The Allergist Episode 51 – No to Olive Oil, Yes to What Works in Eczema Care

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“Atopic dermatitis is not just about what you see on the skin. It’s about what the patient’s experiencing.”

– Dr. Melinda Gooderham

Eczema care has become a world of creams, cleansers, oils, and myths — but what actually works? Dr. Mariam Hanna is joined by Dr. Melinda Gooderham, assistant professor at Queen’s University and consultant physician at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre. As principal investigator for more than 250 clinical trials, Dr. Gooderham brings both evidence and practical wisdom to the table.

In this episode, they explore:

  • Why barrier repair remains the cornerstone of therapy, and how humectants, emollients, and occlusives play distinct roles
  • The evidence behind natural oils (and why olive oil is out while coconut, sunflower seed oil, and shea butter may have a place)
  • Bathing basics: frequency, water temperature, and whether bleach baths still matter
  • How to choose topical steroid potency and when to pivot toward non-steroidal options
  • The promise of newer agents: calcineurin inhibitors, PDE-4 inhibitors like roflumilast, and topical JAK inhibitors
  • When to escalate to systemic therapy, with itch and quality of life as key markers

Eczema may be complex and misunderstood, but Dr. Gooderham reminds us that consistent barrier care, adequate product use, and asking the right questions about itch can simplify management and improve patient outcomes.

Posted on September 16, 2025.