with Jennifer Fugo, MS, CNS interview mentioned by Dominika

Book an assessment session with Jen's clinical practice here

Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds + flare ups?

My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.

Trusted by 1000+ clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.

Schedule an assessment call at skinrepaircall.com

271: Cold Laser Therapy for Topical Steroid Withdrawal w/ Jing Rui Yeo Dec 01, 2022

Show notes

Have you ever heard of cold laser therapy (or the CAP laser) and how it can help with skin issues? Contrary to what most people think, it’s actually not a laser! It is called Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP), and it is a type of ionized gas. My guest today delves into how it can help!

Today's guest is Jing Rui Yeo, long-term TSW (topical steroid withdrawal) warrior and co-owner of Skin Solace Aesthetic Clinic. Through her advocacy for TSW, she helped to bring CAP treatments to the UK. Her passion is in alleviating the physical and mental struggles of those going through chronic skin conditions, particularly Topical Steroid Withdrawal.

Have you ever suffered from TSW? Let me know in the comments if you've tried the CAP Laser and if it worked for you!

In this episode:

What is cold laser therapy + how can it help those with Topical Steroid Withdrawal?
What does a CAP Treatment look and feel like?
Length of treatments (and what else to expect)
Who is NOT a great candidate for a CAP Treatment?
The reason TSW warriors flake after receiving a CAP Treatment

Quotes

“It has regenerative properties to the skin. It is used in various skin conditions such as eczema, topical steroid withdrawal, and can help with acne as well." [03:41]

"The wetter the wound, the more zappy it feels, but generally, from the neck and down, people actually find it quite comfortable." [09:52]

Links

Find Jing online here and here

Follow Jing on Instagram | Follow Skin Solace Aesthetic Clinic on Instagram

Healthy Skin Show ep. 132: What is Topical Steroid Withdrawal? w/ Kathryn Tullos

Healthy Skin Show ep. 200: Getting Emotional + Mental Support For TSW w/ Jing Rui Yeo

Healthy Skin Show ep. 225: Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW)- Is It Just A Waiting Game? w/ Dr. Julie Greenberg

Cold Atmospheric Plasma Ameliorates Skin Diseases Involving Reactive Oxygen/Nitrogen Species-Mediated Functions (Frontiers in Immunology, 2022)

Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds + flare ups?

My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.

Trusted by 1000+ clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.

Schedule an assessment call at skinrepaircall.com

270: Low Histamine Diet: Is It Good Or Bad For Skin Rashes? Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

If you’ve been seeing more online about doing a low histamine diet to help your skin rash problems, you’re not alone.

I’m also seeing this happen on the clinical side of things – clients previously been advised by practitioners to reduce high histamine foods because of itchiness in the hopes that their rashes would improve.

This might explain why I frequently get messages + emails asking me if a low histamine diet would be a helpful next best step.

Rather than writing out a lengthy response to each person (because a one word response is no where near sufficient), I figured it was time to share my thoughts.

My answer often surprises people because it’s not what they’d expect.

So that’s what I’m digging into today with the hope that the nuance will help you make a more informed choice for yourself about whether a low histamine diet is worth a try (or not).

In this episode:

Helpful criteria to figure out if doing a low histamine diet would be worthwhile
Biggest problems with a low histamine diet (no one tells you ahead of time)
List of chronic skin issues that might improve
How strict do you need to be on the diet to get results?
Should you stay on a low histamine diet for life?

Quotes:

Certain types of rashes will likely improve moreso with a low histamine diet such as chronic hives, urticaria, dermatographia, angioedema, and histamine-driven eczema.

As a rule of thumb, more food restrictions in general do not necessarily equate to being healthy.

Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds + flare ups?

My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.

Trusted by 1000+ clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.

Schedule an assessment call at skinrepaircall.com

269: Allergy Testing: Everything You Need To Know w/ Dr. Stacy Silvers Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

I'll be direct. Anything and everything to do with food allergies seems to be kind of confusing. I'm hoping today to demystify some of the questions and thoughts and ideas from the patient side of things around allergies and allergy testing, specifically.

Today's guest, Dr. Stacy Silvers is a board-certified allergist specializing in environmental and food allergy diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Dr. Silvers oversees Aspire's allergy program and protocols, and also leads the food allergy and oral immunotherapy (OIT) program at Aspire Allergy & Sinus. Dr. Silvers is considered an expert in the field of food allergy diagnosis and treatment. Join us as Dr. Silvers discusses all things relating to food allergies, diagnosis and treatment!

What do you have experience with? Is it patch testing, skin prick, intradermal testing, blood test... the whole nine yards? Let me know in the comments what has worked for you and if your diagnosis was a game-changer!

In this episode:

Food sensitivities vs. food allergies
The differences between allergen testing -- blood, patch + skin prick
Which medications interfere with allergy testing results
Why you could develop a food allergy despite eating it before without any issue
Thoughts on removing foods to figure out a food allergy

Quotes

“That's one of the benefits of (skin prick) testing is you get quick results, usually before you even walk out the door. So that test is very good for nasal allergies, food allergies, anaphylactic type reactions." [05:31]

“When we compare prick testing and the lab testing, the sensitivity is about 75% with the blood test compared to the prick test. So if we can do the prick test, we prefer to go that route. But we can't always do the prick test. You have to be off certain medications in order to do the prick testing reliably." [09:12]

Links

Find Dr. Silvers online

Follow Aspire Allergy on Instagram

Healthy Skin Show ep. 248: Is Eczema Related To Histamine Intolerance?

Healthy Skin Show ep. 222: Food Allergies + Skin Rashes in Kids w/ Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS

Healthy Skin Show ep. 037: Nickel Allergy And Eczema w/ Dr. Peter Lio

Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds + flare ups?

My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.

Trusted by 1000+ clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.

Schedule an assessment call at skinrepaircall.com

268: Plant-based Vs Carnivore Diet: What’s Best For Chronic Skin Issues? Nov 03, 2022

Show notes

Have you read online that going plant-based or carnivore will totally heal your skin?

I’m sure you’ve probably come across this type of information on social media or in chat forums where people swear that what worked for their skin is the magic answer for everyone.

To be honest, I have intentionally steered clear of this topic for a long time now because I wasn’t sure how to cover it. I’ve certainly been pitched by staunch proponents of each diet to share their opinion here on the Healthy Skin Show about why their diet approach is best.

But my concern is that these conversations can be incredibly one-sided and, even at times, emotionally manipulative.

Diet is so deeply intertwined with what makes you who you are physically, emotionally and mentally.

So I wanted to find a way to share my clinical thoughts on both of these very popular diet trends without the dogma. AND while also being clear about my personal diet bias (based on my current clinical experience and how I personally eat).

My hope is that the insights shared here will help you make a more informed decision that truly is best for you, rather than an emotional choice that doesn’t center you in the equation.

In this episode:

Plant-based vs Carnivore diet – which is better in my opinion?
My clinical diet bias (so you can keep this in mind)
Pros + cons of a plant-based diet
Why plant-based diets may improve your rashes
Pros + cons of a carnivore diet
Why going carnivore could improve your rashes
My thoughts on diet dogma (especially as a nutrition professional)

Quotes:

I believe that each person bears the responsibility of figuring out the best way to support their body from a dietary standpoint.

No one should be bullied or shamed for their dietary preferences or choices.

Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds + flare ups?

My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.

Trusted by 1000+ clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.

Schedule an assessment call at skinrepaircall.com

267: Can Certain Foods Make Eczema Worse? Oct 27, 2022

Show notes

If you’ve thought that there is an official eczema trigger foods list you should follow…

Think again.

These lists are often made up of arbitrary foods that may or may not be a problem for you.

Often these lists scare people into avoiding foods unnecessarily which can have unintended consequences for your physical and mental health (as well as your relationship with food).

Instead of seeking out a list of foods to avoid when you have eczema, it’s wiser to question why you are reacting to certain foods in your diet.

If there’s a legitimate IgE food allergy – that’s one thing (and it’s best to follow your doctor’s recommendation on that front).

But assuming you now have a food sensitivity or food intolerance may mean you miss crucial clues to hidden problems lurking below the surface.

Here’s my take based on my work as a clinical nutritionist on why certain foods can make your eczema worse!

In this episode:

Eczema trigger foods list: Does one exist?
Thoughts on different naturally occurring food chemicals + eczema flares
Breakdown on what gut function is + how it can contribute to eczema
Why you might be reacting to certain foods (that has nothing to do with the food itself)
Debunking the notion that eczema is all about food sensitivities

Quotes:

There is no official list of eczema trigger foods no matter what you research online.

When there are gut function issues, the way food will interact with your gut will likely be problematic.

Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds + flare ups?

My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.

Trusted by 1000+ clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.

Schedule an assessment call at skinrepaircall.com

266: Eczema-Gut Connection (PART 1) Oct 20, 2022

Show notes

If you haven’t considered the potential gut connection to eczema, then this will be quite surprising to you!

Many of my atopic dermatitis clients struggle with chronic gut issues.

And some have extremely imbalanced gut microbiomes, but don’t even have any gut symptoms!

Testing and certain patterns that I see in my clinical practice have underscored the importance of considering the impacts that the gut has on the skin, so we’re going to start diving into that today!

In this episode:

Factors that impact the eczema-gut connection
When gut microbiome imbalances can start (HINT: it’s earlier than you think!)
Specific types of bacterial overgrowth I see in eczema clients
Imbalances that current research is highlighting in the “eczema gut”
What tends to be skewed in the gut microbiome of young babies + kids

Quotes:

Inflammation that impacts the skin often doesn’t originate in the skin… but actually somewhere else in your body.

The gut of someone with eczema may look different compared to someone who does not have eczema.

Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds + flare ups?

My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.

Trusted by 1000+ clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.

Schedule an assessment call at skinrepaircall.com

265: Problem with Antihistamines That No One Tells You w/ Dr. Chris Thompson, MD Oct 13, 2022

Show notes

Itchy eyes. Sinus pressure. Coughing and sneezing... Many people take antihistamines to get through an allergy episode, and that can be totally OK. But what about if you have to take them everyday? Are there potential long term side effects?

Today's guest, Dr. Chris Thompson, is a Board Certified Otolaryngologist, Head & Neck Surgeon with over 25 years of experience practicing medicine in Texas. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering from Texas A & M University in College Station and went on to receive his Doctorate of Medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. Dr. Thompson completed his residency with the Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.Dr. Thompson focuses solely on allergy, sinus and nasal treatment and is considered an expert in all three fields. He is one of a handful of doctors that played an integral role in the development of the cutting-edge sinus procedure, Balloon Sinuplasty. Dr. Thompson is also experienced with nasal reconstructive procedures and rhinoplasty. He is very excited for the future of allergy treatment through sublingual immunotherapy, as more patients choose and stay consistent with the treatment.

He is also a member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, American Academy of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Texas Medical Association, and Travis County Medical Society.

Join us as Dr. Thompson discusses all things relating to allergies, the side effects of long-term use of antihistamines, and other options that people can use or try to get off of those meds such as immunotherapy.

Have you used antihistamines to calm down a severe allergic response? Have they helped, but you're ready to try something new? Let me know in the comments if you have questions!

In this episode:

Are antihistamines appropriate for daily use?
Different types of antihistamines (what do they do?)
How eczema, food allergies + asthma are related
Antihistamines crossing the blood-brain barrier (YIKES)
Non-pharmaceutical options to consider (and discuss with your doctor)
Treatment options for different types of specific allergies

Quotes

“There are some studies that link long-term antihistamine use with things like dementia. There was one I read recently that showed an increase in glial tumors, which are typically brain tumors... There are links to depression. There are links to weight gain with these and all, but one of the antihistamines over-the-counter can cross the blood-brain barrier." [4:16]

“One of the most surprising facts about allergy is that only 2% of the population of allergy patients seek allergy care. Imagine, if 3% of cancer patients or 2% of sleep apnea patients sought and received proper care for their medical ailment? It would just be unfathomable, but yet in the allergy world, again, we're not talking about a life threatening problem in most cases, but it really does get sidelined and poo-pooed by a lot of doctors." [25:20]

Links

Find Dr. Thompson online

Follow Aspire Allergy on Instagram

Healthy Skin Show ep. 248: Is Eczema Related To Histamine Intolerance?

Healthy Skin Show ep. 164: Mold Illness vs. Mold Allerg

Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds + flare ups?

My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.

Trusted by 1000+ clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.

Schedule an assessment call at skinrepaircall.com

264: How to Balance Your Skin's Microbiome with Endolysins (MIND BLOWING!) Oct 06, 2022

Show notes

Have you ever heard of endolysins? Are you wondering what these things are and how are they relevant when talking about skin conditions? Today’s episode is sponsored by Gladskin which makes a topical cream that I think you should know about called Eczema Cream with Micreobalance®… and it’s highly relevant to what we’re talking about today. I became aware of Gladskin several years ago when community members started to share their personal stories of how Gladskin’s Eczema Cream had helped their eczema flares + symptoms.Because I didn’t fully understand how exactly the product worked, I read up on the Micreobalance® endolysin technology and talked to people at Gladskin so that I better understood why it could be helpful while being free of antibiotics and steroids.

I was really impressed with how neat endolysins are – sort of like pac-mans (for those of you who are old enough to remember that video game) that target the bad and preserve the good, to keep your skin microbiome in check. You can check out more about Gladskin Eczema Cream with Micreobalance® AND save 15% off your order at www.gladskin.com/healthyskinshow.

My guest today is Dr. Peter Lio, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology & Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, completed his internship in Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital, and his Dermatology training at Harvard where he served as Chief Resident in Dermatology. While at Harvard, he received formal training in acupuncture.

Dr. Lio will be giving you the low down on endolysins – I know you’re going to find this just as fascinating as I do, so let’s dive in!

Have you ever tried Gladskin, and has it helped on your skin journey? Post something you learned it in the comments!

In this episode:

The difference between the skin microbiome of eczema vs healthy skin
Thoughts on antibiotic resistance as a growing medical concern
Endolysins: what are they + how they support the skin microbiome
How Gladskin's Micreobalance® utilizes endolysins to help the skin's microbiome
Real-life stories from Dr. Lio's practice of patients using Gladskin
Tips + strategies to help you use Gladskin with Micreobalance®

Quotes

“There is some very convincing evidence that it may help with not only the bacterial balance on the skin, but also with atopic dermatitis. So we can actually see some of the studies are studied in patients with eczema or atopic dermatitis. I think there is pretty convincing evidence of clinical helpfulness of these [endolysin] products.” [10:47]

“... the baby's branded one. Actually, they remove the oat because there is some discussion around putting foods on our skin and the connection between allergy. Some people really do have an oat allergy. So [The Eczema Cream for Babies and Kids] is an even simpler, kind of an even cleaner preparation for the babies, which I love." [14:44]

"I'm really excited about Gladskin's work in this space. I think they're being bold. They're trying something totally new and entering in as really the only one of its kind right now. So it's kind of exciting to have a totally new class. When patients say, 'What is this like?' It's like, 'Nothing. It's really a totally new thing!' This is something really new and exciting." [22:46]

Ready to figure out your skin’s root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds + flare ups?

My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.

Trusted by 1000+ clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.

Schedule an assessment call at skinrepaircall.com

263: Lupus 101 (And A Personal Journey) w/ Tanya Freirich, MS RDN Sep 29, 2022

Show notes

Lupus is a truly a tricky diagnosis. The symptoms range from fatigue to the butterfly rash to joint pain! It can be so hard to pin down due to many other ailments having the same symptoms.

Today's guest, Tanya Freirich, has worked as a dietitian for more than a decade after obtaining both my Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Clinical Nutrition from New York University. I started my career at the world-renowned New York Presbyterian Hospital, then honed my skills in private practice and as an outpatient dietitian. After years of counseling on a variety of medical conditions, I've focused my nutrition expertise, scientific research and personal experience with Lupus and establish The Lupus Dietitian practice. I help people with Lupus reduce Lupus flares and symptoms through a holistic approach to diet and lifestyle changes.

Join us as Tanya dishes out how you can help yourself while dealing with your autoimmunity, specifically as it relates to lupus.

Do you have lupus and have some tricks or products you have found that help? Share them with me in the comments!

In this episode:

Signs + symptoms of lupus
Tanya's personal story from "fuzzy" diagnosis to being flare-free
The eyebrow-raising stat of how many people really have lupus
Why getting a proper lupus diagnosis is so challenging
How diet + external factors play a huge role in flares and calming the inflammation

Quotes

“When I was having my lupus flares, I had no idea if I was going to wake up. Honestly, to just get out of my bed was excruciating. He's my husband now, he's a good one, I kept him, but he helped me get dressed. He helped me get my breakfast and turn the doorknobs to get out of the apartment. It was really tough." [30:14]

“Lupus can lead to headaches, low-grade fevers, photosensitivity. So if you notice, "Oh wow, I spent the day in the sun. And for days after, weeks after, I really don't feel well," that could be a sign of lupus." [13:00]

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