Aug. 8, 2025

Dermatologic Conditions

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Show Notes

Stan, Clarence, Barry, and the Health Chatter team chat with Dr. Mitchell Elliott Bender, Clinical Professor of Dermatology and longtime leader in the field, about common and complex dermatologic conditions.

Dr. Bender was born and raised in the Bronx, NYC, and earned his undergraduate degree in biology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He went on to graduate from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed his residency in dermatology at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Bender founded Dermatology Specialists PA in Edina, Minnesota, which has grown into a 15-member practice. Though he retired from clinical practice in 2022, he continues to serve as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Minnesota Medical School and as Clinical Professor at the Minneapolis VA Hospital.

Join us for an enlightening discussion about skin health and dermatological care, and stay tuned to gain fresh perspectives on how skin conditions impact overall wellness.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

More about their work can be found at https://www.huemanpartnershipalliance.org/

Research

Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting up to 50 million Americans annually. (1)
There are different types of acne (blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, acne cysts or nodules), so a one-size-fits-all approach is not the best way to achieve clearer skin. (2) A board-certified dermatologist can diagnose the type of acne you have and determine the right treatment based on your skin type and type of acne.
There are many effective acne treatments available from oral to topical over-the-counter or prescription medications or products. (2)
Acne usually begins in puberty and affects many adolescents and young adults; however, it can occur at any stage of life and may continue into one’s 30s and 40s. (3-5) Adult acne continues to increase and affects up to 15% of women. (3-6)

Approximately 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 experience at least minor acne. (7)

Eczema

Eczema refers to a group of conditions that lead to inflamed skin. Signs of inflamed skin include a rash, itchiness, and excessive dryness. (8)
There are several types of eczema. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type.
Eczema is a complex condition. Your genes, immune system, and what touches your skin may play a role in eczema. (8) A board-certified dermatologist can determine what’s affecting your eczema and recommend an appropriate treatment.
While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, most cases can be controlled with proper treatment. The goals of treatment are to keep the skin moist, reduce inflammation and the risk of infection, and minimize the itch associated with the rash. (9-11)
Atopic dermatitis affects nearly 1 in 10 Americans of all ages. (12)

It affects up to 1 in 5 children under the age of 18. (12)

Hair loss

Many conditions and diseases can result in hair loss, as can improper hair care.
The most common cause of hair loss is hereditary thinning or baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. (13) This condition affects an estimated 80 million Americans — 50 million men and 30 million women. (14)
While daily shedding is normal, people who notice their hair becoming noticeably thinner or falling out in large amounts should consult a board-certified dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Potential causes of hair loss, some of which are temporary, include:

Alopecia areata, a type of autoimmune hair loss that can affect all ages and causes hair to fall out in round patches. (15,16)
Genetic factors.
Tight hairstyles that pull on the hair. (17-19)
Shampooing, combing, or brushing hair too much or too hard. (17)
Hair plucking, which may be a sign of a disorder called trichotillomania. (17)
A variety of diseases, including thyroid disease and lupus. (17,20)
Childbirth, major surgery, high fever or severe infection, stress, or even the flu. (17)

If you need treatment for regrowth, the earlier you start, the more likely you are to see regrowth.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the immune system that develops when the body makes skin cells too quickly, causing skin cells to pile up and form visible patches or spots on the skin. (21-26)
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can be associated with other diseases and conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and depression, so it’s important to see a board-certified dermatologist if you have symptoms of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. (24,27-31)

Healthy lifestyle choices that can help reduce psoriasis flares include eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, managing stress, getting an adequate amount of sleep, staying hydrated, moisturizing your skin, not smoking, and avoiding triggers.

Psoriasis occurs in people of all ages but is primarily seen in adults, with the highest proportion between ages 45 and 64. (32)

Psoriasis affects nearly 7.5 million people in the United States. (27,33)

Topical treatments are helpful for mild to moderate psoriasis but do not tend to be effective for treating moderate to severe psoriasis. (23,24)
Psoriasis patients with moderate to severe psoriasis can be treated with traditional systemic medications, which work throughout the body; biologic medications, which also work throughout the body, targeting specific parts of your immune system; or phototherapy, which utilizes UV light. (21,22,25-27,34,35)
In cases of more extensive psoriasis, topical agents may be used in combination with phototherapy, or traditional systemic or biologic medications. (21-23,25-27,34,35)

Rosacea

Rosacea is a common skin condition that mainly affects the face. You may see flushing, lasting color (red, violet, or brown), acne-like breakouts, or visible blood vessels. Some people develop irritated eyes or thickening skin. (36,37)
Although there is no cure for rosacea, proper treatment can help control the condition.
While people of all ages and races can develop rosacea, it is most common in the following groups:

People between ages 30 and 60. (38-40)
Individuals with fair skin, blond hair and blue eyes. (38,40,41)
Women, especially during menopause. (38)
Those with a family history of rosacea. (40)
Exactly what causes rosacea is unclear. However, scientific breakthroughs, many made by dermatologists, are giving us a better understanding of what may be happening inside the body. It’s possible that the many signs and symptoms of rosacea are due to inflammation. As the inflammation increases, so do the signs and symptoms.