In this heartfelt and candid episode of Skincredible, we meet six-year-old Ryder and his dad, Chris, as they share their family’s real-life journey with molluscum—one that many parents quietly navigate but rarely talk about aloud.

What began as just a few itchy bumps on Ryder quickly turned into more and more bumps. As the spots spread, so do the challenges: discomfort, uncertainty, and the social impact of visible skin changes. Ryder opens up about feeling embarrassed at school and unsure of what to say when classmates noticed his bumps in preschool—an experience many kids can relate to but struggle to express.

Chris shares the family’s perspective from the early days of confusion (“What are these bumps?”) through the emotional and practical considerations of whether to treat or wait it out. Like many parents, they initially chose a watch-and-wait approach, only to reconsider as the molluscum multiplied, became more bothersome, and began affecting Ryder’s confidence and daily life.

The episode walks through their treatment journey—from limited success with early therapy to the introduction of a newer option, a nitric oxide–releasing gel (Zelsuvmi). Chris describes the turning point: visible improvement within days, a simple at-home routine, and manageable side effects like mild stinging and redness. Along the way, the family developed their own coping strategies—like Ryder’s “run a lap” trick to handle brief discomfort after application.

Beyond the clinical side, this episode highlights the emotional weight molluscum can carry for both kids and parents. From avoiding certain social situations to navigating concerns about contagion and visibility, Chris shares how it impacted their family’s routines—and how meaningful it was to return to normal once Ryder’s skin cleared.

The story ends on a joyful note: Ryder’s bumps are gone, his confidence is back, and the milestone is celebrated the way any six-year-old would want—with cupcakes, cookies, and a well-earned sense of victory.

Listeners will walk away with:

• A relatable, real-world look at how molluscum can evolve over time
• Insight into the decision-making process between waiting vs. treating
• Practical tips for applying topical treatments and managing side effects
• Guidance on supporting kids emotionally through visible skin conditions
• Encouragement to seek help and explore options that fit your family’s needs

Keywords

Dermatology, molluscum, zelsuvmi, imiquimod, skin conditions, kids, pediatric dermatology, parenting kids with skin conditions, contagious bumps, molluscum contagiosum

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction & Welcome

02:00 - When Ryder first noticed molluscum bumps

03:00 - Social impact of molluscum for Ryder

04:00 - Parents start to consider whether or not to treat

05:00 - No one is bragging about molluscum

06:25 - When the family decided to treat

07:35 - Treating with Imiquimod

08:40 - Experience with Zelsuvmi

11:40 - Tips for other families, redness, stinging

14:22 - Managing the side effects: stinging and redness tips

13:20 - Celebrating molluscum treatment success

15:50 - Going back to school after treatment

19:40 - Advice for other kids

20:30 - Deciding to treat after watching molluscum

22:00 - Molluscum in pools, swimming

23:39 - Ryder changes due to molluscum

24:42 - Chris’ advice for other parents

25:00 - Thank you and Goodbye

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.

In this powerful episode of the Skincredible Podcast, Dr. Swanson sits down with Eli and his mom, Michelle, for a deeply personal conversation about living with eczema (atopic dermatitis) and molluscum contagiosum—and how chronic skin conditions impact not just one person, but an entire family.

Eli bravely shares his journey through the physical discomfort and emotional challenges of eczema, from persistent itching and flare-ups to navigating school, confidence, and daily life. Michelle opens up about the family’s experience from a parent’s perspective, including the opinions of many people on how Eli should be medically treated, and finally the hope that came with real improvement. This episode is ultimately about resilience, support, and transformation. Together, they reveal how eczema doesn’t just affect the individual—it ripples through siblings, routines, sleep, and family dynamics.

Whether you’re dealing with eczema flare-ups, searching for eczema treatment options, or looking for real-life stories about living with eczema, this conversation offers honesty, hope, and connection.

Topics covered include:

• Living with eczema as a child and teen
• Molluscum contagiosum (briefly)
• Emotional impact of chronic skin conditions
• Family life with eczema
• Parenting a child with eczema
• Eczema treatment journey and breakthroughs
• How skin health affects mental health

Keywords

eczema, atopic dermatitis, eczema treatment, eczema relief, eczema flare up, itchy skin, dry skin, molluscum contagiosum, pediatric eczema, eczema healing journey, skin condition support, family health, dermatologist advice, eczema before and after, real eczema stories, beetle juice, cantharadin, wet wraps

Chapters

00:00 Welcome, Intro to Eli

01:30 Purpose of Having Families on Skincredible

02:15 Eli’s Eczema History

04:30 Emotionoal & Financial Cost of Eczema

07:00 Medication Safety Warnings

11:00 Hardest Parts of Eczema

15:00 Anxiety, Depression & Eczema

16:20 Molluscum & Beetle Juice

22:00 The Mystery of Eczema Flare Ups

24:30 Family and Other Opinions

26:17 Moving Around the World

28:00 Best and Worst Places for Eli’s Eczema

30:00 Explanation and Breakdown of Therapies

34:00 Urticarial Reaction to Nemluvio

36:00 Weighing Shot vs. Pill Options

38:00 Starting Rinvoq (upadacitinib) Pills

42:00 Feeling “Ready” For Certain Therapies

44:00 Trickle Down Healthcare

51:00 Eli’s Itch Free Life

52:40 Don’t Lose Hope

55:00 A Force for Good

58:45 Thank You & Goodbye

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.

In this episode, Dr. Swanson talks to Dr. Marc Serota about everything from allergies to magic. Dr. Marc Serota is triple board-certified in dermatology, pediatrics, and allergy & immunology (bonus: he’s a magician, too). He practices in Littleton, Colorado. When you listen to this episode, you will learn about what’s behind food allergies, eczema, and the advances transforming pediatric allergy treatment today. Dr. Serota shares insights into immune system mysteries, early interventions, most common food allergies in children (milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, soy, wheat, fish, and sesame) and how early exposure can actually build tolerance, lowering lifelong allergy risks. Dr. Sarota explains why certain foods like egg and milk tend to be outgrown, while nuts and shellfish often persist, and he also emphasizes the importance of accurate allergy diagnosis—reminding us that testing is just one piece of a bigger story. You’ll uncover the truth about false positives in allergy testing, the role of history in diagnosis, and why routine panels can mislead families. Plus, get expert strategies on managing eczema and food allergy relationships, including how cutting-edge biologics like Dupixent are revolutionizing early treatment. Join us for an exploration of how targeting immune pathways early could change the trajectory of allergic disease, plus practical tips on emergency epinephrine use, what’s been tested regarding expired EpiPens, and why aggressive early intervention isn’t just about skin—it's about shaping lifelong health. Whether you're a parent concerned about food allergies, a healthcare professional seeking the latest insights, or simply curious about how modern allergy science can alter futures, this episode is your guide. Tune in for a dose of medical mastery, magic tricks, and hope for healthier futures.

Keywords

Dermatology, Allergies, Immunology, Dupixent, Allergist, Dermatologist, Pediatrician, Children, Pediatric, Peanuts, Epi Pen, Eczema, Rash, Milk Allergy, Egg Allergy, Tree Nut Allergy, Peanut Allergy, Shellfish Allergy, Soy Allergy, Wheat Allergy, Fish Allergy, Sesame Allergy, Food Intolerance, Food Avoidance

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction to Dr. Marc Serota

4:00 Magic in Vegas or Medicine?

5:30 Soccer, College & Medical School in 6 Years

7:15 Kansas City Chiefs, World Cup

8:00 Pediatrics, Dermatology, Allergy & Immunology

9:00 The Big Nine Allergies

11:00 Most Common Signs of Allergies or Intolerance

13:00 Typical Timing for Reactions

14:00 Introducing Allergic Foods

16:30 Outgrowing Allergies

18:00 High False Positive in Allergy Testing

20:00 Can Food Allergies be Passed Down

21:00 Oral Immunotherapy

23:00 Xolair

25:20 The Use of Epi Pens

28:00 Nasal Spray Neffy

29:00 Food Allergy & Eczema

32:45 Babies and Bloody Stools, Dairy Protein Sensitivity

36:00 Treatment of Eczema and Skin Barrier Repair

37:00 Atopic March: Eczema, Asthma, Allergies, EoE

39:20 Developing Immune Systems, Early Treatment

40:55 Helping Quality of Life & Development

43:00 Cumulative Life Course Impairment

44:15 Fear About Treatments

49:30 Rapid Fire Round

54:55 Thank You & Goodbye

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.

Molluscum contagiosum is one of the most common viral skin conditions in children — but a diagnosis can still leave parents full of questions. In this episode of Skincredible, Dr. Lisa Swanson, board-certified pediatric dermatologist, speaks with a family who navigated the molluscum journey firsthand.

Through Grace and Max's story, you'll get an honest look at what life with molluscum really looks like: the initial confusion, the emotional weight, the social questions kids face, and the path toward treatment and resolution. Though patients and their parents aren’t responsible for the insurance journey when seeking coverage for therapy, we discuss how helpful it was for Grace & Max’s mom and dad to stay involved and advocate on behalf of their children when it came to coverage. This ultimately made a positive difference in outcome and they do not regret the amount of time and energy this took.

Key Takeaways:

• Molluscum contagiosum is common, contagious, and generally harmless — but can last longer than expected
• You do NOT have to treat molluscum, but if you decide to, open communication with a dermatology provider makes a significant difference
• Children can learn to discuss their condition with peers confidently
• You are not alone — and treatment is available for those who would like it

Keywords

molluscum contagiosum, molluscum treatment, pediatric skin conditions, molluscum contagiosum family, dermatologist, skincare, skin virus, parenting, zelsuvmi, imiquimod, cimetidine, Candida

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:20 Grace Gets Molluscum

03:00 Molluscum Journey Length

04:23 How Grace Handled Questions

05:40 Changes In Habits or Schedule with Molluscum

08:11 The Spread of Molluscum

09:00 Imiquimod for Molluscum

11:00 Cimetidine

12:30 KOH- Potassium Hydroxide

15:44 Zelsuvmi

17:30 Dad Gets Involved in Insurance Struggles

25:00 Zelsuvmi Application

29:00 Max Gets Molluscum

31:00 Other Kids Asking About Molluscum

32:25 Candida Injections

36:0 Advice for Other Parents

37:40 Max’s Advice for Other Kids & Goodbye

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.

Welcome to our latest episode of the Skincredible podcast, where we dive into the often misunderstood world of molluscum contagiosum treatments. Dr. Swanson breaks down how molluscum affects patients and the various treatment options available. Make sure to listen to our molluscum episode first, if you haven’t already!

Molluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that leads to the appearance of small, raised bumps on the skin. While these bumps may seem alarming, they typically resolve on their own in a period ranging from two to three years. Many parents find this timeline concerning, prompting them to seek treatment options to expedite the process. Dr. Swanson emphasizes that, while treatment is not mandatory, it is available for those who prefer not to wait for spontaneous resolution.

During the episode, Dr. Swanson outlines all the treatment paths for molluscum. She details both topical remedies, in-office treatments, and one oral treatment option, noting that the goal of some treatments is to engage the immune system to recognize and combat the virus. Here are some of the main categories of treatment discussed:

Topical: OTC naturals like tea tree oil, prescription Retinoids, Imiquimod, KOH, Zelsuvmi

In Office: Bettlejuice (cantheradin), liquid nitrogen, candida antigen, curettage

Oral: Cimetidine

Doing nothing: also an option

Whether you choose to wait for natural resolution or explore treatment pathways, it's essential to consult with a dermatologist to find the best approach for you or your child. Remember, the immune system is a powerful ally in overcoming molluscum, and understanding your options can lead to a more comfortable experience.

Keywords

molluscum contagiosum, skin treatments, dermatology, pediatric dermatology, viral skin infections, immune system health, skincare tips, skin health

Links, Attachments

Portico Pharmacy for Aron Regimen for Molluscum Dermatitis (must be prescribed by a provider)

Chapters

00:00 Welcome & Intro

02:00 There Are Options to Treat Molluscum

03:30 Treating Molluscum Dermatitis

04:20 Pseudofurunculoid Molluscum

06:30 Topical, In Office, Oral Treatments

07:40 Tea Tree Oil

10:00 No Treatment Stops Spread of Molluscum

11:10 Topical Retinoids (Irritating)

12:14 Imiquimod, Controversial but Effective

17:00 KOH: Potassium Hydroxide

20:25 Dr. Swanson’s Reaction to PDT (A Side Note)

22:00 Easing Into Therapies and Treatments

22:45 Zelsuvmi (Berdazimer)

25:28 Nitric Oxide: Molecule of the Year in 1992

31: 00 In Office Treatments: Beetle Juice (Cantharadin)

39:00 Liquid Nitrogen (LN2)

41:00 Candida Antigen Yeast Protein Injections

43:00 Redness & Swelling, Don’t Panic

44:34 Curettage for the Highly Motivated Patient

47:45 Oral Cimetidine or Doing Nothing (Also an Option)

52:00 Thank you, Goodbye + Disclosure from Dr. Swanson

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.

In this episode Dr. Lisa Swanson takes a deep dive into Molluscum Contagiosum, which is a very common and highly contagious skin virus that primarily affects children. It spreads easily through close contact and shared water environments such as swimming pools and baths. While the bumps can persist for up to years, the immune system usually clears the infection on its own, and most people only get molluscum once.

As the body begins fighting the virus, children may develop related reactions such as molluscum dermatitis, pseudo-furunculoid molluscum (inflamed bumps that signal an immune response), or an ID reaction—an immune-driven rash elsewhere on the body. Although the condition can look alarming and carries some social stigma, it is generally harmless and does not require quarantine. For families who prefer faster resolution, dermatology treatment options are available to help clear the lesions sooner.

Keywords

Molluscum Contagiosum, Dermatology, Pediatric Dermatology, Skin Bumps, Children's Health, Immune Response, Skin Treatment, Contagious Skin Virus, Molluscum Dermatitis, Pseudo-Furunculoid, ID Reaction

Links, Attachments

Portico Compunding Pharmacy

Chapters

00:00 Intro to Molluscum and Welcome

02:15 Pox Virus, Swimming Pools

04:00 Immune Treatments

06:25 Appearance of Molluscum Bumps

07:45 Molluscum Dermatitis

10:00 International Listeners

11:28 AAD Shade Grant for Schools

12:00 Pseudo-Furunculoid Molluscum

14:10 Symptoms of Molluscum

16:027 Hygiene & STD Stigma

17:30 Adults & Molluscum

21:00 Immunity

22:25 ID Reactions

26:00 Molluscum Will Eventually Resolve

30:00 If You’re Going To The Pool

33:00 Goodbye

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.

In this bonus episode, Dr. Swanson received questions directly from listeners and she addresses those in the order below.

1. Do people outgrow eczema?
2. What are some current trendy products that are not effective?
3. What are your thoughts on hypochlorous acid use?
4. Out of all the things explaining eczema out there (genetic predisposition, food sensitivity, environmental sensitivity, etc.), is there one thing responsible for eczema?
5. Are eczema diagnoses increasing? Has it always been distinct from dry skin?
6. What is the difference between eczema and psoriasis and why do dermatologists sometimes have a difficult time distinguishing which is which?
7. Is there any treatment that improves eczema for EVERYONE?
8. Assuming families cannot afford to immediately do a major elimination diet, get their house tested for mold, install a filter for chlorine, etc. all at once, where would you recommend they begin to address a child’s eczema?
9. If parents are nervous about treating eczema with medicines, what would you advise?
10. What can you tell listeners about Anzupgo?

Keywords

Dermatology, Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatology, Dermatologist, Pediatric Dermatology, Idaho Dermatologist, Kids, Rash, Anzupgo, hypochlorous acid, dermatitis, itchy, sensitive skin

Links, Attachments

Email us: skincredibleinfo@gmail.com

Access all platforms HERE

Youtube HERE

Instagram HERE

TikTok HERE

Spotify HERE

Apple Podcasts HERE

Pinterest HERE

X HERE

Chapters

00:00 Intro and Welcome

01:06 Outgrowing Eczema

02:27 Trendy Products That Don’t Work

03:50 Hypochlorous Acid Use

05:45 Thing Responsible for Eczema

07:11 Eczema vs. Dry Skin

08:03 Psoriasis vs. Eczema

10:41 Treatment That Works For Everybody

11:41 Elimination Diets, Mold, Chlorine

13:42 Parents Scared of Treating Eczema

20:43 Anzupgo (Pan-JAK Inhibitor)

23:22 Thank You and Goodbye

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.

In this episode of the Skincredible podcast, Dr. Lisa Swanson interviews Dr. Matt Zirwas, a board-certified dermatologist known for his extensive experience in the world of contact dermatitis and patch testing. They discuss the importance of knowing when to question existing knowledge with better research, the intricacies of patch testing, and the role of Dupixent in treating atopic dermatitis. Dr. Zirwas shares insights on identifying Malassezia exacerbated atopic dermatitis and the impact of common allergens. The conversation emphasizes the need for patient education and understanding in dermatology, along with a light-hearted rapid-fire question segment at the end. Dr. Swanson describes Dr. Zirwas as a bit of a “loose cannon” and Dr. Zirwas doesn’t disagree, if you’ve come to be educated and entertained, you won’t be disappointed!

Keywords

Dermatology, Contact Dermatitis, Rash, Patch Test, Allergies, Skin Allergies, Malassezia, Yeast, Skin, Dermatitis, Atopic Dermatitis, Irritant Contact Dermatitis, Allergic Contact Dermatitis, Dupixent, Cera Ve Ointment, Aquaphor, Neosporin, Bacitracin, Polysporin, Polymyxin, Eczema, Matt Zirwas, Lisa Swanson, Clinical Trials

Links, Attachments

CAMP (Contact Allergen Management Program) Website

Low Nickel Diet Book Discussed

Systemic Nickel Research

Dr. Zirwas’ Podcast: Derms On Drugs

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Matt Zirwas

02:35 Challenging Dogma in Dermatology

04:05 Baloney, the Aron Regimen

06:35 Exploring Contact Dermatitis with a Guru

08:30 Understanding Patch Testing

10:30 The Challenges of Diagnosing Dermatitis

13:30 The Impact of Dupixent on Treatment

16:30 Differentiating Irritant and Allergic Contact Dermatitis

21:00 The Impact of Daily Exposure on Skin Health

25:00 Cumulative Toxicity and CAMP

28:50 Uncle John’s Rash & Baby Products

31:00 Nickel Allergy, PSA

37:30 Antibiotic Ointments: Neosporin vs. Alternatives

41:23 A Closer Look at Aquaphor, Lanolin, Bisabolol

45:40 Propylene Glycol in Ozempic

48:00 Malassezia Exacerbated Atopic Dermatitis

51:23 Rapid Fire Questions

54:300 Thanks and Until Next Time!

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The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.