Scratching the Surface: Understanding Itch in Prurigo Nodularis

Dr. Raja Sivamani is a board-certified dermatologist and practices as an integrative dermatologist at Pacific Skin Institute. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Dermatology at the University of California, Davis and Director of Clinical Research and the Clinical Trials Unit.He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at the California State University, Sacramento and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at California Northstate University, College of Medicine.He engages in clinical practice as well as both clinical and translational research that integrates bioengineering, nutrition, cosmetics, and skin biology. With training in both Allopathic and Ayurvedic medicine, he takes an integrative approach to his patients and in his research.He has published over 100 peer-reviewed research manuscripts, 10 textbook chapters, and a textbook entitled Cosmeceuticals and Active Cosmetics, 3rd Edition with a passion for expanding the evidence and boundaries of integrative medicine for skin care.

Associate Professor and Dermatology Director at the UCSF Centre for Itch and Neurosensory Disorders at the University of California in San Francisco, California, US

Sarina Elmariah, MD, PhD, is a board-certified dermatologist and developmental neuroscientist. She is also Associate Professor and Dermatology Director at the UCSF Centre for Itch and Neurosensory Disorders at the University of California in San Francisco. Her research interests lie in general dermatology, skin cancer detection and treatment, chronic itching disorders, allergic skin reactions and wound healing, and aims to promote innovation and discovery in the neuroimmune cutaneous areas and improve how we characterize, diagnose and manage common skin disorders. 

She has published numerous articles and abstracts in dermatology and neuroscience journals, including the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and the Journal of Neuroscience. Additionally, she has authored many online publications and a book chapter and is a reviewer for many top-tier dermatology and scientific journals. She has also received numerous awards, including the Saul Winegrad Award for her outstanding graduate thesis, and the Balduin Lucke Memorial Prize for superior research in Medicine and Biology, the Dermatology Foundation Physician-Scientist Career Development Award, and the American Academy of Dermatology 2018 Young Investigator Award.