Irmgard K Koehler, MD

THIS IS LONG BUT IF YOU CARE ABOUT THE MONEY YOURE SPENDING HERE YOU SHOULD READ THIS
Came to Ingrid because of all the good reviews, even though I was hesitant because there were a few saying that she focus on diet to help cure acne. I went to one other dermatologist before this and liked the results I got, but still had very small bumps left and went to Ingrid looking for something to give my skin that flawless look. She told me that my acne was so hard to clear because I have eczema, which I’ve never thought that I had that before, no other doctors have thought I did either, or any of my friends when I told them she said that. I roughly knew what it was and after google searching it saw that I had no symptoms of it either, but I trusted her. She then asked if my skin got worse when I was in the sun, I said no, and she responded by saying «ya you’re skin gets worse in the sun because the heat irritates it» (? I just said no, and my friend who actually has eczema said that being in the sun has helped them?). I told her I have oily skin and she told me it was because I use hair conditioner (I very recently quit smoking and noticed a HUGE difference, the smoking made my skin oily, not the conditioner [and if the conditioner does at all not enough to be noticeable] she never asked if I was a smoker also, which seems like why would you not think to ask that?) she then prescribed me a conditioner I could use. She told me I couldn’t have dairy (I’m a vegan so that was easy, but she also didn’t ask what my diet was like. I brought that I was a vegan to her attention but she didn’t say anything about it.) I couldn’t eat sweets or acidic fruits either and She told me to drink oolong tea. Fine. Whatever. She then prescribed me a pill to take every morning, and another to take three times a day (this isn’t that important to me, but for the people who it is, the pills were huge). She prescribed me a lotion to use on my face and a foam to use twice at night.
This was all overwhelming.
To go over what I had to do one more time
1. No dairy
2. No sweets
3. No acidic fruits
4. Drink oolong tea
5. Take one pill every morning
6. Take a different pill three times a day
7. Use prescription hair conditioner
8. Use prescription lotion
9. Use prescription foam on my face
twice at night.
because her reviews are so good, and because it didn’t seem THAT hard, and because I want beautiful skin (who doesn’t?) I decided to try it out. And to my extreme displeasure it did nothing. My skin returned to the usual slightly acne filled face that it was when I used alcohol pads from cvs. And for those of you who don’t have insurance, this is one HUGLEY Expensive way to try getting rid of your acne.
I will say this, a women in the waiting room goes to this doctor and now brings her daughter there. So I feel for some people it may work. But I don’t know if she goes for acne or some other type of skin treatment. My ending sentence is that, if you have stubborn acne like me, do NOT go here. I recently started birth control and quit smoking cigarettes and have noticed a change in my skin. And will be returning to my old doctor. A doctor who asked me questions instead of prescribing me a shit ton of things without knowing my lifestyle (smoker, non smoker. Diet etc.)

I’ve been seeing Dr. Koehler for only 6 weeks, but feel mentally, physically, and cosmetically better than I ever have in my adult life, after following her advice. I have a history of terrible acne, as well as itchy, irritable skin. I’ve seen traditional Western Dermatologists who prescribed me pill after ointment after gel which never permanently took care of the issue (and had lots of side effects).
Dr. Koehler was the first doctor to approach my issue from a holistic standpoint which is actually, better for long term treatment. She was the first and only doctor to mention diet and sugar intake, even after all of my other doctors knew my diet but never mentioned anything because I’m thin and athletic (and would tell me this as well while laughing it off). She is also the first doctor to take my family history of diabetes seriously and prevent me from becoming diabetic myself.
She has always been gentle and kind with me and is open to answering my questions. Some patients feel that they should control their treatment and honestly, I don’t see this working with a holistic approach. 50% adherence won’t yield the same results. Holistic medicine has a different path than Western medicine. There needs to be a different mindset to accept and follow this approach — and honestly, it’s not for everyone.
I feel so much better and have more concentration and energy than I’ve had in a long time. My skin looks and feels better, and my digestive issues have subsided. I’m also less moody and irritable, needing less morning caffeine. I feel that Dr. Koehler showed me a healthier way of life, and saved me a lot of future health issues that have nothing to do with my skin. I’m very grateful to her for that.

Reviews seem to be split down the middle on Dr Koehler, so I gave her a shot. I found my experience with her to be awful. Her office was completely empty, in a creepy way, and she did not really listen to what I said about my skin, but seemed to just give me an agenda for what she wanted to diagnose and prescribe… which sounds like the exact same thing she diagnosed everyone else with. I felt bullied into making a follow-​up appointment, but canceled it the next day and went to someone else. It was just a waste of time and money for me.

Never again. I went to Dr. Koehler because I was experiencing hives/​a rash that started on my neck and traveled up my face and left me swollen. I took 2 Benedryl hoping that it would clear up the symptoms, but the next day it was even worse. I solicited advice from friend and colleagues, but every one of their suggestions had a waiting list to get an appointment (if this doesn’t clear up in 6 months, I’m coming to ya Northwestern Medical Group; they came highly recommended). Dr. Koehler was able to see me the same day (never a good sign) and was close by. First of all, there was no air conditioning on in the office and it was 85 degrees outside. The nicest part of the office is the view of Millenium Park; that’s the only nice part about this review. I told the doctor how the symptoms started and where. She didn’t ask me anything about what I had eaten over the past 48 hours or if I did anything different to my skin (I did, I had some makeup done), so rather than wait for her to do her job, I did it for her and offered up the information. She then told me that asthma runs in my family (it does not) as does eczema (nope) as well as a slew of other things (none of them do). She then «read» back to me what I had told her in the completely wrong order of the way they happened. Everyone here seems to have eczema in her opinion. When I left she said she wanted to see me in a week for a follow-​up. I think not. If this isn’t cleared up; I’ll definitely be going to see another doctor. Also, I didn’t see any of her credentials anywhere.

I was a patient here in 2008, having come in for bad skin (acne). Before seeing Dr. Koehler I had been taking harsh prescribtions that worked okay. Then, I tried the Dr. Koehler’s more holistic approach, focusing on the root cause of what causes bad skin, not just fighting the blemishes. At first I was skeptical — completely a jerk about it too — but I gave it a chance. I cleared up in less than a month. I have since moved to CA but continue her prescribed methods. Give her a chance! You’ll be amazed at how treating the root cause of flare ups is what really works.

This doctor has a horrible bedside manner. She expected me to stand almost naked in front of an open window while she examined my moles. While examining my moles, she told me I had a «a nice body, well proportioned but a bit heavy.» This was very rude and unnecessary. Given that she is a dermatologist, I was not interested in her opinions about my body size. She seemed to think all my skin problems were eczema, which is not what previous doctors have told me throughout my life. I will not return and I do not recommend her to anyone.

I am quite surprised by the positive reviews for this Dr. My experience with her was pathetic. I had a rash suddenly appear on my legs and I made a last minute appointment with Dr. Koehler. It seems as though she has this agenda for her patients — to get them organic as possible. I understand that mindset, as I too try to live as organically as possible, but I also know that that lifestyle is not for everyone.
After watching her prepare for a biopsy on my rash (without gloves) and inject me with numbing solution of some sort (WITHOUT gloves) she did the biopsy (with gloves) and then immediately took them off and bandaged me up with a butterfly closure that fell off before I got back to work — without gloves, with blood. Since she opted (without my consent) to go without stitches, I had blood all over my clothes.
While her office faces the lake, and the closest building is off to the side, I still requested that the blinds be closed while I stood there — naked — because it just made me feel uncomfortable. Her response was that I was being «ridiculous, nobody can see you».
I returned a week later for my results only to find out that I was «hot» and that I shouldn’t «allow myself to get hot». She then proceeded to ask me a ton of questions, most notably about my form of birth control, and told me to stop using it immediately. Adding that I should consider finding a man soon so I could have a child. Embarrassed, I joked that I was single, and she then added that if I lost weight I could find a man.
I cannot begin to explain the horror that conversation had caused me. Not only would I never go back to this doctor again, I wouldn’t recommend her to my worst enemy. She shouldn’t be practicing considering #1 her complete lack of empathy for her patients #2 her unsanitary practices and #3 because she has an agenda that feels is proper to push on her patients.

10 years ago went of adult acne. What she advised cleared it up right away. Followed advice about supplements and used her tar-​drying mixture. Worked wonders. Acne never came back again– not once.
Last year went to her to have mole removed from sun damage and she also advised me to use alpha hydroxy and lactic acid cream to keep skin soft and smooth and get rid of fine lines. Worked wonders! Cost about half of what I would pay for regular creams and much more effective. I have used some very high priced items over the years and nothing worked as well.
I am puzzled how anyone cannot recognize that she is a great dermatologist. She definitely does not talk down to people. She doesn’t try to sell you things you don’t need to make money and I really love that!
Nothing but good things to say about her. Recommend her to all of my girlfriends who wanted to know why my skin stays looking so young and smooth when I am almost 40!
All you have to do is look at her– obvious she follows her own advice. I don’t think the woman has a wrinkle herself!
Anyone who gave a negative review should just go ahead to some overpriced, pill pushing, product gouging, upselling, greedy dermatologist who tries to push cosmetic procedures. Leave Doctor Koehler for those of us who truly appreciate her!

Worst doctor I’ve ever met. I was about to ask for her license. I went there with a rash on my side and tells me she doesnt know what it is and just gives me a lotion. She wanted to focus on my face rather than the problem… Beware. if you have a serious problem, do not go to this doctor.

Her solution to my dry scalp. DON’T’ SWEAT. No joke, that was her solution. Oh and don’t eat tomatoes. Real helpful.
How this woman is a Dr. is beyond me.

Dr. Koehler is not a doctor for everyone. Before you go posting a review that totally bashes her practice, please take the time to read others reviews. It discredits your own review when you do not preface it with DR. KOEHLER IS NOT RIGHT FOR EVERYONE. Clearly, she is not right for the people that gave her 1 star, but that does not mean she is a quack or deserves such a horrible personal attack. She is right for many, many others who have had extreme success with problems that many of us have been facing for years, which is why the overall review is 4 stars. So please be aware of that.
I have been dealing with adult acne for as longas I can remember. In college was the worst, because I was stressed out and eating greasy, processed college foods. Luckily, makeup can do wonders and I was able to get through it. Somehow. I look back at pictures though and wonder how I was able to get over all the redness and bumps. It was horrible. I had tried so many things over the years… topical creams, antibiotics, birthcontrol… nothing helped. I was hoping that I’d grow out of it…
Never did. I was working for 2 years post college and it wasnt getting better. In fact, it was getting worse. My stress level was much higher and I was getting breakouts deep underneath my skin that lasted a long time. It was horrible.
I knew I had to do something. Accutane was too scary for me and I heard that sometimes even after treatment it can come back. I wanted and needed a permanent solution that shouldnt require so much pain to get there.
Dr. Koehler diagnosed me with similar problems as others have posted and with similar treatment… no dairy, no citrus, take time to releive stress, etc etc. I was also diagnosed with excema. The following days after the first appointment when I stopped dairy and started with the probiotics and other vitamins to help your gut, my breakouts COMPLETELY CHANGED. I did not break out nearly to the extend I used to. If I did (which was rare), they were not nearly as severe and lasted only a fraction of the time. My bloating also stopped and my stomach aches… a common problem I had always had… stopped too after eliminating dairy (I was drinking milk often).
A month or so ago, my mom had left some OJ in my fridge. That had been a no-​no since seeing Dr. Koehler. I decided I’d have a glass… since itd been so long… what harm could it do? The very next day I broke out with the works rash on my neck and back. I have never in my life had that before. So there was a reason she wanted me to stop the acidic foods in addition to the dairy.
Dr. Koehler’s methods intend for a patient to change their lifestyle. If you are not willing to change that, and are looking for a quick fix, go with someone else. There are plenty of success stories there too. But a natural, life-​changing method is to go with Dr. Koehler and is a good alternative to at least try is other methods dont work for you. Some of the oils she prescribed might seem strage… but look them up online. See what their intended use is on your own and why she recommends them. You will be suprised. Many products in beauty stores use these same oils.
As many have said on here, my skin is also in the best shape it has ever been in. If I break out with even one little one, most of the time I can pinpoint what I ate or know I have an elevated stress level because of xyz. Its a learning experience and I agree you must be patient. But it is very, very worth it.

I cannot believe this woman still has clients!!! My experience here lead me to believe that the field of dermatology is full of quacks, and this woman is on the short list! I was compelled to write a review after reading others on here that, years after my experience here, continue to mirror my own generic, one-​size-​fits all course of treatment. Unlike other reviews, I thought I’d explicitly share the details of her Rx & recommendations for all of you to specifically compare against yours.
There is a reason why you won’t have a hard time getting into see her! Smart people who respect themselves don’t return after the second dupe, er, visit. I cannot believe that her client retention rate is high except for people who think that condescending, controlling «doctoring» constitutes knowledgable, good care. There is no dialogue in her office. She dictates to you what is wrong with you, she draws her own conclusions about your skin, lifestyle, eating habits, etc., as others have echoed here, she dodges sincere, concerned questions and commands you to religiously follow her regimen. I’m sure most of her money is made off of inexperienced, desperate people like myself willing to believe that perhaps this towering and forceful, flaming red-​haired German woman with a thick German accent and glowing skin will cure your skin problems.
But don’t be fooled.
I was raised in a household that embraces «holistic» approaches to life and medicine. My friends, Dr. Koehler Irmgard’s approach should not be confused as «holistic.» After a friend referred me here a couple years ago to tackle an overall dissatisfaction with my inherited skin «legacies,» manifesting themselves in the form of skin sensitivity, acne prone, oily and poor complexion, it was my 1^st derm experience, and I was fairly naïve and without any expectation about dermatologist protocol. But things got fishy when I reported back to my friend the exact same identical diagnosis and prescription of products that she had received on her visit prior to mine: eczema, (not adult acne), wash your hair with J&J baby shampoo, no polyester/​synthetic fabric clothing to trap heat, only natural fibers that allow the skin to breathe, no dairy, tomatoes, or citrus (?!) and a host of other hokey recommendations that were simply ridiculous, not least of which was a very stern lecture to purchase her custom-​made «coal tar» goop available by Rx-​only at the pharmacy across the street from her office. Especially disconcerting about this detail swap regarding our visits to Irmgard is the fact that my friend and I hardly have the same skin issues or concerns!
I remember walking out of there with a handful of Rx’s for things I didn’t even understand and felt completely bamboozled. It’s that feeling you get when you know you’ve just been had.
Avoid the scam-​mockery!
While I have yet to find my favorite derm., I suppose Dr. Sara Ward and Dr. Roberta Lucas are an improvement over this place where I’ve continued my quest for skin that does not require massive amounts of make-​up/​concealer and product for the past two years! (However, I am still looking…) On a last minute skin emergency, I was scheduled with Dr. Somelfyan (sp?) of the same office, and enjoyed his bedside manner best. He took a calm, patient approach and answered my questions, even if I did have to assert myself a little bit, he gave me his time.
Good luck to all of you waging war against the minefield that is the industry of skin! And let me know when you find a spot treatment that works! Or a serum that evens out skintone! Or a solution to reducing enlarged pores! I have yet to find a product that lives up to its claims, and I’ve purchased the gamut: from drug-​store brands to department store brands to Rx’s. Nada.
I have a theory, and it all points to lasers.
Or a lifetime of propping up companies and doctors pedaling treatments that don’t need to do what they advertise, or the minute you stop spending your money on them and using them, your skin reverts back to the way it was before.
I inherited this high maintenance skin, but I’ll be damned if I’ll be manipulated by it!
And shame on the products and doctors, like Koehler Irmgard K., who exploit our skin vulnerabilities and desperation to find a customized, results-​driven solution.

I saw Dr. Koehler maybe about 2 years ago for acne. At that time I didn’t realize that she was into holistic medicine so I was a little surprised by her reaction to getting rid of my acne … which she diagnosed as eczema. She told me to go to Merz Apothecary at Macy’s and by sea salt bath salts, place it in a spray bottle and spray my face throughout the day. I bought the salt ($ 19) and did this religiously. Yup. Nothing. I didn’t have eczema. I had acne. Adult acne. I didn’t go back to her. Instead I got rid of ALL of the face products I had that were made by shitty pharma companies and all of the unnatural crap I had stored away hoping to get rid of my acne (mind you I had acne for years). I started using natural products from Whole Foods and natural oils on my face (yes, I said oil). This worked. I agree with her approach as I think that we must take care of our bodies by eating healthy, working out, etc. I just don’t believe in her diagnosis for me.

I’ve been to two other good dermatologists in my life (including one who prescribed Ortho-​Tricyclen for my skin, along with a lecture about having «him wrap it up anyway because you don’t know where he’s been») but Dr. Koehler really is very, very good.
I have only seen her twice because in appointment 1 she diagnosed a patch of excema on my ring finger, and after taking most of her advice (yes, holistic) I came back for appointment 2 with almost complete relief.
I have no problem with drugs and traditional medicine but her methodology was so effective I have actually told many friends about her when they mention skin concerns. I’d go back for sure.

I went to Dr. Koehler after reading these reviews. My experience was very disappointing.
Potential patients should be warned that her methods fall under the category of «holistic.» I understand that many find this approach to medicine comforting, and that it makes them feel special to be treated as an individual. Unfortunately, in the case of Dr. Koehler, this methodology came at the expense of actual medical expertise.
Yes, she asked a lot of questions. But Dr. Koehler failed to accurately diagnose and analyze my symptoms. She could not give me a specific cause/​trigger for my medical problem. On the surface, her approach may seem personalized. But I got the distinct impression that she gave me the same exact recommendations as any other of her patients, regardless of my actual condition.
The appointment was akin to having my tarot cards read. She kept throwing out blanket assumptions about my medical history, genetics, and family history, most of which were false. E.g. «You have trouble with milk, right?» «Actually, no.» «Your family has a history of asthma, yes?» «Actually, no.» Several times I clarified that this problem only began 6 months ago, and that my habits had not changed significantly (from my prior 35 years of living). However, she seemed hell bent on moving forward with her predetermined methodology, much of it surrounding nutrition, and very little to do with actual dermatology or science.
The kicker was when she said, «You will bathe in the salts of the Dead Sea, which I sell here in my office.»
Her approach is a little condescending. She uses phrases like «sweetheart» often. I have seen this before with other female doctors when talking to female patients. They may feel they’re being sympathetic, but instead it comes off as unprofessional.
When it became clear that Dr. Koehler could not effectively or accurately diagnose my medical problem, we ended our appointment. To Dr. Koehler’s credit, she did not charge me for the service.
PS– Ultimately I was accurately and quickly diagnosed (by another doctor) with a bad case of pityrosporum folliculitis on my arms and legs. This is a very common condition in new mothers who are, or who recently have breast fed their child. It is not systemic (and not changable by diet), but rather on the surface of the skin. It is not life threatening, but it is very annoying.
Coincidentally, one of my friends had an entirely different holistic doctor suggest treatment almost identical to Dr. Koehler’s recommendations. Of course, after a month, these methods did not work for my friend either, and she too was treated quickly and successfully by more traditional methods.
If you have fairly benign issues, then I think you could stomach Dr. Koehler. However, if you have a serious dermatological condition, I would look somewhere else.

I have very positive things to say about Dr. Kohler I already have sent a few colleagues her way. She is someone who i believe really cares and her holistic approach of correcting the problem from the inside out has made great improvements in my skin.
After I saw Dr. Memar for acne I was using a facial pad that contained acetone. Dr kohler diagnoesd me with excema which was being horribly inflamed by the pads that dr. memar had perscribed. We started working with diet and supplements that cleared me up about 70% then we added in some topical medications and lotion which has improved my condition close to 80%. We’re continuing to move forward and everyday my skin is softer and more clear.
I’ll keep updating. But i would whole heartedly recommend her to anyone who needs a dermatologist

I came in to see Dr. Koehler just over two years ago. I had adult acne, scarring, eczema and lots of sun damage. Dr. Koehlers holistic approach to changing my skin from the inside out was very successful, to put it mildly. She also knew the right topical treatments through the course of two years to dramatically improve not just my skin, but my health and over all confidence.
People constantly tell me how young and beautiful my skin is now. No joke. Without any major treatments or expensive creams. My insurance covered most things that were needed. It did take time to address the many issues that played into my skin problems. It took a very long time and I had to be very patient. But, in the end, it was worth it. I highly recommend Dr. Koehler. I also found her to be warm, charming and intelligent!!! So, a good bedside manner there.

I’ve disliked the past two derms I’ve seen, creepy men with parched flakey skin, SO this time I tried Dr. Irmgard Koehler based on 2 great Unilocal reviews & was NOT disappointed. I went to have a full body check for skin cancer. I’m fair with reddish hair, and it was about time I did this. Dr. K’s soft-​spoken and extremely thorough. I had one mole removed and she told me step-​by-​step what she was going to do before she did it. Also, she gave me 3 great over-​the-​counter hints on how to resolve my dry skin problem. Within ONE DAY my skin is softer. My guess is she must be an expert in her field of dermatology. My hubby’s going to see her next.

My experience with Dr. Koehler has been very similar to Kelly K.‘s — I have eczema, and rather than just writing me a prescription, the doctor has given me advice on curing my skin problems through diet and lifestyle changes. She did give me some prescriptions, too, and those have been very effective at fixing urgent problems quickly. Her other advice seems sound, and some of the changes I have made have clearly had good results already.
I like Dr. Koehler and I’m glad I found her, but I suppose she might not be for everyone. My husband has expressed relief that his dermatologist only tells him to get prescriptions, not to stop eating major categories of food. But Dr. Koehler’s holistic approach makes sense to me — my skin does get worse when my stomach is upset, and my emotional state definitely has an effect on both. If I can eventually improve all three by following her advice, I’m willing to make some sacrifices.

I recently visited Dr. Koehler for my first appointment ever with a dermatologist. It was easy to get an appointment with Dr. Koehler, and I found her very pleasant and intelligent.
I was very surprised by her approach. To treat my eczema, she followed an inside-​out approach, meaning that the cause of my eczema was internal and if I set my body straight, it would go away. She gave me a plan for my diet, gave me a list of vitamins to use, had me change my face wash and moisturizer, and gave me lotion to use.