Naturopathic Treatment for Skin Conditions
Types of Skin Concerns
Eczema
Eczema treatment involves getting to the root cause of eczema. Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a condition which makes your skin incredibly red and itchy. Eczema treatment involves treating the body as a whole as eczema is also connected to allergies (hay fever) or asthma. Eczema is a chronic skin condition that can flare periodically.
The symptoms of eczema include:
- dry and itchy skin, especially at night
- red patches most commonly seen on flexors (behind elbows and knees) or on the hands, neck, face and more
- can include small raised bumps that can be fluid filled, burst, and crust over
Acne
Acne, like most skin conditions, can be caused by changed happening within the body and acne treatment involves identifying the underlying cause of acne. Acne treatment can be addressed both topically (from the outside) and internally (from the inside). Acne can appear in whiteheads or blackheads as cystic or non-cystic pustules and papules on the face and back. Underlying conditions that can cause acne include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Hormonal imbalances (PCOS, thyroid imbalance)
- Poor diet and nutritional status
- Chronic stress
- Chronic inflammation
- Medication induced (post-birth control pills syndrome
- Gut dysbiosis
- And more
Rosacea
Rosacea treatment involves the reduction of rosacea flare-ups and also finding any underlying causes or triggers for rosacea.
Rosacea is a skin condition that involves flushing of the skin with visible blood vessels and can include acne-like papules and pustules. Rosacea treatment focuses on identifying triggers as rosacea can be highly connected to the foods you eat, as well as balancing hormones, or identifying other internal triggers.
Psoriosis
Psoriasis is considered to be an autoimmune condition that involves rash-like and scaley lesions over the body with characteristic pinpoint bleeding when itched. Psoriasis is typically connected to problems with a patients immune system.
Skin Infections
Skin infections are other common skin conditions that is caused by germs (bacteria, fungi, viruses) infecting your skin. Skin infections can leave lasting symptoms and a naturopathic practitioner can work alongside you to find the root cause and any underlying conditions (such as chronic candidiasis) that may be contribution to the skin infections.
Aging
Aging is a natural process! Premature aging is another skin concern that patients often seek treatment for. Premature aging typically happens when symptoms of aging (such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity) happens earlier in life and can be connected to several internal processes.
Naturopathy Treatment of Skin Issues
Naturopathic skin treatments often begin with determining and addressing any underlying causes of skin concerns with the belief that skin health starts from within. Skin treatments can include body detoxification, treatments to improve gut health, treatments to improve immune system, hormonal balancing and regulation that can be done through nutritional counselling, lifestyle management, and/or supplemental herbal therapies
What factors affect skin?
- Hormone Imbalance: One of the biggest factor affecting skin health
- Air pollution and environmental toxins
- Diet and nutritional status
- Gut health and gut imbalances
- Chronic stress
- Chronic inflammation
Lifestyle Tips to Improve your Skin Health
- Beauty Sleep: The simplest but most effective solution to skin health! Beauty sleep, or simply restorative sleep, can assist in cortisol regulation and hormone production which affects skin health overtime
- Manage Stress: Both acute and chronic stress can have a big impact on the health of your skin as well as affect other underlying conditions such as hormonal health and gut health.
- Healthy Diet: Making sure you’re eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins can ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs to support skin health.
