Learn
Delve into dermatology diseases with new approaches from conventional to complementary care.
Topics
Explore a broad spectrum of dermatological conditions and topics to enhance your practice.
Training Programs
Expert led instruction for every level of patient care.
Log in to see enrolled program content.
Conferences
Gain practical insights and meet new colleagues.
Hover over a conference to view recordings.
Join Us
The largest integrative dermatology community.
Welcome to week 20 as we apply an integrative dermatology approach to psoriasis!
Psoriasis: Botanicals and Supplements
This session offers a detailed review of the literature on botanical and supplements for psoriasis as well as practical considerations for their use.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe some of the studies that have shown benefit for psoriasis
- Outline some of the potential pitfalls or limitations of some of these agents
- Identify potential opportunities for integrative approaches to psoriasis
The Ayurvedic Approach
This lecture will provide a brief overview of the Ayurvedic perspective on psoriasis and how the three doshas are evaluated in the context of the clinical exam. Evidence will be presented on the utility of using turmeric and neem in the treatment of psoriasis.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe the Ayurvedic imbalances associated with psoriasis
- Discuss the treatment approaches to counter the typical imbalances in psoriasis
Practical Integration with Pharmaceuticals
This lecture brings together integrative modalities that enhance conventional treatments for psoriasis.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Identify a hepatoprotective herb that can be used to minimize risk of hepatotoxicity with methotrexate and acitretin
- Recognize the benefits of meditation and phototherapy
Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapies for Psoriasis
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete and unique medical system has been used to treat psoriasis for thousands of years. TCM remains widely used for the treatment of psoriasis. Therapies are personalized for each patient based upon the proper identification of the disease pattern underlying the condition. Chinese medicine therapies are used both orally and topically. This presentation will illustrate the TCM background on how to approach psoriasis as well as explore clinical trials of oral and topical Chinese medicine and acupuncture remedies using the perspective of TCM. We will also discuss good candidates for TCM treatment.
After completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Identify common patterns of psoriasis in TCM
- Review the current state of research for TCM and psoriasis
- Propose an integrative model of care for psoriasis patients
Faculty
Dr. Peter Lio is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics at the 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. Dr. Lio is the founding director of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center and has spoken nationally and internationally about atopic dermatitis, as well as alternative medicine.
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.
After finishing Medical School and Dermatology Residency at the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Bodemer completed a fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona. She was the first Dermatologist to be board certified in both Dermatology and Integrative Medicine and currently is the only Dermatologist to serve on the Integrative Medicine Board. She has authored academic texts and curriculum and has spoken widely on a variety of topics related to Integrative Dermatology. She has always been drawn to exploring how lifestyle choices impact skin health and disease and feels that the most powerful role a physician can play is as an educator and guide, empowering people to get healthy and stay healthy.
Dr. Joseph Alban is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Board Certified Herbalist. He has run a private practice in New York City for seventeen years.
Dr. Alban graduated from Touro College’s Graduate Program in Oriental Medicine, obtaining a Masters of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and completed a Doctor of Acupuncture at Five Branches Univerisity. He completed a Chinese Medicine hospital residency in Hunan, China where he trained in acupuncture, Chinese medicine dermatology, and Tui Na medical massage.
He has received the Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology Diploma from world-renowned expert Mazin Al-Khafaji. Dr. Alban sits on the board of the International Traditional Chinese Medicine Dermatology Association (ITCMDA). He is also the Traditional Chinese Medicine editor for Learn Skin and on the board for the Integrative Dermatology Symposium. He is the head editor and a contributing author of the ebook An Introduction to Chinese Medicine Dermatology which resulted from a collaboration of the ITCMDA and Learn Skin.
