This week on Skincredible, Dr. Lisa Swanson sits down with Dr. Michelle Tarbox for a deep dive into hair loss that goes way beyond “is it falling out?” Dr. Tarbox is associate professor of dermatology and dermatopathology at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and co-host of the Dermasphere Podcast! Fun fact-- her identical twin sister is an opera singer performing across Europe.

They start with diagnosis: why pattern is the first and most important clue, how a “swarm of bees” attacking follicular melanocytes causes hair shafts to thin and narrow over time in alopecia areata, and the key question that separates telogen effluvium from androgenetic alopecia — are you seeing, feeling, or catching hair coming out, or just noticing it’s thinner over time?

From there, a thorough look at GLP-1 related hair loss: why it happens, the emerging retatrutide (which targets both GLP-1 and GIP), the dysmorphia concerns around extreme weight loss, and Dr. Tarbox’s reminder that patients should always tell their doctors what they’re taking because “we don’t judge, we just need to know.” They discuss getting enough protein and the right vitamins to fill nutritional holes, and why hair loss can act as a canary in the mine for patients hoping to stay on their GLP-1.

On the OTC and device front: which supplement has the best data and price point (Viviscal, reviewed in an article on Dermasphere), a rundown of red light therapy devices (the Hairmax laser comb, iRestore vs. Revlon Red, why Theradome isn’t recommended, and capless options that need a power supply), and the science of why red light works — it’s attracted to copper ions, kickstarts senescent cells, decreases DHT, and improves blood flow. They also cover scalp massage, fingers vs. the “Comfier” device from Amazon, and a fair worry about head fires.

The conversation moves into JAK inhibitors as a game-changer for alopecia areata, the frustrating reality of insurance companies labeling it “cosmetic” despite the real burden it places on patients, and how hair loss is portrayed in media. They get into scalp micropigmentation (“drug tattooing”) — including the epinephrine science behind it, what a typical treatment series costs and involves (three treatments back-to-back, paired with oral or light-based support), and how Dr. Tarbox chooses between anti-androgens like spironolactone and finasteride depending on the patient.

Dr. Tarbox’s PSA for anyone googling hair loss: those miracle-growth ads aren’t real (cue a tangent about the cult movie The Peanut Butter Solution) — get diagnosed and come in early, because it’s far easier to maintain hair than regrow it.

Plus, a rapid-fire round: paper vs. digital calendars, guilty-pleasure reality TV, lottery dreams, ideal dinner time, and — naturally, given the Texas Tech connection — predictions on when Taylor and Travis are finally tying the knot.

Keywords

Dermatology, Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, JAK Inhibitors, Hair Loss, GLP-1, Peptides, Anti Androgens, Dutasteride, Finasteride, Spironolactone, Minoxidil, Rogaine, The Peanut Butter Solution, Scalp Massage, Red Light Therapy, Vitamins, Nutraceuticals, Viviscal, Nutrafol, Opera, Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift

Links, Attachments

More about Dr. Tarbox: https://providers.texastechphysicians.com/provider/michelle-tarbox/2676236

Dermasphere Podcast:

https://www.dermaspherepodcast.com/

Chapters

00:00 Intro and Welcome Dr. Michelle Tarbox

02:35 Alopecia Clinical Observations

06:29 How Important is Time in Alopecia?

08:38 GLP-1 Related Hair Loss

14:38 GLP-1 Related Body Dysmorphia

16:32 For Patients Experiencing GLP-1 Hair Loss

18:50 Over the Counter Recommendations

21:18 Red Light Therapy

24:17 Science of Red Light

25:39 Dermal Stretching & Hair Growth

29:23 Alopecia Areata & JAK Inhibitors

32:30 The Lost Years with Alopecia Areata

33:20 Insurance Calling Alopecia

34:45 What Dr. Tarbox Wishes Patients Knew About Alopecia

36:50 False Ads for Vitamins That Do Not Work

39:00 Drug Tattooing

44:40 Anti Androgen Therapies

48:30 Rapid Fire Questions

53:26 Like/Subscribe/Follow, Thanks & Goodbye

Send us Fan Mail

The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.

In this special behind-the-scenes episode of the Skincredible Podcast, Dr. Lisa Swanson welcomes her two medical assistants, Olivia and Anna, for a candid conversation about life in pediatric dermatology. They share how they found their way into dermatology, what they love most about working with children and families, and the rewarding experience of watching young patients gain confidence as their skin conditions improve.

The team discusses common misconceptions about pediatric skin conditions, including eczema, molluscum, warts, and birthmarks, while offering reassurance and practical insights for parents navigating these challenges. They also reflect on the emotional side of caring for children, the importance of building trust with families, and the unique joys (and occasional challenges) of pediatric dermatology.

To wrap up the episode, Olivia and Anna put their knowledge of Dr. Swanson to the test in a fun game of “How Well Do You Know Dr. Swanson?”, featuring questions about Bluey, coffee orders, favorite animals, reality TV, and more. Filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and plenty of pediatric dermatology wisdom, this episode offers listeners a fun and personal look at the team behind the clinic.

Keywords

Dermatology, Medical Assistant, Skin, Patients, Patient Care, Pediatric, Medical Care, Medical Team, Dermatology Practice, Warts, Bluey, Dr. Pimple Popper, Dr. Sandra Lee, Cystic Acne, Medical Care, Healthcare, Healthcare Careers

Links, Attachments

Image Source For Sperm Whales: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/photography/article/sperm-whales-nap-sleeping-photography-spd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@weareskincredible

Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/skincrediblepod

X: https://x.com/Skincrediblepod

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/skincrediblepod/

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/skincrediblepod/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5OPa1pfmGldcQGs8IE7nFb

Podcast website: https://skincredible.buzzsprout.com

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/skincredible/id1866567434

Chapters

00:00 Intro & Welcome: Olivia & Anna

01:55 How Olivia & Anna Ended Up In Dermatology

02:56 A Message to Olivia From Dr. Pimple Popper

05:30 Dr. Swanson’s Trivia Tradition During Talks

07:30 Female Dermatologists & Eldest Daughters

08:50 Favorite Parts of Pediatric Dermatology

12:25 The Team You Work With Matters

14:30 Helping Kids Feel Comfortable in Clinic

16:00 Buzzy Between the Brain and the Pain

17:00 We Believe in Bees, But They Do Sting

19:30 Least Favorite Parts of Pediatric Dermatology

25:00 Differences Make Us Special

27:20 If You Could Tell Parents ONE Thing

34:00 How Well Do You Know Dr. Swanson

35:28 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Bluey Character

36:25 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Starbucks Drink

37:40 Dr. Swanson’s Current OTC Favorite Ingredient

38:45 Dr. Swanson’s Dog’s Names

39:15 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Wart Treatment

40:35 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Ocean Animal

41:55 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Land Animal

43:04: Dr. Swanson’s Daily Lunch

43:44 Dr. Swanson’s Boy Biopsy Requirement

45:00 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Reality TV Show

47:30 Dr. Swanson’s Frustration Indicator

49:10 Dr. Swanson’s Favorite Bluey Episode

51:00 Appreciation and Goodbye

Send us Fan Mail

The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.

Description

In this moving episode of the Skincredible Podcast, Dr. Lisa Swanson sits down with Steve and Katy to share their daughter Stephanie’s journey with alopecia areata. They chat about what it was like to notice the first unexpected bald spot at age two, about navigating treatments, fears, setbacks, and ultimately finding hope.

These parents open up about the emotional toll of watching their child lose her hair, the uncertainty that comes with an autoimmune diagnosis, and the difficult decisions involved in starting advanced treatments like JAK inhibitors at such a young age. Along the way, they discuss the realities of parenting through chronic illness, the anxiety fueled by internet misinformation, and the importance of finding trusted medical guidance.

Most importantly, this episode highlights Stephanie herself. She is a resilient, joyful little girl whose confidence and strength remind us all that we are so much more than our appearance.

This conversation offers encouragement, practical insight, and reassurance for families facing alopecia areata or any chronic childhood condition. There’s emotional vulnerability and hopeful breakthroughs, hopefully helping others who are struggling feel less alone in their own journey.

Topics include:

• Understanding alopecia areata in children
• The emotional impact on parents and families
• Treatment options, including topical therapies and JAK inhibitors
• Managing fear, uncertainty, and setbacks
• Helping children build confidence and resilience
• The dangers of internet misinformation
• Why support, communication, and hope matter so much

Keywords

Dermatology, Hair Loss, Alopecia, Alopecia Areata, Alopecia Totalis, Alopecia Universalis, Diffuse Alopecia, Loose Anagen Alopecia, Traction Alopecia, Hair, Skin, Skin Expert, Dermatologist, JAK inhibitors, Minoxidil, Oral Minoxidil, Allegra, Pulse Prednisone, Prednisone, Olumiant

Links, Attachments

NAAF: https://www.naaf.org

Chapters

00:00 Intro & Welcome

00:44 Discovering Stephanie’s Alopecia Areata

03:00 Initial Reactions and Treatment Options

04:26 Three Potential Alopecia Areata Courses

06:00 Prednisone, Topicals, Oral Minoxidil, Vit D, Allegra

07:00 Discussing JAK Inhibitors: Olumiant

11:30 Stephanie Starts Olumiant

14:14 The Emotional Process of Alopecia

16:30 Stephanie’s Tips on Swallowing Pills

19:00 Stephanie Gets a Haircut

20:45 Parents’ Experience As Hair Grew Back

26:00 Set Backs During Therapy

31:00 Uncertainty, Off Label Use of Medication

33:30 Combating Online Misinformation

34:45 Advice From Parent to Parent

40:45 Writing Your Concerns Down

42:30 Stephanie’s Advice For Other Kids

43:40 Thank You & Goodbye

Send us Fan Mail

The information shared on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your physician regarding your health.