Naturopathic Dermatology
A natural approach to treating acne, eczema & psoriasis
Besides being the interface between us and the environment, our skin protects our internal organs, regulates heat, synthesizes vitamin D, regulates the absorption of environmental gases and excretes metabolic waste products and toxins.
Most of us know that our skin is the largest organ in our body yet we still often separate our skin disorders from the rest of our system.
Langerhans cells, which are often more noted for being present in our pathogen-fighting lymph nodes, are also found in the skin, making it a part of our adaptive immune system. No wonder we notice how our skin takes an instant hit if we are not taking care of ourselves!
Acne
As far as skin conditions go in terms of public awareness, Acne is much different than psoriasis, eczema, seborrhea and other common skin conditions in that almost everyone knows how to recognize acne. It is seen as a rite of passage for adolescents and teenagers that they experience as they enter and go through puberty, with varying degrees of severity. Severe cases can lead to scarring, particularly if flare-ups continue for years.
Other cases include patients who had relatively clear skin during their youth, but have adult onset acne that can start years or decades after puberty.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition where the immune system sends out excessive signals to speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. This increase in cell turnover causes a rapid build up of irritated red and silver, dry, thickened skin. This occurs because the cell growth cycle has increased to the point where it has surpassed the rate of natural skin sloughing.
Since psoriasis is an immune condition, it is important to regulate your immune system instead of solely relying on topical applications of creams and ointments.
Psoriasis can be very mild, affecting only a few patches on your skin or it can be quite severe, even disfiguring. Up to thirty percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis so it is critical for early recognition and treatment to prevent trauma and pain to the joints.
Signs of distressed skin include:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Rashes
- Bacterial/fungal infections
- Premature aging
These symptoms are clues that something deeper is happening. Instead of being frustrated, take these as signs that more focus and awareness has to be made to your overall well-being.
Eczema
Anyone that has experienced eczema can agree how stubborn and persistent it can be.
Eczema is an inflammatory condition of the skin that may be caused by a combination of factors. Typically eczema is treated with hydrocortisone creams. Predictably, you will see your eczema initially respond positively by decreasing inflammation but then it reaches a plateau or returns once the application of the hydrocortisone cream has ceased. Other topical preparations, including natural ointments and creams, will definitely soothe your eczema, but will not offer a permanent cure.
Whether it is food or environmental allergies, nutritional deficiencies, immune deficiency or elimination imbalances, eczema is a warning message that something internally needs to be addressed.
Eczema is a sign that your body is trying to cope with an aggravating stressor. There is also a large psychosomatic component to eczema, which means that your stress levels and emotional state should also be explored.
Skin has the important role of functioning as your first line of defense against environmental insults and can also reveal important messages about your internal health. Our Naturopathic Doctors can help you determine what may be behind your condition so that you can help rebalance your skin to a better state of health, rather than just coping with symptoms. Book an appointment or contact Zentai Wellness Centre for further inquiries.