Kelly Barta, President of ITSAN and Executive Director of the Coalition of Skin Diseases, joins Janelle to shed light on a condition that often flies under the radar: Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). After personally experiencing a severe health crisis related to long-term topical steroid use, Kelly turned her journey into a mission, advocating for greater awareness, support, and accountability across the dermatology and pharmaceutical spaces.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.

In this powerful conversation, Kelly Barta shares her own TSW story and why navigating eczema can be far more complex than what appears on the surface. She discusses how her organization, ITSAN (the International Topical Steroid Awareness Network), is helping patients find answers, connect with community, and reclaim their health after years of misdiagnosis and confusion.

As Executive Director of the Coalition of Skin Diseases, Kelly also offers insight into the bigger picture. She shares how patient advocacy is reshaping medical conversations and influencing decision-making at every level, from the American Academy of Dermatology to the FDA. She also emphasizes the importance of centering the patient experience and validating stories that have long gone unheard.

Kelly’s story is one of resilience and purpose, but also a reminder that healing isn’t always linear, and that the right support can make all the difference. Whether you’re a provider, patient, or just someone looking to better understand the eczema and TSW experience, this episode offers clarity, connection, and compassion.

This is what advocacy looks like: one voice sparking change for many.

This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.