Episodes
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What are topical steroids? Often prescribed for chronic skin conditions, I’ll bet you’ve probably used them at some point during your treatment.
What are topical steroids versus glucocorticoids?Are topical steroids + glucocorticoids bad?Cortisone vs cortisol (and glucocorticoids examples by name)Side effects of glucocorticoidsWhat is topical steroid withdrawal?How glucocorticoids modulate your immune system
Sure, they work quickly, but are they without side effects? To answer that question, we need to talk about glucocorticoids, which are hormones naturally produced by the adrenal glands as part of the stress response.
Topical steroids fall under the glucocorticoids category, and due to those who’ve experienced something called topical steroid withdrawal, some people are described by physicians as “steroid phobic.”
While there are serious downsides, glucocorticoids can have some incredible anti-inflammatory effects on various health conditions. That’s why it’s crucial for us to have a nuanced conversation about this!
Dr. Luis Franco joins me to discuss everything you’ve wanted to know about topical steroids, types of glucocorticoids, and concerns about side effects from using topical steroids.
Dr. Luis Franco is a Tenure-Track Investigator at the National Institute of Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). He was born in Colombia and grew up between Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. He attended medical school in Colombia before returning to the United States, initially as a postdoctoral fellow at Duke University. Dr. Franco attended Baylor College of Medicine for specialty training in internal medicine and medical genetics. In 2014, he moved to the National Institute of Health (NIH).
In This Episode:
Quotes
“Glucocorticoids exist naturally. They are hormones that are produced by our bodies. And they're produced by this very particular gland that's above our kidneys, that's called the adrenal gland or the suprarenal gland. And so our adrenal glands produce these chemicals called glucocorticoids. And those chemicals have many, many roles in biology and the one that is sort of best understood is that they are part of the stress response.”
“I think the side effects that are important to know for topical glucocorticoids are one, something called skin atrophy, which is kind of a thinning of the skin that people notice when they've been applying glucocorticoids for a long time. Some people also notice little, kind of red, blood vessels that come up. These are called telangiectasias. These are like reddish blood vessels that become very visible on the skin of people who have used topical glucocorticoids.”
Links
Find Dr. Franco online
Healthy Skin Show ep. 344: NEW RESEARCH On Topical Steroid Withdrawal Symptoms + TSW Red Skin Trigger
Topical Steroids Potency Chart
Immune regulation by glucocorticoids can be linked to cell type–dependent transcriptional responses
Glucocorticoid-induced eosinopenia results from CXCR4-dependent bone marrow migration -
If you’ve wanted to start growing your own sprouts, this is for you! I learned how to grow sprouts after becoming fed up with the expensive packages from the store getting slimy a day or so after buying them.
Why sprouts are so nutritiousHow to grow sprouts at home (to avoid the slimy store-bought ones)Difference between sprouts, shoots + microgreensBest method to grow sprouts (jar vs tray vs paper towel)Picking the right seeds to sprout to avoid glyphosate + low nutrientsFood-borne illnesses + sproutsHow to store sprouts so they last to avoid MOLD!Tips to add sprouts to your dietBeginner-friendly options to start your sprouting journey
I’ve continued to sprout different types of seeds and encourage clients to also do this, since sprouts (especially broccoli sprouts) are so good for your liver detoxification.
So if you think that sprouting is hard to learn – it’s not!
In fact, it’s so easy that my husband who doesn’t even eat sprouts helps me. It takes less than a minute to care for them, and they add so much nutritional value to your meals.
To help you learn more about how to grow sprouts in a jar, the difference between sprouts and microgreens, AND how to keep the mold and slime away, I’m joined by Doug Evans, who is considered to be an early pioneer in the natural food industry.
In 2002, he co-founded Organic Avenue, one of the first exclusively raw, organic, and plant-based retail chains in the country. He then founded Juicero, the first fresh, farm-to-glass automatic cold-press juicer. Doug is now the founder of The Sprouting Company and lives in the Mojave Desert at Wonder Valley Hot Springs. He wrote The Sprout Book to teach people about the power of sprouts and how to start sprouting.
So let’s dive in!
In This Episode:Quotes
“For me, there's nothing better, fresher, healthier than consuming sprouts that you get to grow on your own.”
“So the sprouting seeds, you can have top shelf and bottom shelf. So just getting a seed from a bulk bin…in a grocery store. We don't know where it came from, we don't know how old it is, we don't know what it's been exposed to. So since we're using these seeds to grow food for you know ourselves and our family, we want to have the best.”
Links
Find Doug online | Instagram | Instagram | Tiktok
Get Doug’s book, The Sprout Book
Healthy Skin Show ep. 177: Liver Detox – Skin Rash Connection, PT 1 -
Missing episodes?
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Ever heard of immunoglobulins? While colostrum is experiencing a renaissance, you should seriously weigh the immunoglobulin supplement versus colostrum benefits.
How I learned about the amazing benefits of immunoglobulin supplementWhy you should use immunoglobulinsDifference between immunoglobulins and colostrum benefitsHow do immunoglobulins work?Benefits of immunoglobulinsHow to take an immunoglobulin supplementBest immunoglobulin supplement + where to get it
Partly because colostrum is a LOWER potency option, that sometimes isn’t even standardized (depending on the brand) to guarantee how helpful it will be.
That said, immunoglobulins (aka. IgGs) can be incredibly helpful for things like leaky gut (gut permeability), histamine intolerance, recovering from a stomach bug or food poisoning, and supporting your immune system during cold + flu season.
Plus, I’m going to share why I prefer immunoglobulin supplements over colostrum, what the difference is between the two, and how to use them.
Also, I want to how you how to avoid the fake, over-hyped colostrum + immunoglobulin supplements found online (even on Amazon)!
Let’s dive in!
In This Episode:
Quotes
“[Immunoglobulins] were traditionally used and still are actually for more diarrhea-dominant problems. So if you've got a lot of loose soft stools, diarrhea, or even something like inflammatory bowel disease.”
“IgGs can be found in the serum of your blood, and they also can be found in the serum of the blood of cows. And so historically, when people supplement with colostrum, that's derived from dairy, and it contains IgGs. So they are similar in that colostrum has IgGs and it's one of the major components that makes it so helpful, but it's not as potent.”
Links
GET REAL, VERIFIED IMMUNOGLOBULINS HERE
Healthy Skin Show ep. 188: Histamine Intolerance + Skin Rashes (PART 1)
Healthy Skin Show ep. 192: Histamine Intolerance + Skin Rashes, PART 2 -
If you’re over extreme diets or exercise (especially if you’re in perimenopause or menopause), metabolism-boosting foods such as higher protein intake with amino acids and creatine is a better way to go.
How your body changes as you enter your late 30s to early 40sIs it really harder to build muscle as you get older?How to think about metabolism + perimenopause weight gainWays you can inadvertently mess up your metabolismAre there any fasting benefits for women?Carbs: Are they really bad for you?Critically important metabolism boosting foodsBenefits of creatineDitch the black-and-white thinking when it comes to perimenopause nutrition
This is especially important if you’re currently struggling with hormonal or perimenopause weight gain that you just can’t seem to lose!
The shared challenge that many women face has a lot to do with confusing and mixed messaging you’ve been exposed to for decades – from counting calories and viewing “thinness” as your marker of being healthy to pretty extreme fitness routines that overtax your system and increase the risk of injury.
So how should you eat and move to best prioritize your health?
And what intelligent questions should you be asking about worthwhile changes
For example – Do fasting benefits that people rave about online apply to you (or could fasting make things worse)?
Are the benefits of creatine for women true or overblown?
We’re answering these questions and more today to help you decide which metabolism-boosting foods to add and ways to see your pursuit of your best health with Liz Wolfe. Liz helps women 35+ silence decades of diet and health confusion to bring balance and beauty back. She’s a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Certified Personal Trainer; a best-selling author and podcast host; founder of the IdealAge brand of supplements; and creator of the Own Your Metabolism program and the Own Your Fitness app.
In This Episode:
Quotes
“It's very hard to build muscle because some of our key signaling factors that enable that easy building of muscle that we experienced in our 20s and probably early 30s, they're just not working as well.”
“Calories do come into play in certain ways, but metabolism is so much more than that and so much more important than that. It is the sum total of every chemical physiological reaction in your body that enables you to generate the energy that fuels everything that you do throughout the day.”
Links
Find Liz online | online | Instagram
Liz’s Daily Aminos Supplement
Healing Chronic Skin Issues with Clinical Nutritionist & Skin Expert Jennifer Fugo on Balanced Bites Podcast
STUDY about perimenopause weight gain
STUDY: Daily energy expenditure through the human life course
Healthy Skin Show ep. 314: Is A High Protein Diet SAFE? (Or Bad For Skin Problems?) w/ Dr. Gabrielle Lyon
Healthy Skin Show ep. 323: SNEAKY Perimenopause Symptoms + Signs (No One Talks About) w/ Dena Norton, RD
Healthy Skin Show ep. 345: Why Brain Symptoms of Perimeno -
Gut parasites can be so frustratingly tricky to get a clear answer whether you have them or not.
Are functional stool tests an effective parasite test?Is microscopic stool testing a better for gut parasites?Pros + cons of blood testing for parasitesHow to test for pinworms + are they contagious?Crazy relationship between allergen cross-reactivity + parasitesHow to know if you have parasites (these are surprising!)Do babies always have GI issues if they have gut parasites?Could adults have a parasite and skin rash but NO GI issues?Relationship between biofilms + gut parasites
The topic of and how they impact chronic skin issues is a fascinating once, especially since it’s entirely possible to have parasites, but have NO gut symptoms.
Additionally, it can be quite difficult to get accurate test results.
So yes, it’s worth exploring a parasite and skin rash connection, even if you live in what’s considered a “first world country”.
Certain skin symptoms (like hives) can be a significant clue, while other signs of gut parasites infection are sneakier (like certain nutrient deficiencies).
Joining me to discuss all things gut parasites testing related is Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS. She’s a clinical nutritionist who helps babies and children with chronic rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin so they can enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms. As one of the most trusted pediatric skin-focused nutritionists, Jen is passionate about helping families get to the root causes of the problem through her unique method called Conquer Your Child’s Rashes™.
In This Episode:Quotes
“Often, if there is an H. pylori finding and it doesn't necessarily have to be flagged as high, if it's even detected, I consider that a problem. H. pylori often comes along with something parasitic happening.” – Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS
“Parasites move. They don't necessarily all stay in one spot. Some do live in the GI tract and just hang out there, but others can go to other organ systems.” – Jennifer Fugo, MS, LDN, CNS
Links
Find Jennifer Brand online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
LISTEN TO PART 1 OF THIS CONVERSATION → Surprising Skin Signs Of A Hidden Parasites-Gut Problem w/ Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS
GOT RASHY KIDS? Register for Jennifer Brand’s free training – http://www.ConquerYourChildsRashes.com
Healthy Skin Show ep. 213: Stool Testing Do’s + Don’t’s For Skin Rashes
Healthy Skin Show ep. 306: Parasites, Worms + Skin Rashes w/ Robin Foroutan, RD
Healthy Skin Show ep. 337: New Research On Gut Trigger For Chronic Urticaria Hives (And What I See In Clients)
Healthy Skin Show ep. 329: Crazy Eye Rash Trigger! Demodex Mites Treatment + Triggers w/ Dr. Carly Rose -
Thinking about how to change your mindset might bring on eye rolls, but shifting how you view your annoying (or debilitating) symptoms can have a huge impact on your quality of life.
Stories you tell yourself that DESTROY your mindset growthWhat exactly is mindset?How to change your mindset (that’s more effective)When you allow your skin to dictate how you feelStrategies to create an open mindset aligned with healingThe formula for happiness
No one is spared from things in life that cause suffering. And yes, living with chronic skin problems, including Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), can seriously damage your confidence and self-worth.
I’ve often heard from clients that how their day will go is dictated by what their skin will decide to do. And while I understand the challenge inherent to the unpredictability of your skin, allowing external factors like your skin to have such enormous control over your mindset and daily experience sets you up for failure.
And with time, you likely will start to feel victimized by your skin (and other symptoms) and rather powerless.
Joining me to discuss mindset growth, healthier emotional habits, and more is Brad Bizjack. Brad is a personal development expert and a master mindset strategist who has a decade of experience in igniting human potential. His mission is to awaken individuals to their limitless possibilities and empower them to create the extraordinary success and freedom they deserve no matter their circumstances or health.
After working with 60,000 people, Brad is renowned for his ability to shatter mediocrity and inspire profound, lasting change. He excels in uncovering the limiting beliefs and toxic thoughts that lurk in the shadows of the mind, unlocking the doors to unprecedented achievement and fulfillment.
In This Episode:Quotes
“You've had worthiness since the moment you were born. No skin condition, no amount of results, no success, no anything will ever make you more worthy than you already are. Never. And if you think that for some reason the way your skin looks makes you a better or worse person, or more enough or less enough, you're giving your personal power away to something that should not be dictating how you live your life.”
“There are gifts in every bit of negativity you could ever experience, because contrast creates clarity.”
Links
Find Brad Bizjack online | Instagram
JOIN ME → Sign up for the Success Accelerator challenge
Healthy Skin Show ep. 131: Mindset: What To Do When Nothing Seems To Help Your Rashes -
If you’re on the hunt for steroid-free itchy scalp remedy options to end the embarrassment and discomfort of flaky, itchy scalp problems, this episode is for you.
Why Dr. Gupta sought out an effective itchy scalp remedyWhat is cradle cap? (+ cradle cap removal options)Why scalp issues in babies could trigger food allergiesDandruff causes (+ how the scalp microbiome is involved)How Yobee hair products workThoughts on hair products causing MORE scalp inflammationWho can use Yobee products? (Can you use it for beardruff + beard care?)
From cradle cap in infants to itchy, crusty, flaky dandruff in adults, so many people feel like they’ve tried every dandruff treatment in the book. From medicated anti-dandruff shampoo to topical steroids and other medications, you know that eventually, the flaking, itching, and redness all return.
This is because those treatments don’t deal with the root of the issue, which is an imbalanced scalp microbiome, leading to an overgrowth of things like malassezia.
AND a compromised skin barrier, which can be a trigger for the atopic march (food allergies, dry skin, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and asthma).
Joining me to discuss how to get rid of dandruff, cradle cap removal, and her line of gentle scalp rebalancing products is return guest Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH. She is a Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a Clinical Attending at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Dr. Gupta has over 20 years of experience as a board-certified pediatrician and health researcher and currently serves as the founding director of the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research (CFAAR).
She is world-renowned for her research on the epidemiology, economic impact, prevention, and management of allergic conditions, and strives to find answers and shape policies surrounding these conditions in order to reduce burden and improve health equity.
In This Episode:
Quotes
“So for the scalp, typically your cells should regenerate every month. And what happens when you have dandruff, it's happening more frequently and that's where you're getting those white flakes. So it's happening almost weekly. And what's causing that? So many things. So we all use different hair products now and a lot of the hair products have chemicals in it. And so what are those chemicals doing to disrupt the microbiome? You have to think about that.”
“Eczema and the cradle cap and food allergies and allergic rhinitis and asthma, they're all connected. And so if you have one, you have a higher chance of having the rest. So those babies with eczema, just like my daughter, develop food allergies. But now we're seeing more and more, like a lot of the creams or, like you said, shampoos will have a food component and that could be causing that food allergy to start up because it's entering them through their skin.”
Links
Find Dr. Gupta online | Instagram | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook | Twitter | Twitter
Find Yobee online and on Instagram
Get Dr. Gupta’s book, -
If you have discolored, yellow nails, you could be dealing with finger + toe nail psoriasis. Often, brittle, raised nails can be tricky to figure out what’s going on especially when you consider how similar nail psoriasis vs fungus nail infections can look.
What should a healthy nail look like?What is finger + toe nail psoriasis?Nail changes in eczema cases (How is this different?)Is nail psoriasis a psoriatic arthritis symptom?Finger + toe nail psoriasis vs Fungal nail infectionsNail psoriasis treatment optionsNutrients linked to healing nail psoriasis
Nail psoriasis actually forms under the nail bed and can be easy to miss! Eventually, though, the skin becomes red and inflamed, and the nail bed is damaged in the process.
And if you have psoriatic arthritis, your risk of developing finger + toe nail psoriasis is greater than 70%! So it’s crucial to know what the signs + symptoms of nail psoriasis as well as what nail psoriasis treatment options exist.
I’m excited to discuss this with returning guest Dr. Jenny Bennett, a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and founder of Aria Integrative Medicine, an autoimmune specialty clinic in Seattle, WA. She utilizes treatments from both Eastern and Western medical practices to find the best approach for treating autoimmune diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, finger + toe nail psoriasis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma.
In This Episode:Quotes
"You get this kind of inflammatory process, you don't always see it because it's under the nail. So it can be kind of red and inflamed, and it damages the nail bed. And then your body starts to just make all of these extra skin cells underneath the nail bed. And if you build up enough of them, it can cause damage to the nail, it can actually thin the nail or decrease it. But oftentimes it looks like it's thickening.”
“Any kind of microbial changes will increase your risk of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and psoriatic nail changes. So if you have a fungal infection, or even sometimes a bacterial infection, in the nail, it will increase the risk of psoriasis happening in that nail.”
Links
Find Dr. Bennett online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
Healthy Skin Show ep. 217: Health Concerns Linked to Psoriasis (You SHOULD Know About)
Healthy Skin Show ep. 336: Early Signs & Symptoms Of Psoriatic Arthritis (Don’t Ignore These!) w/ Dr. Jenny Bennett -
Did you know that skin problems can be signs of hidden parasites-gut imbalances?
Types of gut parasitesHow often do we see parasites in clientsHow to know if you have parasites — gut symptoms + beyondFoods that are “parasite hot spots”Are pinworms contagious?Perioral dermatitis parasite connectionParasite and skin rash connection in childrenSurprising signs of gut parasites in adultsReasons why you are itchier at night
And that if you have a skin rash like chronic hives, psoriasis, or eczema, the chances that you have gut parasites are quite high?
In fact, some symptoms of parasites might seem totally unrelated to your skin or gut health. And my many years of clinical experience has proven over time that some people have no gut symptoms at all, even though they have gut parasites lurking under the surface.
So if you’ve wanted to know how to know if you have parasites or “parasite hot spots” to be careful around – this is the episode for you!
Joining me to demystify gut parasites in adults and children is Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS, a clinical nutritionist who helps babies and children with chronic rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin so they can enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms. As one of the most trusted pediatric skin-focused nutritionists, Jen is passionate about helping families get to the root causes of the problem through her unique method called Conquer Your Child’s Rashesᵀᴹ.
Let’s dive in!
In This Episode:
Quotes
“I found a study that says that the prevalence of parasitic infections in both adults and children who have chronic hives is 75%.” – Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS
“What I tend to see in adults is like nighttime disturbances: You could have really bad dreams, really stressful dreams, night terrors, nightmares, clenching your jaw, TMJ-type issues…” – Jennifer Fugo, MS, LDN, CNS
Links
Find Jennifer Brand online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
GOT RASHY KIDS? Register for Jennifer Brand’s free training – http://www.ConquerYourChildsRashes.com
FOR SKIN RASH WARRIOR ADULTS! Save your seat for Jennifer Fugo’s free training (7 Skin Rash Mistakes) – http://www.RebuildHealthySkin.com
Healthy Skin Show ep. 213: Stool Testing Do’s + Don’t’s For Skin Rashes
Healthy Skin Show ep. 306: Parasites, Worms + Skin Rashes w/ Robin Foroutan, RD
Healthy Skin Show ep. 337: New Research On Gut Trigger For Chronic Urticaria Hives (And What I See In Clients)
Healthy Skin Show ep. 329: Crazy Eye Rash Trigger! Demodex Mites Treatment + Triggers w/ Dr. Carly Rose
Chronic spontaneous urticaria and internal parasites – a systematic review -
“Why am I so itchy?” If you have itchy skin without rash, including issues like eczema, psoriasis, or chronic hives, you might have neuropathic itch.
What is neuropathic itch (aka. itchy skin without rash)?How could your brain cause itchy skin without rash?Itch intensity of different examples of neuropathic itchTreatment options for neuropathic itchWhich inflammatory cytokines are involved?Could Low Dose Naltrexone help itchy skin without rash?Alternative therapies for neuropathic itch
Though itch is caused primarily by inflammation, neuropathic itch is actually caused by dysfunction of your nervous system!
Put simply, this type of itch has no primary skin rash, so you won’t see inflamed dry patches or welts. You’ll only feel itchy.
It is often localized to certain areas of the body. For example, you could have an itchy scalp, back, or arms. The itchy skin can sometimes be mild, but is unfortunately usually quite intense, leading to scratching, which can damage the skin.
And because there’s no treatment for neuropathic itch, despite it being very common, you might start to feel like there’s no hope. Yes, what’s causing this is not yet well understood, but it sounds like experts are digging into this.
Joining me to discuss neuropathic itch is returning guest Dr. Shawn Kwatra. He is the Chair of Dermatology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He specializes in medical dermatology areas of clinical expertise, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic itch of unknown origin and dermatology for ethnic skin. Dr. Kwatra also runs a basic science laboratory and clinical trials unit and is funded by the National Institutes of Health and multiple foundations.
He currently serves as the National Secretary/Treasurer of the Skin of Color Society. He is a member of the National Eczema Association’s Scientific and Medical Advisory Council.
Dr. Kwatra has been an author or co-author on over 200 publications and author of the book Living with Itch.
In This Episode:Quotes
“[Neuropathic itch is] initiated or caused by dysfunction of the nervous system…so it actually is caused by the nerves. And the core symptoms here are that you have normal skin, or skin only with some secondary skin changes or signs of scratching, excoriation, and it oftentimes favors a localized distribution. And so the scalp is actually a very common site where folks itch.”
“Unfortunately, a lot of the medications we use to treat this condition are very sedating. They're drugs that are focusing on the transmission of itch in the central nervous system and spinal cord like gabapentin or anticonvulsants. So those are the type of drugs that we're giving for this condition.”
Links
Find Dr. Shawn Kwatra online here and here | Twitter
Healthy Skin Show ep. 275: Why You're So Itchy (HINT: It's Probably Not Histamine) w/ Dr. Shawn Kwatra
Healthy Skin Show ep. 302: What Is Prurigo Nodularis: Triggers, Body Connections + Crazy Itch w/ Dr. Shawn Kwatra
Healthy Skin Show ep. 331: Eczema Symptoms-Skin Color Connection: Why Skin Tone May Make Certain Symptoms WORSE w/ Dr. Shawn Kwatra
Healthy Skin Show ep. 03 -
If you didn’t know, markers for candida in stool tests aren’t very trustworthy. This is a challenge when you’ve invested money to figure out what’s going on in your gut that is also impacting your skin.
Is candida overgrowth a frequent root cause in skin rash cases?Is it worth it to try a candida cleanse?Pros + cons: Best tests for candidaAre THESE skin issues signs of candida overgrowth?Diet + candida overgrowth (honest thoughts)Upcoming trainings to join
Candida overgrowth is tricky to pinpoint if you don’t take several factors into account (and often they aren’t things you can test for).
Sometimes signs of candida overgrowth are fairly obvious, like getting thrush, a vaginal yeast infection, or candida diaper rash in children. Other times, the symptoms are subtle and could be attributed to other problems if you aren’t looking at the full case.
Because the inflammation triggered by candida overgrowth in your gut can absolutely show up as inflamed skin and rashes.
My guest, Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS, is a clinical nutritionist who helps babies and children with chronic rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin so they can enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms. As one of the most trusted pediatric skin-focused nutritionists, Jen is passionate to help families get to the root causes of the problem through her unique method called Conquer Your Child’s Rashesᵀᴹ .
We’re chatting today about what we tend to see in baby, childhood, and adult skin problems when we see or are looking for candida and other fungal overgrowth concerns.
So let’s dive in!
In This Episode:Quotes
“I have had multitudes of the thousands of people that are in my Instagram community, on my email list, here on YouTube, how many people have said, ‘I did a candida cleanse and I think I broke myself because my skin flared up so badly. I deeply regret having done this’.” — Jennifer Fugo
“When you have an overgrowth of something like candida or something else fungal, you're not going to be able to fix it with diet and prebiotics. I have not had a case where we've been able to do that. It requires some sort of natural anti-microbial antifungal.” — Jennifer Brand
Links
Find Jennifer Brand online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
GOT RASHY KIDS? Register for Jennifer Brand’s free training – http://ConquerYourChildsRashes.com
FOR SKIN RASH WARRIOR ADULTS! Save your seat for Jennifer Fugo’s free training (7 Skin Rash Mistakes) – http://www.RebuildHealthySkin.com
Healthy Skin Show ep. 213: Stool Testing Do’s + Don’t’s For Skin Rashes
Healthy Skin Show ep. 178: Using Probiotics For Eczema in Little Ones w/ Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS
Healthy Skin Show ep. 311: What Causes Candida Overgrowth (and How to Stop It)
Healthy Skin Show ep. 313: Testing for Candida Overgrowth (Is the Candida Spit Test LEGIT?) -
What are the causes of eczema? Can you get eczema genes? Is psoriasis genetic? These are common questions especially since many doctors still blame skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis on genetics.
True or false: Is eczema is genetic?How genetic research has changed the way medicine views chronic health conditionsThe dark history behind using genes to guide treatmentIs there an eczema gene (or even a dyshidrotic eczema gene) or is psoriasis genetic?How does your environment (and chemical exposures) influence your genetic code?Can different fabrics INCREASE Staph aureus on the skin?New research on topical eczema treatments using the skin microbiome
Many people have been told “Oh, you just got bad genes!”
So is it true that the genes are the reason explaining WHY you got the skin condition that you have? Or does this attitude overlook and ignore other possible triggers.
With the ability to sequence the genetic code (and even get your own DNA report), genes have essentially become the convenient excuse according to my guest today. And that leaning on them as THE reason you have skin problems (and other health concerns) is something of a flawed approach.
In reality, there are a multitude of reasons or triggers that can cause skin problems that include the environment, your microbiome, chemical exposures, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and even what fabrics you wear. But if we ONLY point to genes, it becomes really easy to see how these important factors are overlooked.
So if you’ve been told that eczema is genetic or what causes psoriasis on the skin is because of your genes, this conversation will blow your mind. My returning guest Dr. Ian Myles is head of the Epithelial Therapeutics Unit at the National Institute of Health tasked with evaluating the efficacy and safety of a topical, live bacterial treatment for eczema.
He did his undergrad at Colorado State University, received his medical degree from the University of Colorado, then trained in internal medicine at The Ohio State University prior to beginning fellowship training in allergy and clinical immunology at NIH. He became a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and has supported several US and international missions. Also, Dr. Myles received his master’s in public health from George Washington University.
And he’s the author of a fantastic book called Gattaca Has Fallen: How Population Genetics Failed the Populace now available that seeks to answer the question about how genetics research has led care for chronic health conditions (like skin problems) very astray.
In This Episode:Quotes
“It is an easy excuse and it comes from a dark history, but comes from a long time ago where it was just an assumption as to, why would one person get a disease and one person not? And particularly within siblings, right, why would one of your children have eczema and the other one never suffer a second of the disease? And it was just this assumption that there's got to be something innately wrong with the individual.”
“…With the advent of the microbiome and a new appreciation of that, now it's finally expanding out to skin organisms, gut organisms, all these other things, which, it's become very clear, there is no you without those organisms. So a mouse that is raised without any microbiome, there is not one single organ system that functions correctly…Not an immune system, the brain, the gut, the heart, the liver. Not one single immune system functions properly in a germ-free, what the term would be, ger -
If you’ve ever been told to “just stop googling” when you’ve met with a doctor to get help for a skin flare-up, this episode is for you.
The pivotal moment that makes MOST people give up hope for healingSetbacks + flare-ups in your skinHeartbreaking responses shared by skin rash warriorsWhat TYPE of skin rash warrior are you?The #1 best mindset shift that is the spark for HOPE
I’ll bet you’ve had unfortunate experiences in the conventional medical system that’s left you feeling dismissed, gaslight, ignored, and even abandoned when you’ve reached out for help.
That’s NOT okay.
Especially because you’re trying your best to do right by your health because you want to get better.
You are definitely not alone – which is why I’m sharing responses from other skin rash warriors who’ve gone through the same thing.
Let’s dive into the most common response triggered by these types of encounters with providers, and how it eats away at your hope, trust, and motivation.
Plus, the best way you can reignite the spark of hope for your skin healing journey!
In This Episode:
Links
INVITATION >> Save Your Seat For My Upcoming Webinar on Common Mistakes People Make On Their Skin Healing Journey (PLUS I’m going to share more on how to find + work on YOUR hidden skin rash root causes). -
Are you ready to stop your skin rashes? Join me on Wednesday, September 4th at 7pm ET / 4pm PT for my free training on the SEVEN biggest mistakes people make when trying to fix their chronic skin rashes. Register at www.RebuildHealthySkin.com to join me live (or to get the replay that will be available for a limited time)!
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Ever heard of a tick meat allergy (also known more formally as alpha-gal syndrome)? This is caused by the bite of a very specific type of tick which then triggers an allergy to mammalian meat (that comes from cows, pigs, sheep, etc.).
What is alpha-gal syndrome and what triggers it?Tick meat allergy originsWho is at risk for alpha-gal allergy?How is alpha-gal syndrome diagnosed?Alpha-gal allergy symptomsWhat is pork-cat syndrome?Timeline from tick bite to triggering alpha-gal allergy symptomsAlpha-gal syndrome and dairy: Is it problem?Medications to avoid if you have alpha-gal syndromeIs there treatment available for alpha meat allergy?
Alpha-gal syndrome is different to other food allergies. Take peanut allergies, for example. Symptoms like hives and wheezing typically show up very quickly after consuming peanuts or peanut-containing foods.
If you have an alpha-gal allergy, it usually takes a few hours between meat consumption and the onset of symptoms. This can make it very tricky to diagnose.
Because an alpha meat allergy is not just to one type of animal, it causes a significant diet change AND is tricky when it comes to picking supplements (as this type of allergy isn’t on the top 9 allergen list).
Joining me to shed some light on alpha gal mammalian meat allergy is Dr. David Fitzhugh, an allergist/immunologist in private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
He specializes in food immunotherapy for children and adults with severe food allergies but treats a wide variety of allergic and immunologic conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, mast cell disorders, and anaphylaxis.
In This Episode:
Quotes
“You have to live where the tick is prevalent, number one. And number two, you know the typical person that we might see with alpha-gal tends to be someone who spends a lot of time outdoors because those are people that are getting tick bites…And again I'll reinforce, of course, not everybody who gets bit by Lone Star Tick develops alpha-gal.”
“Patients, in my experience, they have this sort of palmar-plantar itching, right? They complain of itching on the palms of their hands, soles of their feet, and then sometimes hives erupt, and then sometimes mild GI symptoms. My stomach was a little upset. I felt a little queasy, but sometimes overt, significant diarrhea and vomiting.”
Links
Find Dr. Fitzhugh online
Healthy Skin Show ep. 339: How Sensitive Are You?: Best Test For Food Allergy (IgE) Sensitivity w/ Dr. David Fitzhugh
Healthy Skin Show ep. 056: Hidden Lyme Disease And Your Skin w/ Dr. Darin Ingels
High-risk groups for alpha-gal sensitization
Successful Treatment for Alpha Gal Mammal Product Allergy Using Auricular Acupuncture: A Case Series
A Guide for People with Alpha-gal Syndrome
CDC – Products That May Contain Alpha-gal
Health Care Provider Knowledge Regarding Alpha-gal Syndrome -
Are you struggling with a super itchy skin rash that looks like eczema? If gluten seems to be a trigger – you might be dealing with dermatitis herpetiformis!
What is dermatitis herpetiformis (DH)?Dermatitis herpetiformis symptomsHow is this gluten rash diagnosed?Other clues that you may have dermatitis herpetiformis (e.g. altered oral health)Autoimmune conditions linked to this celiac rashCan removing gluten from your diet improve dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms?Dermatitis herpetiformis treatment optionsNutrient deficiencies associated with celiac diseaseShould you use gluten-free skincare if you have DH?
Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a rare skin rash that starts off as incredibly itchy, small blisters that eventually start to become open sores due to constant scratching.
This rash is generally considered to be MORE ITCHY than eczema, and is commonly found in the creases of elbows, knees, and buttocks.
What causes DH, you might ask? The answer is surprising: Gluten. Yes, dermatitis herpetiformis is a gluten rash – the skin manifestation of celiac disease. In fact, eliminating gluten from your diet and skincare is necessary to find relief.
Joining me to talk about the link between gluten, dermatitis herpetiformis, and celiac disease is fan-favorite guest Dr. Peter Lio, who is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology & Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, completed his internship in Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital, and his Dermatology training at Harvard where he served as Chief Resident in Dermatology. While at Harvard, Dr. Lio received formal training in acupuncture. Dr. Lio has written a textbook on Integrative Dermatology and has published over 100 papers.
In This Episode:Quotes
“Dermatitis herpetiformis, or DH, is really an inflammatory autoimmune disease that actually results in tiny blisters, although when most patients see it, they tend to look more eczematous…It's incredibly itchy.”
“[The itch] can be absolutely crazy. They can be going nuts where they're scratching. And again, it's these funny areas, elbows, knees, buttocks, and they're so uncomfortable. They can't really seem to get to the itch. I find it's even more intense and deeper in general than atopic dermatitis.”
Links
Find Dr. Lio online | Twitter | Facebook
Healthy Skin Show ep. 216: Could Your Rash Be A Sign Of Lymphoma? w/ Dr. Peter Lio
Healthy Skin Show ep. 246: Everything You Need To Know About Skin Tests (Done By Your Dermatologist) w/ Dr. Peter Lio
Healthy Skin Show ep. 275: Why You're So Itchy (HINT: It's Probably Not Histamine) w/ Dr. Shawn Kwatra
Dermatitis Herpetiformis (NIDDK)
Dermatitis Herpetiformis (NIH)
Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Novel Perspectives -
Let’s talk about hemp seed oil for skin benefits! This powerful, nutrient-rich seed oil is loaded with skin-friendly vitamins and fatty acids that are fantastic for your skin — especially when it’s dry and itchy. But there’s also some confusion around hemp seed oil.
Hemp oil vs CBD vs cannabisWhat are endocannabinoids and how do they compare to cannabinoids?Hemp oil for skin eczema, psoriasis, and other rashesThe benefits of hemp seed oil for skinWhat to watch out for in topical CBD oilsQuell products that feature hemp seed oil
Even though it’s from a plant that’s been cultivated for thousands of years for medicinal purposes, people still tend to associate it with CBD or even cannabis, which are definitely not the same thing as hemp seed oil.
We’re going to take a look at what the differences are between hemp seed oil and its other, more psychoactive cousins. And we’re also going to talk about how to use hemp oil for skin rashes. Because it’s phenomenal for cooling down inflammation quickly and supporting your skin in a variety of ways.
Real talk: healing from a skin rash, especially one you’ve had for some time, isn’t an overnight process. You’ve got to figure out where the imbalance is, and then address what’s driving this problem. And unfortunately, it’s usually a combination of a few things that have to be worked out. That’s why everything you’ve tried up until this point hasn’t worked. You need a more comprehensive look at the factors that drive skin rashes.
When I work with my private clients, I first walk them through the process I’m sharing with you for free here: The Skin Rash Root Cause Finder. It’s a workbook that will help you narrow down the underlying causes of your rash so you can get to work stopping it! Download it here and let’s figure this out, together!
In This Episode:
Quotes
“But, hemp is not psychoactive and doesn’t contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the psychoactive part of a marijuana plant that makes you “high.”
“It’s got a lovely balance of both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, and it also contains non-psychoactive cannabinoids so you get the benefits of likely interaction with the endocannabinoid receptors in the skin, without the psychoactive nonsense.”
Links
DermaQuell Nourish Butter – https://www.quellshop.com/products/nourish-butter
ALSO – we offer all three full 2oz jars in the Ultimate Quell kit – https://www.quellshop.com/products/ultimate-quell-kit
OR try the Quell skincare sample pack that includes all three creams for $12.95 (free shipping) – https://www.quellshop.com/products/dermaquell-skincare-sample-kit (especially great for those who are nervous to purchase a full product without trying it first. Each sample is a sealed 0.26oz sachet packet and includes a $12.95 store credit to use on anything in the shop.)
For helpful info on other star ingredients in the DermaQuell line, check out…
Healthy Skin Show ep. 346: How to Use Zinc for Eczema + Other Itchy, Painful Rashes
Healthy Skin Show ep. 335: Why I Love THESE Black Cumin Seed Oil Skin Benefits
Healthy Skin Show ep. 340: Moringa Oil Benefits for Skin: How to Use This For Eczema + Psorias -
Childhood eczema treatment options can get confusing fast, especially if you don’t know what’s driving your child’s itchy skin rash in the first place.
How itchy skin affects children and parents/caregiversDoes severity of eczema skin impact the severity of itchy skin?Why itchy skin ISN’T necessarily a sign of histamine intoleranceStruggles that parents go through supporting children with atopic eczema symptomsList of itchy skin triggersThoughts on skincare products for kids in need of itchy eczema reliefNutrient deficiencies that trigger itchy skinChildhood eczema treatment options and simple tips to stop itch
If your child is scratching constantly, it’s easy to blame histamine (and think it’s a histamine intolerance issue). Or if they have scaly eczema skin, it’s easy to blame food and start to cut more and more out.
Couple all this with the stress of watching your child suffer, and childhood rashes can be devastating for the whole family while trying to figure out the best childhood eczema treatment plan.
That’s why I thought it was time to discuss specific itch triggers that hit children with itchy skin and atopic eczema symptoms especially hard. While the conversation focuses on children and babies, it’s definitely still worth tuning in if you’re an itchy adult since many of these hidden triggers could still apply.
Joining me to demystify itchy skin and talk about childhood eczema treatment options is return guest and my good friend Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS. Jennifer is a clinical nutritionist who helps children with chronic rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin and enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms.
As the top pediatric skin referral resource among trusted nutrition experts, Jennifer's passion for helping children with chronic rashes stems from her own health challenges that left her feeling different, judged, helpless, and alone as a child, and her family members' struggles with eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo.
She has helped hundreds of families get to the root causes of the problem through her signature and proprietary step-by-step method called Conquer Your Child’s Rashesᵀᴹ . Her work has been widely recognized on a variety of podcasts, and she is a member of the American Nutrition Association, and LearnSkin (where she served as faculty).
In This Episode:
Quotes
“The skin pH is actually a little bit acidic, and that acidity helps maintain the skin's natural oils and protects it from harmful bacteria…If your skin pH becomes more alkaline, that's going to disrupt the natural flora on the skin, and that means that that normal healthy bacteria or the skin microbiome isn't going to grow as well. The skin barrier is going to start to break down.”
“When we're talking about eczema, the inflammation, the dryness, and the other damage on the skin that comes along with eczema triggers nerves in the skin that send itch signals to the brain that result in the need or the desire to scratch. So then it becomes such a vicious cycle because excessive scratching can cause more inflammation, a stronger urge to scratch. And so it's really that inflammation on the skin that is triggering the itch. And this has nothing to do with histamine.”
LinksFind Jennifer Brand online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
FREE guide: Ditch the Itch
Cure Your Child’s Rashesᵀᴹ Online Course -
Ever wonder what insights could be gained from small intestine bacterial overgrowth testing when you’ve got IBS gut symptoms?
Methane versus hydrogen gas production (and associated SIBO symptoms)Can laxatives improve SIBO constipation?Can you become addicted to laxatives?Conventional and natural SIBO treatment optionsBenefits of polyphenols in a SIBO dietHow Atrantil could help your SIBO symptoms (as an alternative SIBO treatment option)
Last week, Dr. Ken Brown and I discussed various reasons why Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a problematic diagnosis that has become a “catch-all” for any digestive symptoms. We also spoke about how SIBO inflammation can spread to other body systems including skin rashes like rosacea.
In today’s episode, we will dive into the reason why small bacterial overgrowth testing should be run by gastroenterologists. AND how it can lead to clarity on the type of SIBO you’re struggling with (and may explain your constipation or diarrhea). Plus, SIBO constipation can lead to unwanted side effects that, unfortunately, worsen long-term constipation!
And if you are struggling with SIBO symptoms and want to know how to get better, we’ll also dive into conventional and natural SIBO treatment options.
My friend and SIBO expert Dr. Ken Brown is back for Part 2 of this interview! He’s a board-certified gastroenterologist and has been in practice for over 15 years with a clinical focus on inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Known as the host of the podcast “Gut Check Project”, Dr. Brown’s mission is to bridge the gap between medical & natural science, leading to attainable improvements in quality of life for all.
For over a decade, he conducted clinical research for various pharma companies but is now focused on natural solution product development for KBMD Health and KBS Research. Dr. Brown has a clinical and research practice based in Plano, Texas. And he is the creator of ATRANTIL, this FIRST proven solution for IBS and bloating, now available in over 20 countries.
In This Episode:
Quotes
“If somebody comes in and they sound like SIBO, and they eat a meal, and they bloat, that tells me that there's SIBO going on in the small bowel.”
“If we were to look at what makes vegetables and fruits healthy for you, we know that they have insoluble fiber, they do have some vitamins, but the primary reason is these polyphenols, the things that make the fruits and vegetables colorful.”
Links
Find Dr. Ken Brown Podcast | Instagram | Tiktok
GET ATRANTIL HERE!!
TRY DR. BROWN’S SIBO SUPPORT KIT
Healthy Skin Show ep. 332: SIBO Symptoms Trigger Rosacea, Psoriasis + Eczema w/ Dr. Allison Siebecker
Healthy Skin Show ep. 019: SIBO-Rosacea Connection w/ Dr. Leonard Weinstock
Efficacy and Safety of Over-the-Counter Therapies for Chronic Constipation: An Updated Systematic Review
Efficacy of a Quebracho, Conker Tree, and M. balsamea Willd Blended Extract in a Randomized Study in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation -
This is a 2-part interview coming next week so stay tuned!
Why IBS is a total junk diagnosis (and what you more likely have)Fascinating research on small intestine bacterial overgrowthHow overgrowth of SIBO bacteria is an inflammation triggerUnpacking methane production in SIBOHow food poisoning triggers gut (and skin) SIBO symptomsAntibodies that worsen gut + skin SIBO symptoms
Did you know that many people diagnosed with IBS actually have SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)?
SIBO is unfortunately a rather under-diagnosed condition impacting your gut that often leads people to struggle for very long periods (sometimes several years!) without a clear answer of what’s going on beyond just being told “you have IBS.”
To be clear, digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea are not normal and can make you miserable. And being told that irritable bowel syndrome explains everything away isn’t really all that helpful especially if you experience severe bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and/or gas – all of which can wreck your life and create food fear (as you try to avoid whatever triggers an issue).
While small intestine bacterial overgrowth is slowly but surely becoming more accepted amongst doctors, we’re still learning more about the different triggers of SIBO symptoms and how it can impact other body systems like your skin (especially for those dealing with rosacea).
My friend and SIBO expert Dr. Ken Brown joins me today! He’s a board-certified gastroenterologist and has been in practice for over 15 years with a clinical focus on inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Known as the host of the podcast “Gut Check Project”, Dr. Brown’s mission is to bridge the gap between medical & natural science, leading to attainable improvements in quality of life for all.
For over a decade, he conducted clinical research for various pharma companies but is now focused on natural solution product development for KBMD Health and KBS Research. Dr. Brown has a clinical and research practice based in Plano, Texas. And he is the creator of ATRANTIL, this FIRST proven solution for IBS and bloating, now available in over 20 countries.
In This Episode:
Quotes
“People are walking around with this benign diagnosis called irritable bowel syndrome. And when people come to me, they're like, well, I'm told I have IBS. I'm like, IBS, in my mind, should be viewed as the warning sign. And the most common symptom is bloating. So what I tell my patients is the bloating you're experiencing, although you think it's normal, because it's been normalized either by you accepting it or a doctor saying, it's perfectly fine, you have to live with it, that's the warning sign that you have gut inflammation.”
“The skin is the outward manifestation. The skin is another warning sign, including acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis. All of these things can actually start in the gut, and the skin is trying to say, hey, it's not right, something is wrong. And I do see a lot of people with skin issues. And I have treated a lot of people that have seen dermatologists, and we fix their gut and it gets better.”
Links
Find Dr. Ken Brown Podcast | Instagram | Tiktok
GET ATRANTIL HERE!!
TRY DR. BROWN’S SIBO SUPPORT KIT
Healthy Skin Show ep. 332: SIBO Symptoms Trigger Rosacea, Psoriasis + Eczema w/ Dr. Allison Siebecker
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