You may be wondering, “what are the best treatments for alopecia areata? Can hair grow back after alopecia areata? Are JAK inhibitors safe?” In this episode of the Skincredible Podcast, Dr. Lisa Swanson takes a comprehensive look at the latest alopecia areata treatments, from traditional therapies to cutting-edge medications that are truly changing lives in a world where treatments used to be very limited.

This episode will help you stay up-to-date on treatments available as of May of 2026 for Alopecia Areata and it will also help you discover why early intervention has shown to lead to better results. Dr. Swanson reviews the most effective treatment options for both children and adults, including observation, topical therapies like Minoxidil and Clobetasol, intralesional steroids, vitamin D, Allegra, Dupixent, pulse Prednisone, low dose oral Minoxidil, contact sensitizers such as Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), Squaric Acid, Diphencyprone (DPCP), and JAK inhibitors.

The episode also explores in detail the exciting new era of JAK inhibitors for alopecia areata, including Olumiant (baricitinib), Litfulo (ritlecitinib), Leqselvi (deuruxolitinib), and the upcoming approval of Rinvoq (upadacitinib). Dr. Swanson explains how these medications work, who may be a candidate, who may not be, required blood work and monitoring, common side effects, safety considerations, insurance challenges, and what patients can realistically expect when it comes to hair regrowth in general.

You'll also hear Dr. Swanson’s valuable insights on popular hair loss remedies frequently discussed online, including rosemary oil, garlic, essential oils, capsaicin, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), red light therapy, laser therapy, cryotherapy, and PUVA treatment.

Whether you're living with alopecia areata, caring for a child with hair loss, or a healthcare professional looking to stay current on the latest advances, this episode provides practical guidance, expert insights, and hope for patients navigating autoimmune hair loss.

Keywords

Dermatology, Hair Loss, Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, Alopecia Universalis, Diffuse Alopecia, Loose Anagen Alopecia, Traction Alopecia, Hair, Skin, Skin Expert, Dermatologist, JAK Inhibitors, Olumiant, Litfulo, Leqselvi, Rinvoq, Minoxidil, Hair Regrowth, Autoimmune Disease, Alopecia Totalis, Alopecia Universalis, Dupixent, Vitamin D, Allegra, Contact Sensitizers, Dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB), Squaric Acid, Diphencyprone (DPCP),

Links, Attachments

NAAF: https://www.naaf.org

Find a Pediatric Dermatologist near you: https://pedsderm.net/for-patients-families/find-a-pediatric-dermatologist/

Find an Adult Dermatologist near you: https://find-a-derm.aad.org/

Chapters

00:00 Welcome, A Side Note About Breast MRIs

04:25 Alopecia Areata Treatments

04:52 Observation, Especially in Pediatric Patients

05:39 Topical Steroids at Bedtime and Topical Minoxidil in Morning

09:00 Kids Do Better On Treatments

10:07 Follow Up and Expectations From Treatment

11:30 Intralesional Steroids

13:40 AAD or Society for Pediatric Dermatology Lookup

14:50 Vitamin D and Allegra Over The Counter

17:00 Dupixent

20:00 Pulse Prednisone

21:05 Oral Minoxidil

23:15 Safety Label on Minoxidil

24:30 Contact Sensitizers

27:00 JAK Inhibitors & Alopecia Discovery

30:00 Quality of Life Improvement with Treatment

31:20 Olumiant

33:05 Litfulo

36:15 Leqselvi

37:00 Labs Checked With JAK Inhibitors

39:00 Safety Warnings

40:40 The 4 Cs

44:00 Coming Soon: Rinvoq

46:50 The Importance of JAK Inhibitors & Early Intervention

51:30 Natural Remidies and Social Media Trends

53:30 Excimer Laser & PUVA

55:00 Red Light

56:00 Conclusion

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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 and Ana dive into the world of alopecia areata — an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss and affects both children and adults. From patchy scalp hair loss to loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, and even body hair, Dr. Swanson breaks down the many ways alopecia can present and why it’s so much more than a “cosmetic” condition.

Dr. Swanson explains the science behind alopecia areata, including how the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, the connection to stress and other autoimmune diseases, and the differences between alopecia areata, alopecia totals, alopecia universalis, telogen effluvium, traction alopecia, and loose anagen syndrome. They also discuss why hair plays such an important role in identity, confidence, and emotional well-being — especially for kids.

You’ll hear practical guidance on what people should know, common misconceptions, when blood work is helpful, and why internet searches can sometimes create unnecessary fear. Most importantly, this episode offers hope: today’s treatment options for alopecia areata are more effective than ever before.

Whether you’re personally affected by hair loss, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the science of hair and skin, this compassionate and informative conversation is packed with insight.

Plus — stay tuned for the next episode, where Dr. Swanson dives deep into the newest treatments changing the future of alopecia care.

Keywords

Dermatology, Hair Loss, Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, Alopecia Universalis, Diffuse Alopecia, Loose Anagen Alopecia, Traction Alopecia, Hair, Skin, Skin Expert, Dermatologist

Links, Attachments

National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAF): https://www.naaf.org

Chapters

00:00 Intro & Welcome

01:00 Alopecia Areata

02:48 Autoimmune conditions

05:16 How Alopecia Areata Presents

06:53 Diffuse Alopecia, Telogen Effluvium

12:50 Treatment Options Are More Abundant Now

13:40 Resolution vs. Treatment or Progression

15:50 Eyebrow Loss

16:55 Alopecia Areata Is NOT Cosmetic

18:25 Barbie & American Girl With Alopecia

20:15 Sudden Hair Loss, Ringworm (Tinea Capitis)

22:02 Joy From Treatment

24:25 Traction Alopecia

26:00 Disney Princess For A Day

27:13 Loose Anagen

30:15 Alopecia Recap

31:00 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 of Skincredible, Dr. Swanson and Ana dive deep into one of the most important — and most misunderstood — topics in skincare: sun protection. May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, so what a better time to explore options for protection! From sunscreen myths and tanning bed dangers to mineral vs. chemical sunscreens, SPF confusion, vitamin D debates, and even viral social media trends, this episode breaks down what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what actually protects your skin.

• Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen
• SPF myths and misconceptions
• Tanning beds and melanoma risk
• Sun protection for kids
• Vitamin D and sunlight
• Spray tans vs. tanning beds or sun tanning
• Sun-protective clothing and hats
• Tips for skin cancer prevention
• Anti-aging benefits of sunscreen
• Heliocare and antioxidant support
• Social media misinformation
• Favorite dermatologist-approved products

Additional links or resources

Trucker Article Reference

Fortification of Foods with Vitamin D Article I; Article II

Swim Zip

AAD Shade Structure Grant

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sun Protection

00:44 Personal Dermatology Stories

02:00 Understanding Sun Damage

04:00 Sunscreen Types and Controversies

11:44 Importance of SPF

16:14 Preventing Wrinkles, Sun Spots

17:22 Importance of Vitamin D

19:40 Products with Added Vitamin D

10:45 Tanning Beds

24:20 Tanning Addictions

25:00 Herpes and Genital Warts Via Tanning

28:22 Other Ways to Protect : Hats

33:22 Other Ways to Protect : SPF Clothing

37:00 Other Ways to Protect : Sunglasses

40:00 Paramedian Forehead Flap

42:00 Sun In Australia

43:15 AAD Shade Structure Grant

43:45 Bluey The Pool

45:30 Social Media Whispers: Anal Sunning

47:50 Social Media Whispers: Hormone Disruption

48:20 Social Media Whispers: Sunblocks VS. Sunscreen

48:20 Social Media Whispers: Inflammation In the Skin

50:30 Heliocare

53:20 Social Media Whispers: Homemade Sunscreen

54:00 Social Media Whispers: Coral Reef

55:56 Humans Benefit From the Outdoors

57:26 Conclusion

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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.

Most discussions about climate change focus on melting glaciers and rising sea levels, which are both important— but what about its direct impact on you? In this educational episode of Skincredible, Dr. Lisa Swanson is joined by Emmy Award–winning meteorologist Felicia Combs of The Weather Channel (Bio linked below). The conversation dives into the reality of climate change, and why we should all pay attention and hopefully do our part to help combat it. We will all be reminded of how COVID shutdowns temporarily improved air quality and what that tells us about our ability to impact our environments directly. Whether you're a climate skeptic, a health-conscious individual, or just curious about the future, Felicia offers practical and engaging insights you will learn from.

Felicia breaks down the difference between weather and climate in a way that really makes sense, she also explains how a changing climate may contribute to stronger hurricanes, shifting tornado patterns, intensifying droughts, and even increasing airplane turbulence. From wildfires in unexpected places like Georgia to rapidly intensifying hurricanes in recent history, this episode connects the dots between science, daily life, and the future of our planet.

In this episode we also explore the human side of extreme weather—what happens after storms pass, how communities rebuild, and why climate impacts extend far beyond the headlines. Plus, we tackle common misconceptions, the role of misinformation, and what individuals can realistically do to make a difference.

To wrap things up, Dr. Swanson and Felicia lighten the mood with some jokes about bunkers and a little bit of hope for what feels like a very daunting topic. This episode is eye-opening, informative, and empowering—and might just change the way you think about the forecast.

Don’t forget: Wear your sunscreen—no matter the forecast.

Keywords

Dermatology, weather, climate change, storms, changing weather, hurricanes, greenhouse gasses, melting ice caps, melting glaciers, tornadoes, climate, fires, environment, environmental risk factors, extreme weather, extreme storms, The Weather Channel, Lisa Swanson, Felicia Combs

Links, Attachments

Felicia Combs BIO

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:45 Is Climate Change Real?

03:05 Connecting Weather & Long Term Trends

05:00 Warming & Fossil Fuels

06:15 When We Started Noticing Changes

07:20 Pandemic & Changes in Environment

10:44 Tornadoes, Wildfires, Droughts

14:27 How hurricanes are Formed

15:44 Storms Intensifying More Quickly

17:15 Lives Impacted Due to Major Natural Events

19:00 Meteorologists In Storms

22:00 Insurance, Trickle Down Effects

25:25 Felicia’s Journey to Becoming a Meteorologist

26:13 Preparation, Not Fear

28:00 Turbulence in Clear Air & Flights in General

29:44 Delta Meteorologist Partnership

31:02 Vermont, Safest Cities?

32:50 Climate Modeling, Predictions

35:32 Paradise Show, Super Tsunami, Ash

37:30 Cloud Seeding, Silver Iodide

39:40 CO2 Removal, Basalt, Seaweed, Kelp

42:30 Bluey Pitch

43:04 Thank You & Closing

43:28 Bunker 5 Things You Would Take

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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 Skincredible, Dr. Lisa Swanson sits down with ER physician and climate health advocate Dr. Ethan Sims for an engaging, wide-ranging conversation that connects climate change directly to human health—right here in Idaho and across the globe.

They kick things off with lighthearted “two likes and two dislikes” (including a surprising anti-chocolate stance and a shared love of dogs), before diving into the serious reality that climate change is not just an environmental issue—it’s a healthcare issue.

Dr. Sims shares how a smoky, record-breaking summer sparked his journey into climate advocacy and walks listeners through the many ways climate change is already affecting our bodies. From extreme heat—which doesn’t just cause heat stroke but worsens heart disease, kidney disease, and even increases rates of violence—to intensifying storms that leave long-term mental health scars, this episode unpacks how environmental shifts ripple through every aspect of health.

They explore worsening air quality and the hidden dangers of microscopic pollutants. The conversation also covers the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses into new regions, the growing threat of water scarcity in the Mountain West, and how changing environments may be contributing to the rise in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Beyond the challenges, Dr. Swanson and Dr. Sims highlight solutions—from improving indoor air quality and reducing food waste at home to rethinking healthcare practices that contribute significantly to carbon emissions. They discuss practical changes already making a difference, like switching anesthetic gases, reducing medical waste, and simple energy-saving strategies within hospitals. The episode also touches on innovative (and sometimes imperfect)—emphasizing that there is no single fix, but rather millions of “small buttons” we can all push.

Blending science, personal stories, humor, and actionable insights, this conversation balances honest discussion of risks with a sense of empowerment. The takeaway: while the problem is big, meaningful change starts with awareness, conversation, and everyday action.

Because when it comes to the future of our health—and our planet—we’re choosing hope.

Keywords

Dermatology, climate change, health, environment, wildfire, heat, medical impacts, sustainability, public health, Idaho, global warming, human health, air quality, extreme weather, infectious diseases, regenerative agriculture, cloud seeding, water scarcity, mental health, autoimmune diseases climate change, carbon removal, regenerative farming, seaweed farms, carbon capture, sustainability, environmental solutions, healthcare sustainability, climate tech, individual action

Links, Attachments

What you can do according to Project Drawdown

Chapters

00:00 Intro and Welcome

01:19 2 Likes 2 Dislikes

11:40 How Climate Change Impacts Health

12:57 How Dr. Sims Got Interested in Climate

15:33 Age 47.3 is the Unhappiest?

21:00 Heat, Exposure and Violent Crimes

23:00 Extreme Weather

25:00 Chronic Mental Health Impacts

26:00 Least Vulnerable Places

27:45 Air Quality, Filtration

32:15 Mosquitoborne Illnesses

34:20 Water Scarcity, Desertification

39:00 Cloud Seeding

41:00 Regenerative Agriculture

43:00 Autoimmune & Inflammatory Diseases

47:22 Carbon Emissions

56:30 Electric Cars

57:00 Action is the Antidote to Despair

01:00:00 Hospital Efforts

01:08:00 Biggest Threat to Humanity Question

01:10:10 Closing on a Positive Note

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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, we dive deep into the world of GLP-1 and GIP medications with a Boise-based family medicine physician and clinical pharmacist. If you’ve been hearing nonstop about Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, “weight loss shots,” or even pills, this is your medically grounded guide to what’s real, what’s hype, and some of what you need to know.

We break down how GLP-1 receptor agonists work for weight loss, including appetite suppression, delayed gastric emptying, and their effects on the brain’s reward system. You’ll learn the differences between semaglutide vs tirzepatide, pill vs injection options, and why some medications may be more effective or better tolerated than others.

We also cover:

• Common GLP-1 side effects (nausea, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn)
• The truth about muscle loss, hair loss, and nutrition
• Microdosing GLP-1s—does it work or is it just a trend?
• The risks of compounded medications and online “GLP alternatives”
• How to safely access these medications through proper medical care
• Insurance coverage, cost breakdowns, and why prices vary so much
• Mental health considerations, including depression and mood changes
• Why feeling hungry is normal—and necessary—even on GLP-1s

We also tackle bigger-picture topics like:

• Is GLP-1 use changing beauty standards and body image culture?
• Why obesity is a chronic medical condition—not a personal failure
• The stigma around using weight loss medications
• What happens after you reach your goal weight (maintenance dosing)

Whether you’re considering GLP-1 therapy, taking it, know someone who is, or just trying to understand the buzz, this episode gives you expert insight, practical advice, and honest conversation about one of the most talked-about topics in modern medicine.

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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 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

Links

Dr. Swanson's Favorite Things

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

Links

Dr. Swanson's Favorite Things

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.