NEA Experts
Would you like to speak with an eczema expert?
National Eczema Association’s panel of ecz-perts includes leading medical professionals who specialize in the treatment of eczema as well as patients and patient advocates. If you’re interested in being connected with one of the experts, contact: media@nationaleczema.org.
Medical professionals
Andrew Alexis, M.D. , MPH
Andrew F. Alexis, MD, MPH, FAAD, Vice-Chair for Diversity and Inclusion for the Department of Dermatology and dermatologist at the Center for Diverse Skin Complexions at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City.
“Eczema awareness is essential to ensure early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of this impactful skin disorder that affects millions of children and adults worldwide.”
Daniel Butler, MD
Daniel Butler is the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at University of Arizona College of Medicine and the director of the University’s Inflammatory and Aging Program Research Program. He graduated from the University of Arizona college of Medicine, completed his dermatology residency at Harvard Medical School, and joined the faculty at UCSF before returning back to his alma mater. Dr Butler specializes in diseases of aging skin, Geriatric Dermatology/Dermatogeriatrics, and the quality of life impacts of itching.
Samantha Casselman, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC
Dr. Samantha Casselman, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, has worked with pediatric eczema patients and families since 2013. She owns an eczema focused practice in Phoenix, AZ called Happy Skin Dermatology where she blends evidence based practice with customized treatment plans that are unique to each family. She is known as an ecz-pert in pediatric eczema and has created an eczema school in her practice based on her years of experience working with the various challenges eczema can pose for families.
Raj Chovatiya, M.D., Ph.D.
Raj Chovatiya, M.D., Ph.D. is Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Chovatiya received his M.D. and Ph.D. from Yale University. He completed his internship at Yale followed by residency and postdoctoral research fellowship at Northwestern, where he also served as Chief Resident. Dr. Chovatiya directs the Eczema and Itch Clinic at Northwestern, and his clinical focus includes atopic dermatitis, eczema, chronic itch, and other chronic inflammatory skin disorders including psoriasis, hidradenitis, immunobullous disease, and vitiligo. Dr. Chovatiya’s research interests include patient-reported outcomes, health services research, epidemiology, implementation science, translational therapy, and improving care for patients with skin of color. He has published numerous abstracts and manuscripts and been recognized for his research at national and international conferences.
“Eczema is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ skin condition – its impact and burden is unique for every single patient. With so much exciting research and many new treatment options, we have to continue working together to individualize care and get eczema under control for everyone!”
Lawrence Eichenfield, M.D.
Chief of Pediatric and Adolescent Dermatology at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego, and Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine (Dermatology), at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine. Member of NEA’s Scientific & Medical Advisory Council.
“We are excited at the revolution in understanding eczemas impact on affected individuals and families and in our new therapies recently approved and in development. We are working to minimize eczema in each and every patient—minimizing the rashes, the itch, the sleep disturbance and its secondary effects!”
Jennifer LeBovidge, Ph.D.
Dr. Jennifer LeBovidge is a psychologist in the Atopic Dermatitis Center at Boston Children’s Hospital and an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School. She provides psychological consultation to patients and families to support management of and coping with eczema. She is particularly interested in helping children play a developmentally appropriate role in their own self-management. Dr. LeBovidge has published on interdisciplinary and educational approaches to enhance atopic dermatitis management and care. Dr. LeBovidge has previously served on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the National Eczema Association and is currently co-chair of Allergic Diseases interest group for the Society of Pediatric Psychology.
Jenna C. Lester, M.D.
Board-certified in dermatology, Dr. Lester is an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at UCSF where she practices and teaches general dermatology and is the Founding Director of the Skin of Color Program. She was named a Watson Faculty Scholar, a prestigious award dedicated to the support of new faculty at UCSF. Dr. Lester is a sought-after lecturer, has written book chapters and published articles in peer-reviewed journals, and is currently building an academic research program in dermatology.
Peter Lio, M.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology & Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology (board-certified in Dermatology).
“Eczema is not ‘just’ a rash: it has powerful effects on the patient and their family and friends. Eczema may not just go away on its own: sometimes it may require treatments and lifestyle changes to get the skin back into balance. Having eczema does not mean you suffer alone: there are lots of dedicated people who will go to the ends of the Earth to support those with eczema, such as the National Eczema Association!”
Video – Ask the Ecz-perts: How do you treat eyelid eczema?
Jonathan Spergel, M.D.
Chief of the Allergy Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He holds the Stuart E Starr Chair of Pediatrics.
“Atopic dermatitis or eczema is the start of allergic march. In order to prevent future allergies, it is important to control eczema. Newer therapies are now available that can make a difference.”
Vivian Shi, M.D.
Board-certified dermatologist and an Assistant Professor of Medicine in Dermatology at the University of Arizona where she directs the Eczema and Skin Barrier Specialty Clinic. She has extensive clinical and research experience in eczema and repair of the skin’s natural protective barrier. Her principal focus is atopic dermatitis (AD) and she’s a longtime AD sufferer herself.
“Eczema is a pervasive condition thats affects not just the patient, but also the family and community as whole. There is so much more to proper eczema management beside applying moisturizers and topical steroids. We are fortunate to enter an era where there is an unprecedented surge of knowledge and treatment for eczema. Let’s learn more about eczema and the best and newest way to fight it!”
Video – Ask the Ecz-perts: Is food causing my eczema to flare?
JiaDe (Jeff) Yu
Board-certified dermatologist and fellowship trained pediatric dermatologist specializing in allergic contact dermatitis and occupational dermatitis in adults and children. Practices at Mass General Hospital for Children.
“Eczema affects 20% of the general population and to date, there is no cure. Patients with eczema have trouble finding appropriate clothing, environment, and jobs in which they do not itch. There is a general lack of awareness in the general public about the negative impact on the quality of life eczema has on its sufferers. It’s not ‘just’ a skin condition.”
Video – Ask the Ecz-perts: Why do most eczema treatments only address the symptoms?
