Description

There are many different types of common skin disorders, including:

- Acne

- Athlete's foot

- Dandruff

- Eczema / Dermatitis

- Hives

- Psoriasis

- Warts

- Etc.

Common symptoms may include redness, itching, and scaling or flaking of the skin.  Corticosteriods, anti-fungals, anti-bacterials, and anti-virals are commonly prescribed medications.  However, these treatments may not address the underlying cause/s of the problems.

Causes

Potential contributing factors include:

- Allergic reactions - both those related to foods consumed and substances that come in direct contact with the skin

- Infections - e.g., fungal, bacterial, viral

- Damage to the lining and function of the gut wall

- Gut flora imbalance (dysbiosis)

- Food additives - e.g., preservatives, MSG

- Low gastric acid secretion (hypochlorhydria)

- Enzyme deficiencies

- Nutrient deficiencies

- Medication use - e.g., antibiotics

- Hormonal changes

- Genetic immune system tendencies

- Environmental toxin exposure - e.g., heavy metals

Treatment Approach

- Identify food and additive intolerances / allergies with testing (e.g., RAST, ELISA) and/or an elimination diet.

- Avoid foods and additives identified as potential intolerances or allergans.

- Identify potential external/contact allergens (e.g., metal jewelry, detergents, lotions).

- Shift to an anti-inflammatory diet that includes a reduction in saturated animal fats, trans fats, fried foods, and sugar, an increase in potassium- and magnesium-rich foods (e.g., fruits & vegetables) and dietary fiber, adequate filtered water, and a balanced intake of essential fatty acids.

- Include supplementation to support digestive and immune function, e.g.:

      - Antioxidants

      - B vitamins

      - Vitamins

      - Minerals - e.g., zinc, selenium

      - Herbals - e.g., aloe

      - Essential fatty acids - e.g., fish oil, borage oil

      - HCl

      - Enzymes

      - Probiotics