Posts Tagged ‘Acne’
Acne
Thursday, January 14th, 2010
Q: I suffer from acne and was wondering if there are any alternative ways of treating it?
A: Acne can accompany many conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid imbalances, digestive disorders, blood glucose imbalances, intestinal yeast infections, poor diet, etc. Acne on the chin area is often linked to hormonal and digestive related problems. Other possible influences include drug medication, chemical agents, cosmetics, excessive washing and rubbing. (more…)
Dealing with Rosacea
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009Dealing with rosacea
Flushing of the face can be caused by a condition called Acne Rosacea, often experienced in adults between the ages of 30 and 50 but more severe in men. It is a chronic skin disorder where the nose and cheeks are abnormally red and flushing is very commonly experienced and may be covered with pimples similar to acne.
Many factors suspected include alcohol abuse, stress or hormonal imbalances, vasomotor neurosis, local infection, B-vitamin deficiencies and digestive disorders.
The causes to this condition are unknown however, underlying problems which may contribute include:
- - low production of stomach acid : stress, worry and depression reduce gastric acidity.
- - food allergy : reflex flushing by vasodilator substances due to food allergies.
- - B-vitamins deficiency.
- - Helicobacter pylori : a high incidence of gastric H. pylori has been found in rosacea patients. Flushing reaction may be caused by gastrin or vasoactive intestinal peptides.
Diet: avoid coffee, alcohol, hot beverages, spicy foods, and any other food/drink causing flush; eliminate refined and /or concentrated sugars, transfatty acids (milk, milk products, margarine, shortening, synthetically hydrogenated vegetable oils, fried foods); avoid foods high in iodized salt.
Homoeopathic remedies that may assist this condition include sulphur iod 3C (where acne is quite pronouced, and itching present, arsen brom 3C where internal heat is noted, Lachesis 6C where flushes of heat marked, worse for hot drinks, worse for constriction of the body, Sepia 6C frequent flushes and sweat worse for movement and saddle-like yellow brownish discolouration on the nose or cheeks, Sulphur 3C flushes of heat throughout the whole body, hot, itchy burning skin, worse alcohol, worse heat taken 3 times daily.
Acne Rosacea would need a definite diagnosis from a Medical Professional and must be distinguished from seborrhoeic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis and the facial rash of systemic lupis erythematosus.
For further information on Acne Rosacea please visit the ICIM Medics on www.icimmedics.com or tel. 045 888 819.
My lower chin area is prone to break-outs of acne
Thursday, January 8th, 2009
Q : I’m 26, and my lower chin area is prone to break-outs of acne. Can you recommend anything?
A : Acne is the most common of all skin complaints. Acne can accompany many conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome, thyroid imbalances, digestive disorders, blood glucose imbalances, intestinal yeast infections, poor diet, etc. Acne on the chin area is often linked to hormonal and digestive related problems. At ICIM Blood testing, ultrasound, and CTI (computerised thermographic imagining) screening can help identify possible underlying causes.
Other possible influences include drug medication, chemical agents, cosmetics, excessive washing and rubbing.
Some recommendations to consider:
Introduce a diet high in protein (organic poultry and fish rather than red meat) cut out simple carbohydrates (bread, pizza, pasta, sugar) and remove trans fatty acids and iodine from your diet.
If signs of fungal infections are present such as thrush, athletes foot, coated tongue etc. then a systemic treatment is called for. Gut fermentation testing or ICIM Blood Analysis can help confirm such infections. Naturopathic advice will probably be required with dietary and specific herbal and nutritional prescribing necessary. Some highly beneficial medicines include Berberis vulgaris, Hydrastis, probiotics and digestive enzymes ! Supervision would be advisable.
If hormonal imbalances are present explore underlying disorders such as Polycystic ovarian syndrome and endometriosis. The herb Agnes castus provides excellent assistance but again needs supervision. Stress (other hormones), can also play a role. Saliva testing of Cortisol and DHEA levels can help confirm this. Herbs such as Licorice, Scullcap and Siberian Ginseng could prove helpful here. However, best avoid these herbs if you have high blood pressure.
Nutritional supplements such as vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, selenium are also supportive. B6 could be helpful for acne associated with PMS. If you have sugar cravings Chromium picolinate could prove beneficial.
Topical support using tea tree oil, azelaic acid, or calendula soap cleansing can help but remember that although your acne is visually an external problem it does require internal treatment !
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For further information on acne or skin related conditions contact the Irish Centre of Integrated Medicine, St. John’s Grove, Johnstown, Naas, Co. Kildare. Tel. 045 844 819. http://www.icim.ie/
