Lisa Swanson, MD: The Psychology of Pediatric Chronic Skin Conditions

In part 1 of her interview with HCPLive, Lisa Swanson, MD, dermatologist at Ada West Dermatology, Meridian, Idaho, are there to help, detailed new and emerging therapies for pediatric skin conditions.

As most doctors will note, these therapies have often been coupled with various educational and psychological interventions.

Swanson considered the psychology of chronic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and vitiligo to be an “evolving topic” that doctors are trying to appreciate.

In her own practice, she often speaks with patients and caregivers about the importance of self-care.

“I really tried to destigmatize it when I'm talking with my patients and their families, especially given what we've gone through this past year and a half,” Swanson said, referencing the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I will often say if you haven't felt depressed or anxious in the past 18 months, you might be a robot. This has been really, really tough, the world has been turned upside down, and the skin is associated with it.”

Stress and anxiety can lead to disease flares in patients, and many conditions such as hidradentis suppurtiva have been proven to worsen due to stress. For Swanson, this has always led to her caring not just for her patients skin conditions, but the emotional and mental implications as well.

Regarding the pandemic, Swanson’s own practice and personal life had been affected. In addition to moving her practice from Delaware to Idaho, she began telemedicine during the early months of the lockdown period.

To hear more of the changes to her practice as a pediatric dermatologist during COVID-19, watch the video above.