Skin Conditions

Skin conditions can be very frustrating — they are visible to everyone, which can be hard on your self esteem. From the perspective of Naturopathic Medicine, skin conditions are rarely just about your skin — there is almost always an underlying condition that presents as a skin disorder. On this basis, a holistic approach to treatment is ideal.

Naturopathic treatment of skin conditions can include any or all of the following:

• Diet
  
• Lifestyle
  
• Immune system
  
• Emotional life
  

LILT (low laser therapy or light laser therapy) is also excellent therapy for skin conditions. Laser therapy breaks down the damaged structures and triggers the cells to return to normal function so that newly reproduced cells are healthy. As the new cells replace the broken down damaged structures, the skin condition is resolved.

Damage to your skin can be a result of an injury or a specific condition:

• Scars can result from cuts or surgery or burns and can be superficial or internal.
  
  
• Spider veins are a group of widened veins that can be seen through the surface of the skin.
   Varicose veins are abnormally large and bulging veins that can lead to circulation problems.
  
  
• Cold sores are small sores on the face or in the mouth that cause pain, burning or itching before bursting and crusting over.
  
  
• Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition of the skin and occasionally the mucous membranes. Cells grow and divide at an accelerated rate. It is not contagious.
  
  
• Eczema is the most common form of dermatitis (non-contagious, inflammatory skin conditions). Eczema can be either acute and severe or chronic, and it generally includes itchiness and irritation.
  
  
• Acne, which is characterized by pimples on the face, chest, and back, occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.
  
  
• Diabetic ulcers are a result of poor circulation to the extremities. Small wounds cannot heal and develop into ulcers.
  
  
• Fungal growths, such as ringworm and athletes foot, can happen anywhere on the body.
  
  
• Shingles, an acute infection caused by the herpes zoster virus, the same virus as causes chickenpox, usually presents as tiny, painful vesicles in clusters on the torso.
  
  
• Hives, a raised, itchy area of skin, are often a sign of an allergic reaction. Acute hives are usually short lived and can be treated well with antihistamines. Chronic hives require a more holistic approach to be effective because the cause is often unknown.
  
  
• Rosacea is redness of the skin with acne that most often appears on the forehead. Food allergies are common among suffers.
  
  
• Pitiryasis rosea occurs most commonly in the spring and fall, beginning with a “herald patch” followed by the appearance of more itchy lesions. It generally lasts for 1 to 2 months and is not thought to be contagious.
  
  
• Warts, a local growth of the outer layer of the skin, are caused by a virus. They are found most commonly on the hands and feet.
  
  
• Boils are skin infections that start at a hair follicle as a result of an object entering the skin (a splinter for example) or a blocked oil duct (like cystic acne).