Beyond the Surface: Walter Liszewski, MD, on New Frontiers in Chronic Skin Conditions

“To my dermatology colleagues out there, read about the studies, read the papers, see the videos. There's so much we can do,” Walter Liszewski, MD, said in an exclusive interview at Elevate-Derm Summer 2025.

Liszewski, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, Illinois, shared insights into his current research and emerging dermatologic therapies. With a career devoted to managing patients with challenging itch and rash conditions, he emphasized the importance of consumer safety and advocacy in allergy research.

One of Liszewski’s primary research focuses involves patch testing for hair dye allergies, particularly those related to para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and toluene diamine sulfate, the 2 main hair dye allergens. His team is investigating how often patients sensitized to these allergens also react to oxidizing agents like resorcinol, which alter hair color shades. This work aims to better understand the epidemiology of cross-reactivity and improve diagnostic accuracy.¹

Additionally, Liszewski is examining the widespread use of lavender oil in baby products. While often marketed for its calming effects, he warns that high concentrations of lavender fragrance may contribute to developing fragrance allergies in children. Utilizing mass spectrometry, his research evaluates the concentrations of lavender molecules in commercial products to inform consumer safety recommendations.

Looking ahead to advancements in dermatology for the latter half of 2025, Liszewski is particularly enthusiastic about the evolving treatment landscape for chronic hand eczema (CHE). He noted that CHE is often multifactorial, involving atopic, irritant, and allergic contact dermatitis components, making it difficult to treat with current biologics targeting IL-4/IL-13 pathways alone. He highlighted topical and oral JAK inhibitors, including the recently approved delgocitinib, as promising therapies that address broader inflammatory mechanisms and offer new hope for patients suffering from debilitating CHE.²

“I've had patients who are afraid to pick up their children because their hands are so cracked, they're afraid they're going to drop their kids,” he said. “The psychological toll and the financial toll from not being able to do the things you want to, to do your job is tremendous, and I'm so excited that CHE is finally getting some time in the spotlight.”

Liszewski also underscored the renewed attention on chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) within dermatology, encouraging clinicians to stay updated on emerging treatments that can rapidly improve patients’ quality of life without unnecessary delays.

References

1. Alajaji AN. Hair Product Allergy: A Review of Epidemiology and Management. Cureus. 2024;16(4):e58054. Published 2024 Apr 11. doi:10.7759/cureus.58054

2. Anzupgo (delgocitinib) cream is now the first and only FDA-approved treatment for moderate-to-severe chronic hand eczema (CHE) in adults. News release. LEO Pharma Inc. July 23, 2025. Accessed July 25, 2025. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250723115252/en/ANZUPGO-delgocitinib-Cream-Is-Now-the-First-and-Only-FDA-Approved-Treatment-for-Moderate-to-Severe-Chronic-Hand-Eczema-CHE-in-Adults