In this special behind-the-scenes episode of the Skincredible Podcast, Dr. Lisa Swanson welcomes her two medical assistants, Olivia and Anna, for a candid conversation about life in pediatric dermatology. They share how they found their way into dermatology, what they love most about working with children and families, and the rewarding experience of watching young patients gain confidence as their skin conditions improve.

The team discusses common misconceptions about pediatric skin conditions, including eczema, molluscum, warts, and birthmarks, while offering reassurance and practical insights for parents navigating these challenges. They also reflect on the emotional side of caring for children, the importance of building trust with families, and the unique joys (and occasional challenges) of pediatric dermatology.

To wrap up the episode, Olivia and Anna put their knowledge of Dr. Swanson to the test in a fun game of “How Well Do You Know Dr. Swanson?”, featuring questions about Bluey, coffee orders, favorite animals, reality TV, and more. Filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and plenty of pediatric dermatology wisdom, this episode offers listeners a fun and personal look at the team behind the clinic.

Keywords

Dermatology, Medical Assistant, Skin, Patients, Patient Care, Pediatric, Medical Care, Medical Team, Dermatology Practice, Warts, Bluey, Dr. Pimple Popper, Dr. Sandra Lee, Cystic Acne, Medical Care, Healthcare, Healthcare Careers

Links, Attachments

Image Source For Sperm Whales: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/article/sperm-whales-nap-sleeping-photography-spd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareskincredible

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/skincrediblepod

X: https://x.com/Skincrediblepod

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/skincrediblepod/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/skincrediblepod/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OPa1pfmGldcQGs8IE7nFb

Podcast website: https://skincredible.buzzsprout.com

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skincredible/id1866567434

Chapters

00:00 Intro & Welcome: Olivia & Anna

01:55 How Olivia & Anna Ended Up In Dermatology

02:56 A Message to Olivia From Dr. Pimple Popper

05:30 Dr. Swanson’s Trivia Tradition During Talks

07:30 Female Dermatologists & Eldest Daughters

08:50 Favorite Parts of Pediatric Dermatology

12:25 The Team You Work With Matters

14:30 Helping Kids Feel Comfortable in Clinic

16:00 Buzzy Between the Brain and the Pain

17:00 We Believe in Bees, But They Do Sting

19:30 Least Favorite Parts of Pediatric Dermatology

25:00 Differences Make Us Special

27:20 If You Could Tell Parents ONE Thing

34:00 How Well Do You Know Dr. Swanson

35:28 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Bluey Character

36:25 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Starbucks Drink

37:40 Dr. Swanson’s Current OTC Favorite Ingredient

38:45 Dr. Swanson’s Dog’s Names

39:15 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Wart Treatment

40:35 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Ocean Animal

41:55 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Land Animal

43:04: Dr. Swanson’s Daily Lunch

43:44 Dr. Swanson’s Boy Biopsy Requirement

45:00 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Reality TV Show

47:30 Dr. Swanson’s Frustration Indicator

49:10 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Bluey Episode

51:00 Appreciation 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.

Description

In this moving episode of the Skincredible Podcast, Dr. Lisa Swanson sits down with Steve and Katy to share their daughter Stephanie’s journey with alopecia areata. They chat about what it was like to notice the first unexpected bald spot at age two, about navigating treatments, fears, setbacks, and ultimately finding hope.

These parents open up about the emotional toll of watching their child lose her hair, the uncertainty that comes with an autoimmune diagnosis, and the difficult decisions involved in starting advanced treatments like JAK inhibitors at such a young age. Along the way, they discuss the realities of parenting through chronic illness, the anxiety fueled by internet misinformation, and the importance of finding trusted medical guidance.

Most importantly, this episode highlights Stephanie herself. She is a resilient, joyful little girl whose confidence and strength remind us all that we are so much more than our appearance.

This conversation offers encouragement, practical insight, and reassurance for families facing alopecia areata or any chronic childhood condition. There’s emotional vulnerability and hopeful breakthroughs, hopefully helping others who are struggling feel less alone in their own journey.

Topics include:

• Understanding alopecia areata in children
• The emotional impact on parents and families
• Treatment options, including topical therapies and JAK inhibitors
• Managing fear, uncertainty, and setbacks
• Helping children build confidence and resilience
• The dangers of internet misinformation
• Why support, communication, and hope matter so much

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, Minoxidil, Oral Minoxidil, Allegra, Pulse Prednisone, Prednisone, Olumiant

Links, Attachments

NAAF: https://www.naaf.org

Chapters

00:00 Intro & Welcome

00:44 Discovering Stephanie’s Alopecia Areata

03:00 Initial Reactions and Treatment Options

04:26 Three Potential Alopecia Areata Courses

06:00 Prednisone, Topicals, Oral Minoxidil, Vit D, Allegra

07:00 Discussing JAK Inhibitors: Olumiant

11:30 Stephanie Starts Olumiant

14:14 The Emotional Process of Alopecia

16:30 Stephanie’s Tips on Swallowing Pills

19:00 Stephanie Gets a Haircut

20:45 Parents’ Experience As Hair Grew Back

26:00 Set Backs During Therapy

31:00 Uncertainty, Off Label Use of Medication

33:30 Combating Online Misinformation

34:45 Advice From Parent to Parent

40:45 Writing Your Concerns Down

42:30 Stephanie’s Advice For Other Kids

43:40 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.

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.