Eczema & Psoriasis Holistic Treatment Approach

Effective treatment of inflammatory skin conditions encircle:

• Alleviation of signs & symptoms (itching, dryness, peeling, burning, redness, blisters, rashes, and inflammation)
• Complete healing and regeneration of damaged skin
• Improved and enhanced quality and appearance of the skin
• Reduction or elimination of flare-ups & outbreaks 
• Appropriate change in lifestyle to encourage and support treatment effectiveness

View the following video for advice and directives for a holistic approach to treating inflammatory skin conditions.

Eczema Versus Psoriasis: What is the Difference?

Both eczema and psoriasis are forms of dermatitis or inflammation of the skin. Both are characterized by red, inflamed, burning, itchy patches. There may or may not be leaking and drainage. The damaged skin is extremely susceptible to infection. Both conditions can be hereditary and run in families. Neither condition is contagious.

Eczema is usually caused by a reaction to an allergen. It is considered more like a secondary response to a larger process. It may also be triggered in people who are sensitive to certain foods due to deficiencies in the gastrointestinal system. It may run in families that tend to have certain allergies (hay fever) or respiratory conditions (asthma). Treatments are usually directed at the underlying cause. It is most common in babies and resolves in half the cases by the preschool years. If a person continues to have eczema after early childhood, they will likely have flare-ups for the rest of their lives. Environmental factors, such as stress and exposure to chemicals, can trigger an outbreak. When eczema is scratched, it can become thickened and rough, develop into scabby sores or lesions, pimples or blisters.

Psoriasis is caused by a malfunction in the immune system that causes the over-production of skin cells. It develops raised red patches with silvery scales that flake off and cause the areas to bleed. The bleeding areas are highly prone to infection. Environmental factors, including bodily infections and the intake of toxic substances (nicotine and alcohol), can trigger outbreaks. Psoriasis can be found anywhere on the body, but is most common on the scalp, elbows, and knees. The treatment medications that are usually prescribed are toxic to the liver and other vital organs.

Good news: There are safe, effective, and natural treatments for both of those conditions. I will be presenting them to you over the next week. If you personally know of an effective & safe treatment please share!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Different cultures and ethnic groups have different standards of beauty. Some resort to brutal and torturous body disfigurement to achieve those standards, e.g., the feet binding practice of Chinese women. There are countless different ways to achieve beauty based on cultural practices. In your opinion, how has your culture impacted how you view your own beauty? Do you strictly adhere to the standards and beauty rituals of your own group (traditional) or are you more inclined to embrace the standards of beauty/rituals of other cultures?

Skin Survival

Various skin problems that we thought were only corrected with surgery or uncorrectable altogether, now, can be resolved with non-surgical methods. Science and natural medicine have both made astounding advances in the area of skin beauty and health. Information that was once only available to the rich and wealthy are enjoyed by the general population. Now, think about the types of skin problems that you personally have. If you were stranded on a deserted island in a tropical climate, what resources would you use to address those problems and how would you use them?

Dry Skin Rescue

The weather is cooling down and many are already noticing a change in their skin. Colder temperatures bring about less oil production from the sebaceous glands in the dermis. One thing I have noticed is the tendency for people to drink less water in the cold season. Bad move! You need to maintain a high degree of hydration to alleviate the drying effects of the coldness and harsh winds. Omega-3 fatty acids taken internally are also very good in keeping skin supple.
Your day moisturizer should still contain sunscreen, but be heavier than the one you used during summer. A rich, moisturizing night cream should be a part of your bedtime ritual. If you are 40+, you should be using an anti-aging serum along with the night cream. You can use eye cream if dryness, creases, and lines are an issue. An outstanding product to try is Paula's Choice Super Antioxidant Concentrate Serum. It can be used safely around the eyes to moisturize and deliver nutrients. If your skin is oily, you should still use moisturizer just ensure that it is oil-free. Keep lip balm on your kisser with sunscreen during the day. Raw shea butter makes an excellent lip balm as well as an all purpose moisturizer.
Forget the long hot showers and replace with short tepid washings. Don't forget to exfoliate to remove dead cells so the moisturizer can penetrate better. A bath brush, mesh, or loofah sponge is all you need. Go easy with the salt & sugar-based body scrubs unless your skin is very oily. If you have not already tried them, the in-shower moisture lotions are nice. You leave them on for a few minutes, then rinse off. Olay In-Shower Body Lotions comes in different formulas and are wonderful. Your skin will feel silky smooth!

A Tribute to the Tub Bath

There is something very luxurious about taking a tub bath. Showers are nice, but a tub bath submerges you. Therefore, the ingredients in the water are in contact with your skin longer and have a better chance to penetrate. The warmth of the water encourages even deeper penetration having a much more therapeutic effect. There is an endless selection of products you can use depending on your preferences and specific needs (aromatherapy, hydration, detox, etc). Natural ingredients utilizing essential oils, fresh/dried herbs & flowers, sea salts, or food substances, such as milk or honey, can do wonders for the body. Establishing a bath ritual is like spa service in your home. Do you have a bath ritual? What type of ingredients do you use in your bath water and why?

The Return of the Extraordinary

I am back! I am very happy about it too. Yes! After a hiatus of true enlightenment and analysis of our fascination with skin. Eager and excited to talk, teach, assimilate, educate, discuss, listen, learn, observe, and discover. The object of our adoration, dedication, and distraction must be cared for, pampered, and nurtured. Maximizing what God gave us taking it to the fullest potential. Did I mention that I was happy to be back?