In this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ted Lain sits down with world-renowned eczema and atopic dermatitis expert Dr. Peter Lio, founder of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center, to unpack a game-changing shift in how dermatologists think about chronic inflammatory skin conditions.

If you're a dermatologist, skincare professional, or someone managing eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or other steroid-responsive skin conditions — this episode is essential listening.

What you'll learn:
Why topical corticosteroids, despite being effective, carry real risks with long-term use — including skin atrophy, growth suppression in children, HPA axis suppression, and the increasingly recognized phenomenon of topical steroid withdrawal (TSW)
What PDE4 (phosphodiesterase 4) is, how it drives the inflammatory cascade in atopic dermatitis, and why targeting it is a "Goldilocks" approach to treatment
The evolution of PDE4 inhibitor topical therapies, including roflumilast (Zoryve) — its origins as an oral COPD drug and its transformation into a highly effective topical for eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis
The concept of "PDE4 inhibitor-responsive dermatoses" — a new framework introduced in Dr. Lio's JAAD publication that expands the clinical use of this drug class across a wide range of skin conditions, including rare and pediatric diseases with zero FDA-approved treatments
The excellent safety profile of topical roflumilast, including what side effects to watch for and how to counsel patients
Why dermatologists must continue championing innovation in topical therapies — not just biologics — to serve patients with mild-to-moderate disease

Featured guest: Dr. Peter Lio, MD — Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Northwestern University; Founder, Chicago Integrative Eczema Center; Global speaker, researcher, and consultant in atopic dermatitis and inflammatory skin disease.

Sponsored by Arcutis Biotherapeutics, makers of roflumilast (Zoryve) topical foam and cream.

This episode was recorded ahead of the 2026 AAD Annual Meeting.

Link to Dr. Lio's JAAD publication on PDE4 inhibitor-responsive dermatoses.

DISCLAIMER:  This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment

 

In this episode of the Science of Skin Podcast, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ted Lain sits down with world-renowned eczema and atopic dermatitis expert Dr. Peter Lio, founder of the Chicago Integrative Eczema Center, to unpack a game-changing shift in how dermatologists think about chronic inflammatory skin conditions.
If you're a dermatologist, skincare professional, or someone managing eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, or other steroid-responsive skin conditions &mdash; this episode is essential listening.
What you'll learn:
<ul>
<li>Why topical corticosteroids, despite being effective, carry real risks with long-term use &mdash; including skin atrophy, growth suppression in children, HPA axis suppression, and the increasingly recognized phenomenon of topical steroid withdrawal (TSW)</li>
<li>What PDE4 (phosphodiesterase 4) is, how it drives the inflammatory cascade in atopic dermatitis, and why targeting it is a "Goldilocks" approach to treatment</li>
<li>The evolution of PDE4 inhibitor topical therapies, including roflumilast (Zoryve) &mdash; its origins as an oral COPD drug and its transformation into a highly effective topical for eczema, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis</li>
<li>The concept of "PDE4 inhibitor-responsive dermatoses" &mdash; a new framework introduced in Dr. Lio's JAAD publication that expands the clinical use of this drug class across a wide range of skin conditions, including rare and pediatric diseases with zero FDA-approved treatments</li>
<li>The excellent safety profile of topical roflumilast, including what side effects to watch for and how to counsel patients</li>
<li>Why dermatologists must continue championing innovation in topical therapies &mdash; not just biologics &mdash; to serve patients with mild-to-moderate disease</li>
</ul>
Featured guest: Dr. Peter Lio, MD &mdash; Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Northwestern University; Founder, Chicago Integrative Eczema Center; Global speaker, researcher, and consultant in atopic dermatitis and inflammatory skin disease.
Sponsored by <a href="https://www.arcutis.com/">Arcutis Biotherapeutics</a>, makers of roflumilast (Zoryve) topical foam and cream.
This episode was recorded ahead of the 2026 AAD Annual Meeting.
<a href="https://jcadonline.com/pde4-inhibitor-responsive-dermatoses/">Link to Dr. Lio's JAAD publication on PDE4 inhibitor-responsive dermatoses.</a>
DISCLAIMER: &nbsp;This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment
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The Science of Skin is a podcast for those who want to be in-the-know about what’s trending, and what’s next in topical skincare.  Hosts  Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain are board certified dermatologist, recognized experts in topical skincare and co-founders of the Science of Skin Summit. In each episode, The Science of Skin will give you an insider’s view of the skincare industry.  You will hear from research scientists, formulators, and leading physician experts on how products are developed, tested, and used to treat medical and cosmetic patients.  

So, if you’re interested in a behind the scenes look at what makes the skincare industry tick, subscribe to The Science of Skin today. Thanks for listening!

 

You can slo find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.

The Science of Skin is a podcast for those who want to be in-the-know about what&rsquo;s trending, and what&rsquo;s next in topical skincare.&nbsp; Hosts &nbsp;Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain are board certified dermatologist, recognized experts in topical skincare and co-founders of the <a href="https://scienceofskincaresummit.com/">Science of Skin Summit</a>. In each episode, The Science of Skin will give you an insider&rsquo;s view of the skincare industry.&nbsp; You will hear from research scientists, formulators, and leading physician experts on how products are developed, tested, and used to treat medical and cosmetic patients. &nbsp;
So, if you&rsquo;re interested in a behind the scenes look at what makes the skincare industry tick, subscribe to The Science of Skin today. Thanks for listening!
&nbsp;
You can slo find us on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast">https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast</a>
Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.

The Science of Skin

The Science of Skin is a podcast for those who want to be in-the-know about what’s trending, and what’s next in topical skincare.  Hosts  Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain are board certified dermatologist, recognized experts in topical skincare and co-founders of the Science of Skin Summit. In each episode, The Science of Skin will give you an insider’s view of the skincare industry.  You will hear from research scientists, formulators, and leading physician experts on how products are developed, tested, and used to treat medical and cosmetic patients.  

So, if you’re interested in a behind the scenes look at what makes the skincare industry tick, subscribe to The Science of Skin today. Thanks for listening!

You can also find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast

Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.

The Science of Skin is a podcast for those who want to be in-the-know about what&rsquo;s trending, and what&rsquo;s next in topical skincare.&nbsp; Hosts &nbsp;Dr. Patti Farris and Dr. Ted Lain are board certified dermatologist, recognized experts in topical skincare and co-founders of the <a href="https://scienceofskincaresummit.com/">Science of Skin Summit</a>. In each episode, The Science of Skin will give you an insider&rsquo;s view of the skincare industry.&nbsp; You will hear from research scientists, formulators, and leading physician experts on how products are developed, tested, and used to treat medical and cosmetic patients. &nbsp;
So, if you&rsquo;re interested in a behind the scenes look at what makes the skincare industry tick, subscribe to The Science of Skin today. Thanks for listening!
You can also find us on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast">https://www.youtube.com/@scienceofskinpodcast</a>
Disclaimer: This podcast is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment, or medical advice. Content provided in this podcast is for educational purposes only. Please consult with a physician regarding any health-related diagnosis or treatment.