Derm-it Trotter! Don't Swear About Skincare.

Remission in psoriasis and eczema is no longer just theoretical—it’s becoming a real treatment goal. In this episode, Dr. Joe Tung explains why chronic inflammatory skin diseases act more like high blood pressure than a one-time rash, and why clear skin doesn’t always mean the disease is gone—especially when considering stopping biologics or systemic therapy.
We break down what remission actually means, why flares return (even after skin looks clear), and how immune “memory” drives recurring inflammation. We also explore differences in atopic dermatitis, the impact of early treatment, and what emerging research says about the future—from dose spacing to immune reprogramming.
If you’re thinking about long-term control—not just short-term results—this episode gives you a smarter, science-based framework to guide your decisions.

A rash after you eat something feels simple, but skin allergy rarely is. We sit down with board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Carsten Hamann to break down systemic contact dermatitis, a lesser-known form of allergic contact dermatitis where reactions can be triggered not just by skin contact, but sometimes by ingestion. We unpack how this differs from true food allergy, why eczema and allergy can look identical, and why nickel—found in both products and foods—is such a common and surprising culprit.
We also cover other rare triggers like cobalt, chromium, and fragrance components like Balsam of Peru, plus how certain foods and dyes can mimic or worsen reactions. If you’re stuck wondering “eczema or allergy?” the takeaway is practical: seek patch testing, take a detailed exposure history, and test changes intentionally instead of guessing.

Fillers are everywhere, but the real question is what problem you’re trying to solve. We sit down with Dr. Lisa Akintilo, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic dermatologic surgeon at NYU, to break down dermal fillers in a way that actually makes sense. From when neuromodulators like Botox or Dysport are the better option for movement-based lines, to understanding who’s a good candidate, this conversation clears up the confusion around “filler” as a catch-all term.
We also simplify the different types—hyaluronic acid fillers vs. collagen stimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse—and touch on trends like “Ozempic face,” fat transfer, and realistic expectations. Plus, we cover safety (including vascular occlusion), common misconceptions around under-eye filler, and what to expect with results, downtime, and aftercare.

Your skin starts telling the story of aging earlier than you think. We sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dan Butler to break down what’s happening beneath the surface, from intrinsic aging (your genetic timeline) to extrinsic aging (sun exposure, pollution, and daily wear). This framework explains why collagen and elastin weaken over time, how the skin barrier changes, and why aging skin is both a medical and emotional experience.
We also get practical, covering common concerns like chronic itch and easy bruising, why they happen, and what actually helps. We wrap with a simple, realistic routine: wear a sunscreen you love, consider a retinoid or gentle alternative, add an antioxidant like vitamin C, and build a routine you’ll stick with.

HS isn’t “just boils.” It’s a chronic autoinflammatory disease that often begins in the teens or 20s and affects sensitive areas of the body. We sit down with double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon Dr. Harrison Wen to explain what HS is, why it’s frequently misdiagnosed, and how recognizing it early can change the course of the disease.
We break down the immune and hormonal drivers behind HS, what progression looks like, and where treatments like biologics fit into care. From medical therapy to lifestyle strategies that support long-term management, this episode offers practical guidance for reducing flares, preventing scarring, and protecting quality of life.