Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases. It usually presents in childhood and may persist into adult years, and less frequently develops in midlife. It is characterized by recurrent pruritic, localized eczema, often with environmental fluctuations. Many patients have food allergies and other atopic disorders such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. The prevalence of AD has increased over the past several decades, and environmental factors such as household hygiene products, air pollution, and plastic exposure have played a role in the growing incidence. Quality of life is affected by pruritus, sleep loss, secondary infection, depression, and anxiety.
Learning Objectives
Following this activity, participants should be able to understand pathogenesis, utilize recent clinical trial data to inform optimal treatment selection, and formulate management plans that include multiple lines of integrative therapy for patients with acne.
CE Credits
CONO: Category A: General -0.75 credit, Pharmacology-0.50 credit
British Columbia: Category C- General -1.25 credit
AANP: General -0.75 credit, Pharmacy-0.50 credit
OANP/OBNM: General -0.75 credit, Pharmacy-0.50 credit
Dr Michael Traub, ND, DHANP, CCH, FABNO
Dr Michael Traub obtained his undergraduate degree in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine in 1976 where he conducted neurobiology research of learning and memory for Professor James L. McGaugh. He graduated from the National College of Naturopathic Medicine in 1981 and completed a residency there in Family Practice and Homeopathy. He became board certified in homeopathic medicine by the Homeopathic Academy of Naturopathic Physicians in 1989.
Dr Traub was recognized for his many years of service to the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, including President from 2001-2003, when he was honored with the 2006 Physician of the Year Award. His father was a dermatologist, and this inspired Dr Traub to undertake extra study in this subject. He has taught dermatology at five of the seven accredited naturopathic medical schools in North America and is the author of “Essentials of Dermatologic Diagnosis and Integrative Therapeutics.” He is a recognized authority in the naturopathic profession on dermatology. He serves on the scientific advisory boards of several natural product companies, and has been actively engaged in clinical research for most of his career. Dr Traub has been medical director of Lokahi Health Center in Kailua Kona, Hawaii for the past 37 years. He is also board certified in naturopathic oncology by the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology.
