Your Skin Tells A Story: Cancer, Trauma & Healing | Dr. Angela Lamb
Wed Feb 04 2026
Your skin is not just cosmetic. It is one of the most powerful indicators of what is happening inside your body.
Dr. Angela Lamb, MD, board certified dermatologist, Mount Sinai Associate Professor, and leader in oncodermatology, unpacks how skin reflects health, stress, trauma, cancer treatment, and healing.
From chemotherapy rashes and hair loss to delayed diagnoses and dismissed symptoms, this conversation reframes skin as a medical signal, not a side effect you are supposed to tolerate. Dr. Lamb explains why dermatology should be part of cancer care from day one, how early intervention changes outcomes, and what your skin can reveal long before lab results do.
Grounded in science, clinical experience, and compassion, this episode empowers listeners to listen to their bodies, advocate for care, and understand that visible changes deserve serious attention.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro: How your skin reflects your internal health and trauma
00:43 Introducing Dr. Angela Lamb and her expertise in Medical Dermatology
01:32 What is Onco-dermatology? Caring for skin during cancer treatment
02:59 Dr. Lamb’s personal story: Growing up as the child of a physician
04:30 Building a niche in complex medical skin conditions and side effects
06:45 The importance of a team-based approach in cancer care
09:02 Understanding skin trauma: Acne, eczema, and hair loss during treatment
11:45 The "Secret Sauce" of medicine: Empathy and building patient relationships
14:30 A humbling learning moment: Taking empathy to the next level
16:32 Hair as identity: Navigating alopecia and the emotional impact of hair loss
20:30 The Stress-Skin Connection: Can lifestyle changes reverse skin issues?
23:45 Diet and Skin: The concept of "Sometime Foods" and elimination diaries
28:50 Listening to your body: Why "muscling through" symptoms is dangerous
31:10 Essential tests for women: Mammograms, colonoscopies, and basic blood work
34:20 Mindful living: Preserving energy and avoiding toxic environments
37:55 Skin Cancer 101: Understanding Basal, Squamous, and Melanoma
42:35 The ABCDEs of Melanoma: What to look for on your own body
45:10 Sun Protection: The truth about SPF, UV radiation, and reapplying
48:40 Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreens: Which one is right for you?
51:15 Practical tips for cancer patients: Fragrance-free care and gentle routines
54:30 Final Thoughts: Having agency and control over your skin journey
Learn more about oncodermatology and skin cancer awareness: https://angelalambmd.com/
Follow Dr. Angela Lamb: @angelalambmd
Subscribe to Inside the Wellspace:
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Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/
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Your skin is not just cosmetic. It is one of the most powerful indicators of what is happening inside your body. Dr. Angela Lamb, MD, board certified dermatologist, Mount Sinai Associate Professor, and leader in oncodermatology, unpacks how skin reflects health, stress, trauma, cancer treatment, and healing. From chemotherapy rashes and hair loss to delayed diagnoses and dismissed symptoms, this conversation reframes skin as a medical signal, not a side effect you are supposed to tolerate. Dr. Lamb explains why dermatology should be part of cancer care from day one, how early intervention changes outcomes, and what your skin can reveal long before lab results do. Grounded in science, clinical experience, and compassion, this episode empowers listeners to listen to their bodies, advocate for care, and understand that visible changes deserve serious attention. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: How your skin reflects your internal health and trauma 00:43 Introducing Dr. Angela Lamb and her expertise in Medical Dermatology 01:32 What is Onco-dermatology? Caring for skin during cancer treatment 02:59 Dr. Lamb’s personal story: Growing up as the child of a physician 04:30 Building a niche in complex medical skin conditions and side effects 06:45 The importance of a team-based approach in cancer care 09:02 Understanding skin trauma: Acne, eczema, and hair loss during treatment 11:45 The "Secret Sauce" of medicine: Empathy and building patient relationships 14:30 A humbling learning moment: Taking empathy to the next level 16:32 Hair as identity: Navigating alopecia and the emotional impact of hair loss 20:30 The Stress-Skin Connection: Can lifestyle changes reverse skin issues? 23:45 Diet and Skin: The concept of "Sometime Foods" and elimination diaries 28:50 Listening to your body: Why "muscling through" symptoms is dangerous 31:10 Essential tests for women: Mammograms, colonoscopies, and basic blood work 34:20 Mindful living: Preserving energy and avoiding toxic environments 37:55 Skin Cancer 101: Understanding Basal, Squamous, and Melanoma 42:35 The ABCDEs of Melanoma: What to look for on your own body 45:10 Sun Protection: The truth about SPF, UV radiation, and reapplying 48:40 Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreens: Which one is right for you? 51:15 Practical tips for cancer patients: Fragrance-free care and gentle routines 54:30 Final Thoughts: Having agency and control over your skin journey Learn more about oncodermatology and skin cancer awareness: https://angelalambmd.com/ Follow Dr. Angela Lamb: @angelalambmd Subscribe to Inside the Wellspace: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UC13tfnPU0OHsNxmMXSs6saw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2TQtov8ByjgieslPS5B1IM Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-wellspace-women-wellbeing-wisdom-with/id1812799800 Visit The Well Space for Women: https://www.insidethewellspace.com/ Follow along on Instagram: @thewellspaceforwomen https://www.instagram.com/thewellspaceforwomen/