Skin Issues
Acne
Acne is a condition in which the hair follicles and oil glands become inflamed or infected with dead skin cells, oil, and/or bacteria. Acne is often caused or aggravated by hormonal imbalance particularly of hormones testosterone and DHEA-s, unhealthy diet, nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities and food triggers such as dairy, refined carbohydrates and chocolate, stress, and medications, such as corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, lithium and hormones. Adolescents are most often affected by acne however, it can present in women who are pregnant or with polycystic ovarian syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, and peri-menopause.
Conventional treatment recommendations such as retinoids, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and androgen antagonist drugs may have unfavorable side effects. By assessing your hormone balance, dietary and lifestyle habits, food sensitivities, and nutrient deficiencies, our practitioners can naturally and safely treat acne by looking at the root of the condition. We offer a number of treatment recommendations to effectively treat acne, such as liver detoxification, herbal and nutrient supplementation to balance hormones and promote skin health, dietary and lifestyle counseling, and acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Acupuncture helps the body correct imbalances from within, while herbal medicine serve to reinforce and strengthen the body’s natural processes by reducing inflammation, balancing hormones and clearing infection.
Eczema
Eczema also known as atopic dermatitis is a common condition characterized by chronic itchy, inflamed skin. The rash is often red, dry, and scaly and commonly affects the front of the wrist and elbows and the back of the knees. Scratching and itching can lead to darkened and hardened areas of thickened skin.
Effective treatment principles include balancing the immune system to decrease allergic hypersensitivity and inflammation and identifying and eliminating food sensitivities, such as milk, eggs, and peanuts. Roughly 81% of all cases of childhood eczema are due to these food allergies. In addition, inhibiting histamine release and allergic factors in the skin with the use of anti-inflammatory and mast-cell stabilizing nutritional supplements and herbs is an important part of the naturopathic treatment plan.