If you’re suffering from atopic dermatitis, the condition isn’t just skin deep. Every itch can cascade into a world of discomfort and pain. Every flare up is an interruption to your quality of life, and every scar can leave you feeling less confident. This is a reality millions live in, and often it leads to anxiety and depression, which can exacerbate the skin irritation further.

That’s why the condition has to be treated holistically. It’s not just about dealing with itchy and inflamed skin. It’s about addressing all the ways it affects someone’s entire life.

The good news is, we’re living in the golden age of atopic dermatitis therapies, and people can get what they need to manage the condition and put it into remission. What causes atopic dermatitis? How can we use lifestyle factors to manage it better?

Why is it critical for physicians to understand the different manifestations of skin conditions in different skin colors? In this episode, I’m joined by board-certified dermatologist and founder of Above & Beyond Dermatology, Dr. Stephen Lewellis. We talk about how to improve your quality of life if you’re dealing with atopic dermatitis, and all the interventions and solutions that are available.

If you have a higher risk of atopic dermatitis, stress, irritants and changes in weather are all factors that raise the score of it expressing on your skin. If we can lower the morbidity threshold, that can manage the condition. -Dr. Stephen Lewellis

Three Things You’ll Learn In This Episode

-The root cause of atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common skin disease in the world. What makes someone more prone to it and what triggers flare ups?

-Remission not cure

In oncology, we talk about getting cancer into remission. Could changing our language on atopic dermatitis to management serve people better than talking about a cure?

-Don’t sound like a textbook

Physicians have to get better at talking about atopic dermatitis so that they educate patients and provide solutions.

Guest Bio

Dr. Stephen Lewellis is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Above & Beyond Dermatology, an integrative dermatology practice that runs on trust, transparency, accountability, and good old fashioned hospitality. Dr. Stephen Lewellis also hosts The Direct Care Derm podcast and writes the Above & Beyond Dermatology newsletter. For more information, head to https://lewellismd.com/ or connect with Dr. Lewellis on LinkedIn.