14 guides
Troubleshooting
Having trouble with SmartLotion®? Common problems Dr. Harlan's patients have had, and how he fixes them.
- “My child's facial eczema is returning, even when applying SmartLotion® 1x per day”If your child's facial eczema returns after tapering SmartLotion, Dr. Harlan recommends maintaining 1x daily use and increasing moisturizing frequency.
- “My rash has returned” or “I'm experiencing a flare-up”If your rash returns after tapering SmartLotion, Dr. Harlan recommends returning to the original treatment protocol and tapering again from there.
- “SmartLotion® made my eczema worse”If eczema or dermatitis looks worse after a few days of SmartLotion, Dr. Harlan cites a prescription stopped too soon, too little moisturizer, or sulfur intolerance in 1% of patients.
- “What should I do if I have thin skin?”For thin skin from past steroid treatment that can crack and bleed, Dr. Harlan uses a collagen product and vitamin A with SmartLotion to help it heal. Do not put SmartLotion inside an open wound.
- Dry SkinFor dry skin associated with any skin condition, see the FAQ on whether SmartLotion can be used as a moisturizer and Dr. Harlan's moisturizing advice.
- HyperpigmentationDark spots after a flare-up always fade on their own. Dr. Harlan first recommends a prescription; if the patient declines, 2% hydroquinone with SmartLotion once a day for no more than 3 months without a dermatologist.
- New Skin Irritation or Seasonal IntolerancesIf SmartLotion causes burning after a break in routine, seasonal changes may have increased skin sensitivity. Learn how to safely resume treatment.
- Peeling SkinPeeling skin after starting SmartLotion is a normal part of healing that should resolve within 2 weeks. Be sure to moisturize at least 2x daily.
- Persistent Redness of the Face (Teenagers)Dr. Harlan's protocol for persistent facial redness in teenagers after treating dermatitis, eczema, or acne irritation with SmartLotion and moisturizers.
- Persistent Redness of the Face (Infants and Children)How Dr. Harlan treats persistent facial redness in infants and children with SmartLotion and moisturizing. It often helps redness fade sooner, but some redness must be outgrown, so he does not over-treat.
- Persistent Redness of the Face (Adults)Dr. Harlan's approach to persistent facial redness in adults after treating dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis. SmartLotion protocol and tapering guide.
- Reset RoutineWhen your skin is flaring or reacting, use less, not more: a gentle cleanse, a thick moisturizer, an optional ointment seal, and a 3–7 day pause on everything else.
- SmartLotion® Isn't Helping EnoughIf SmartLotion isn't working well enough, the most common cause is insufficient moisturizing. Learn Dr. Harlan's tips to improve your treatment results.
- Stinging: It's Part of the Healing ProcessIn some rare cases, SmartLotion stings or increases redness at first. That is sensitive eczema skin starting to heal; it eases within a week, and the doc gives tips to reduce it.
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