* Shingles
* Skin Data Sheet
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Psoriasis is partialy caused by a liver malfunction. For years, it has been thought to be unhealable. Guess again. It's not easy, but it can be done, if you really are determined.
First of all, none of the following, and I mean, NONE!
Coffeein, Nicotine, Chocolate, Canned Goods, Processed Goods, Preservatives, Alcohol, Smoked Meats or Fish, Sugar. Then, for immediate treatment, horsetail baths, oatmeal baths or poultices, and salves of several plants (read on to Shingles, the treatment is almost the same) to ease the itching. Plants known for skin conditions: Aloe Vera (!!!), Chapparal, Chickweed, Calendula, Cleavers, Chamomille, Comfrey, Witchhazel, Yarrow, Plantain, St. John's Wort, Slippery Elm. All of them infused, most times in olive, but you can use any of the below if you feel rich:) Carrier Oils: Avocado, Apricot kernel, Castor, Emu, Foraha, Jojoba, Sweet almond, Wheatgerm. Essential oils: Evening Primrose, Meadowfoam, Orange. Butters: Coconut, Cocoa, Kokum, Mango, Shea. |
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http://www.aftershingles.com/shingles.html
What is shingles? Each year, an estimated one million Americans are afflicted with herpes zoster, a painful viral infection commonly called shingles, which is caused by the chicken pox virus. Shingles can develop in anyone who has had chicken pox. More than 1 of every 10 people who had chicken pox as children get shingles as adults, usually over age 60. The chicken pox virus remains dormant or inactive in nerve root cells of the body. In some people, the virus "awakens" within the nervous system to cause shingles. Shingles may include a blistering rash and severe burning pain, tingling or extreme sensitivity to the skin, usually limited to one side of the body and lasting about a month. What causes shingles? Varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chicken pox, causes shingles. This virus is in the herpes family. Shingles is also called herpes zoster. Shingles is not a new infection; rather, it is a second outbreak of the chicken pox virus. Some of the virus germs that cause chicken pox stay in the body, remaining inactive in the nerve cells near the spine for many years. Then the herpes zoster virus suddenly wakes up from the dormant state and grows. Once active, the germs travel along the nerve paths to the skin, leaving a path of destruction along the nerves in which they travel. The result is the pain and rash of shingles. Who can get shingles? Anyone who has had chicken pox can get shingles. That means almost anyone over the age of 5 could eventually get shingles. (A vaccine to prevent chicken pox became available 5 years ago, so today's preschoolers who were vaccinated will possibly not have to worry about getting shingles.) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 10 to 20 percent of all Americans will have a bout of shingles at some time in their lives. The varicella zoster virus that stays in the body after a case of chicken pox usually is kept inactive by the body's natural immune system. As people get older, their immune system naturally weakens to some germs, such as herpes zoster. Most people with shingles, therefore, are 65 years or older. Typically, but not always, shingles occurs in elderly people who are in some stressful situation. It is important to realize that just because a person develops shingles, the entire immune system is not necessarily having problems. It has been estimated that at least one-half of the over-80 population will get shingles at some time. In addition to the elderly, other people with weakened immune systems who are at risk for developing shingles include people with HIV infection or AIDS, some patients with cancer (especially those receiving chemotherapy), transplant recipients, and people being treated with immunosuppressive drugs like corticosteroids. Is shingles contagious? Shingles is not contagious. Shingles occurs only when the virus in a person's body becomes active. Contact with an infected person will not cause shingles. However, although shingles is not contagious, contact with a person with shingles could lead to chicken pox in someone who has never had chicken pox and has not received the varicella vaccine. Does shingles cause other herpes infections? No. Shingles is caused by a particular type of herpes virus, varicella zoster. This virus does not cause genital herpes infections or cold sores. Varicella zoster virus causes only chicken pox and shingles. What are the symptoms of shingles? The first sign of shingles usually is a tingling feeling or itchiness of the skin, which can occur up to 1 week before the rash. Some people have stabbing pain at the beginning, but others have pain only after the rash begins. When the rash is worst, the pain may be extremely severe. Before the rash comes out, some people are misdiagnosed as having a heart condition or gallbladder attack because of the pain. The rash begins as a band or patch of raised dots on one side of the trunk, face, abdomen, arms, or legs. The location of the rash is a clue that the infection is shingles. The rash occurs on only one side of the body, like a band or belt. (The word shingles comes from a Latin word meaning belt or girdle, and zoster is Greek for belt.) The most common sites of shingles are on one side of the chest (front or back, like half of a belt) and on one side of the forehead and scalp. If a person gets herpes zoster in the forehead region, an emergency evaluation with an ophthalmologist is crucial, since the infection can at times cause serious eye problems. After a few days, the spots become blisters filled with fluid. When the blisters dry out and crust, within 2 weeks, they no longer contain the virus. A typical case of shingles lasts about a month. However, the pain associated with herpes zoster may continue for months or years in people who develop post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). What is the treatment for shingles? Treatment goals for shingles are to reduce pain and discomfort, to hasten healing of blisters and to prevent the disease from spreading. Early treatment (within 2 or 3 days of developing the rash) reduces the severity of shingles and can perhaps reduce the risk of developing PHN. A patient with herpes zoster on the face should see a physician immediately, because infection of the eye could lead to blindness. Mindy Kittay added: Applying a mixture of equal parts ravensare and Calophyllum directly to the affected area several times a day will heal it fast and painlessly.Calophyllum (Calophyllum inophyllum) is a fatty oil, not really an essential oil but a combination of a Fatty and aromatic oil. It is produced from pressing the fruit of the tree. Ravensare (Ravensare aromatica) is an essential oil that comes from the leaves of the Cinnamomum camphora. Both of these definitions came from Kurt Schnaubelt's book Advanced Aromatherapy. You should be able to get both of these from a shop that sells EO's. ************************************************ HERBAL TREATMENT The following document is a collection of suggestions of several Herbalists. Sorcy sez:: 1. PAIN: For instant 1st aid, and pain easing: Boil a handful of cloves (Eugenia caryophyllata) in water, about 10 minutes. The cooled liquid is wonderfully soothing (add icecubes to speed the cooling): Fresh infusion of Cloves contains astringent matter as well as the volatile oil. If you do better with hot instead of cool for some reasons, medium warm oat bath’s are suggested (but I don’t have the foggiest how to fix those) 2. BALM: Make a carrier oil base mixed of 1 part jojoba, 1 part castor (preferably infused with herbs like plantain and comfrey!), and 2 parts of St.JohnsWort oil. Add rosehip oil (not more then 10% each of the base amount), and last but not least, a good sized blob Aloe Vera and Evening Primrose oil. Apply generously (and I mean GENEROUSLY) and cover whole body (if needed) in a cool linen (satin works great for me!) cloth until absorbed. 3. POULTICE: For smaller areas, make a poultice right away and keep on overnight or exchange mornings and nights, as needed: Base: Betonit clay, moistened with Colloidal Silverwater, Add (as available) Comfrey root, St John’sWort and Plantain, best fresh, if using dry, make sure there is enough CSW to ensure expansion and the herbs absorbing the liquids happens and the poultice remains moist. Let stand for 30 minutes in a warm spot to see if you need to add more before applying. OR add the herbs by way of infused oils. Other beneficial additions: Raw Honey, Propolis, Myrrh, Aloe gel, Rosehip oil, Evening Primrose oil, Slippery Elm powder. Here are the properties: Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis): Relieves skin problems, effective in treating dandruff, psoriasis, dry and chapped skin, widely known for it's deep penetrating and quick absorption qualities, also an excellent emollient. Castor (Bean oil)(Ricinus communis): For any abrasions, cuts, or sores on the body. Soothing and softening. Note: Internal use is laxative. Only oil may be used, raw beans are poisonous! St. John’ s Wort (Hypericum perforatum): Heals wounds, neuralgia and shingles. Immunostimulant, antiviral, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory (also take internal, additionally, but not the oil, tincture, tea, or capsules). Trea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): Antibacterial, antifungi, antiviral. ‘Most powerful’ natural antiseptic. Rosehip: Soothing and takes the pressure (tight feeling) off the damaged skin. Prevents scarring. Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis): Soothes damaged skin promoting growth and healing. Comfrey: The Russian comfrey (Symphytum x uplandicum) has a higher concentration of allantoin. Allantoin = cell proliferant stimulating growth of connective tissue and cartilage, contains tannin as well as high concentrations of mucilage, not only soothing but constrictive. Also contains steroidal saponins making it particularly beneficial for reproductive and hormonal imbalances. Plantain (Plantago lanceolata or P. major), astringent, diuretic, expectorant. Good first aid for all skin problems. Best used as fresh plant pulp. 4. INTERNAL nervines and supplements: Read on below for nervines/herbs, no reason to list it double. Supplements: L-Lysine (amino acid), 500 mg. twice a day, is important for healing. Vitamin C plus bioflavinoids, 2,000 mg. twice a day, helps in destroying the virus and boosts the immune system. Cayenne capsules, taken as directed on the label, relieves pain and helps healing. Vitamin B complex, 100 mg. 3 times a day. Zinc chelate, 80 mg. daily for one week, protects against infection and helps immune system. Calcium chelate plus Magnesium, 1,500 mg. calcium and 750 mg. magnesium per day, is an antisress formula and aids healing and nerve function. Vitamin A emulsion, 75,000 IU for 2 weeks, then 50,000 IU, helps prevent infection and boosts immune system. The emulsion enters the bloodstream quickly. Vitamin D, 1,000 IU twice daily for 1 week then 400 IU, helps heal tissue and is needed for calcium absorption. Vitamin E, 400-800 IU per day, helps prevent scar tissue. (Open a capsule and apply to skin if desired). Germanium, 200 mg. daily, helps immune system. Multivitamin and mineral complex, taken as directed on the label. Proteolytic enzymes, taken between meals. Green Blessings, Sorcy SummerWind ***************** Other articles: ***************** Translation for herbs in following article: avena sativa - oats hypericum perforatim - St. Johnswort scutellaria lateriflora - Skullcap and Echinacea is Echinacea - also known as purple coneflower! © David L. Hoffman, M.N.I.M.H. An acute CNS infection involving primarily the dorsal root ganglia, characterized by vesicular eruption and neuralgic pain in the areas of the skin supplied by peripheral sensory nerves arising in the affected root ganglia. Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a viral infection of sensory nerve cells caused by the same virus (Varicella zoster) that causes chicken pox. The virus remains latent in the dorsal root ganglia of the spinal cord after the initial attack of chicken pox. The disease occurs most frequently in people over the age of 50. It may be activated through such factors as trauma to the spinal cord and its roots through surgery or X-ray therapy. Shingles is characterized by pain along an affected nerve and its branches and the eruption of blisters over skin areas supplied by the nerve. An attack will usually be preceded by a few days of intense pain in the affected areas. Then many extremely painful and itchy blisters develop, normally lasting 7 -14 days. These eventually form crusty scabs and fall off. Following such an outbreak, the pain may continue even when the blisters have disappeared, especially in the elderly. This may go on for months and can be more painful than the original infection. Actions indicated for the processes behind this disease : Nervine Tonics will `feed' the traumatized nerve tissue. Nervine Relaxants may ease the associated pain, but will definitely lesson associated anxiety or tension. Anti-inflammatories will reduce the inflammatory response. Anti-spasmodics will alleviate muscular tension developed in response to the pain. Anti-microbials may help deal with the virus infection, but it is very intransigent. System support : The nervous system needs as much help as it can get! As shingles often occurs in the elderly, almost any system tonic might be appropriate. Signs and symptoms guide the therapist. Specific Remedies : There are no specifics for shingles recorded in the European traditions. Based upon personal observation, however, they may exist. Please refer to pgs. 1-22 thru 1-24. One possible prescription, equal parts to 5ml of tincture 4 times a day: Avena sativa Hypericum perforatum Echinacea spp. Scutellaria laterifolia Mentha piperita oil applied topically may reduce the pain through a mild local numbing effect. Do not attempt this if the skin is extremely sensitive. Colloidal oatmeal powder may be dusted on the effected skin to act as a dry lubricant, hopefully reducing pain from contact with clothes. Actions supplied by this combination : Nervines Tonic (Avena sativa, Hypericum perforatum) Nervines Relaxant (Hypericum perforatum,Scutellaria laterifolia, Artemisia vulgaris) Anti-inflammatory (Hypericum perforatum) Anti-spasmodic (Hypericum perforatum, Scutellaria laterifolia) Anti-microbial (Hypericum perforatum, Echinacea spp.) Broader Context of Treatment : Good nutrition and support of general health are crucial. Pain relief medication containing acetaminophen, e.g. Tylenol, may prolong the illness. Pharmacological research suggests that capsaic in, from Capsicum minimum, may be helpful as a pain reliever, and thus capsules of cayenne may be helpful. The following supplementation is recommended: Vitamin B complex 100mg three times a day with food. Vitamin C 2g twice a day. Lysine (an amino acid) 500mg twice daily. ******************** Shingles is a member of the Herpes Virus strains (Herpes Zoster) I have been taking Olive Leaf Extract for six months now and have not had a flare up of my Herpes Simplex Virus 1 & 2 since starting. I still take 4 - 6 capsules a day, I also had Candida, CFS and Athlete's Foot and have not suffered from those symptoms for the past five months. I intend to cut back to 2 capsules a day in the new year. I am very pleased with what this product has done for me and will continue taking it for maintenance of good health. I get mine from www.otrecure.com ******************************* Boost the immune system with extra doses of vitamin C and a good B-complex vitamin. For shingles take 200 milligrams of vitamin C 5 or 6 times a day. Zinc will also help boost the immune system. You can try lysine also, but you need to do this at the onset of shingles. A calamine liniment will help relieve the blisters. To calamine lotion add 20% isopropyl alcohol and 1% each of phenol and menthol. If it seems too strong add water to the liniment. Only use this until the blisters are scabbed over. Add cornstarch to your bath water, or try oatmeal. Do this before bed time, because the relief is short lived. Cool compresses on the blisters will relieve some of the pain. If the pain is still there after the blisters are gone, try ice packs. Make sure to keep the blisters cool. If they get too warm the pain will; be even worse. You could try a chloroform and aspirin paste if nothing else seems to work. (mash 2 real aspirin tablets into a powder and add 2 tbs. chloroform and mix) Dab on with a cotton ball. That should make the pain better in about 5 minutes, and should last for several hours. ******************************** Shingles, caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox, affects the nerve endings in the skin. It usually occurs on the skin of the abdomen under the ribs leading toward the navel, but can appear anywhere on the body. An attack of shingles is often preceded by three or four days of intense pain in the affected area. Then numerous and excruciatingly painful and itchy blisters develop, normally lasting between seven and fourteen days. These blisters eventually form crusty scabs and drop off. The virus may lie dormant in the spinal cord and nerve ganglia for years until triggered. Risk of shingles increases with the use of anti-cancer drugs, Hodgkin's disease and other cancers, stress, and immune system deficiency. If shingles develop near the eyes, the cornea can become affected and blindness may result. See an ophthalmologist if the shingles appear on the forehead near the eyes or on the tip of the nose. After an attack of shingles, the pain may continue even after the blisters have disappeared, especially in the elderly. The pain can sometimes last for months or years. This post-herpetic syndrome can be even more painful than the original infection. NUTRIENTS SUPPLEMENT SUGGESTED DOSAGE COMMENTS Essential L-Lysine (amino acid) 500 mg twice daily. Important for healing. Vitamin C plus bioflavonoids 2,000 mg twice daily. Aids in destroying the virus and boosting the immune system. Very Important Cayenne Capsules Use as directed on label Contains capsaicin. Relieves pain and aids in healing. Vitamin B complex plus extra Vitamin B12 100 mg 3 times daily. Injections, under doctor's recommendation and supervision only, may be necessary. Needed especially for malnutrition. Zinc chelate 80 mg for 1 week, then reduce to quicker absorbing 50 mg zinc lozenges Enhances immune system and protects against infection. Important: Calcium chelate plus magnesium 1,500 daily 750 mg daily. For nerve function and healing. Antistress formula: Vitamin A emulsion 75,000 IU for 2 weeks, then drop to 50,000 IU or take 5,000 IU in capsule form. Potentiates immune system and protects against infection. Emulsion form enters the system quickly. Vitamin D 1,000 IU twice daily for 1 week, then drop to 400 IU. Aids in healing of the tissue, and needed for calcium absorption. Vitamin E 1,000 IU twice daily for 1 week, then drop to 400 IU. Aids in healing of the tissue, and needed for calcium absorption. Helpful: Coenzyme Q10 60 mg daily. Free radical scavenger. Potentiates immune function. Germanium 200 mg daily. Free radical scavenger. Potentiates immune function. Multivitamin and mineral complex Especially necessary in malnutrition. Proteolytic enzymes. Take with and between meals. Antioxidant properties. Neutralizes free radicals. Someone had cured a shingles outbreak in one week by eating lysine and putting a paste of algae on the sore spots. Nervine relaxants should be included to reduce the pain. A useful misture is: Echinacea, 2 parts Jamaican Dogwood, 1 part Oats, 1 part Passion Flower, 1 part St. Johns Wort, 1 part Valerian, 1 part This tea should be drunk three times a day. For a local treatment of the symptoms, regular herbal baths with the above herbs ar recommended. The treatment has to be applied over a period of time and should pay attention to good nutrition, preferably one that is rich in vitamin B-complex supplements." |
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You probably know that the skin is the largest organ of the body. It is also
one of the most important organs. Your skin cleanses toxins from your body,
it balances your body’s temperature and blocks out bad bacteria and viruses.
Your body’s general health is often reflected in the skin. Imbalances and
toxic build-up due to liver or digestion problems can show up in the skin as
acne, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, etc. When you strengthen your internal
health, your skin will start to look and function better.
| About Acne Acne usually occurs on the face, neck, back, chest, and shoulders, where you have the highest concentration of oil-producing glands. Your skin is covered with oil glands that are located in the back of the tunnels (follicles) where your hair emerges. The oil usually goes through the follicle and empties onto the skin surface. Acne happens when the oil can’t get through the hair follicles, causing them to be clogged with this oil and with tiny pieces of hair. Bacteria breed in the clogged area, secreting chemicals that cause inflammation (redness, swelling, and pain). This swollen follicle is called a comedo (you may have noticed that some skin products say non-comedogenic – this means they don’t clog follicles. If the clogged follicle stays under the skin, it is a whitehead (a small white bump). If it reaches the surface of the skin, it is darkened by air and becomes a blackhead. If the comedo becomes inflamed, you see a papule (a small pink bump that hurts when you press it). The papule follicle wall can break under pressure, irritating the area around the follicle. The follicle responds by filling with pus and it is then called a pustule (your basic zit). The worst acne is a cyst, a large, deep, firm, pus-filled comedo that is painful and sometimes leaves a scar. Acne Causes Why does the follicle become clogged in the first place? The cells from the lining of the follicle get clumped together, blocking the oil from reaching the surface of the skin. We are not sure what causes this, but medical science has pinned down some factors. Heredity and hormones are a major factor behind most forms of acne. Most scientists believe that while bad diets, bad hygiene and stress can aggravate acne, they do not specifically cause it. Most herbalists believe that acne can be completely treated with diet, relaxation, hygiene, and herbs that help cleanse the body of toxins. HORMONES: Common zits start in your teenage years when your body produces high levels of male hormones including testosterone. This happens with both boys and girls. These male hormones cause your skin to produce extra oil, which clogs your follicles. Changing hormones in women may cause acne in the week before your period starts. This acne often occurs with increased facial hair and an irregular menstrual cycle. Hormone changes from pregnancy or birth control pills can also cause acne. HEREDITY: Ever notice that you tend to get a zit in the exact same place, again and again? That may be because you inherited a problem follicle in that part of your skin. Studies have shown that the tendency to get acne can be hereditary. MEDICATIONS: Oral contraceptives can cause acne, as can corticosteroids, lithium, and barbiturates. If you have acne, ask your doctor whether your prescription may be the cause. ALLERGIES: People with acne should get tested for allergies. Many people have food allergies and don’t know it. Others are allergic to certain cosmetics. ACNE AGGRAVATORS: Severe and prolonged stress can aggravate acne. Greasy cosmetics may change the cells in your follicles and cause them to clump together, clogging the pore. Environmental toxins such as pollution can worsen acne. Skin irritation, such as picking or squeezing or scrubbing, make acne worse. Acne Home Remedies A GENTLE REGIMEN: Never scrub your skin or use strong soaps to dry your oily skin. These irritate the inflamed follicle to worsen your acne. Gently wash your skin with a light cleanser twice a day and after swimming or heavy exercise. Use your hands to apply the cleanser, then thoroughly rinse. The best cleanser is a light one like Oil of Olay foaming facial wash. If you have dry, flaky acne, moisturize skin daily after cleansing with an oil-free moisturizer. Also, every night before you go to bed, dot each zit with a tiny bit of benzoyl peroxide cream, and each blackhead area with salicylic acid gel. You might try using a purifying clay mask once a week (don’t use ones with alpha-hydroxy, or that say “firming”, these are wrinkle masks). All your cosmetics should say “non-comedogenic”. If you have sensitive skin, use unscented products, and always use an oil-free moisturizer after washing your face. Teenagers should use oil-free foundation, powder and blush. SHAVE CAREFULLY: Men who have acne should use a sharp blade. Splash your beard with water before applying shaving cream. Try a good electric razor to see if that is more comfortable. If your skin feels dry after shaving, consider an oil-free moisturizing lotion. SQUEEZE OR COVER UP? Acne can form in places where you have applied pressure by squeezing or pinching. Squeezing also increases your risk of scars. Instead of squeezing, cover zits up until they are really ready. You can tell when they’re ready when they burst softly between two fingers (without squeezing, digging, picking or using fingernails). When pus-filled pimples are ready to break, press them gently with a hot towel for a few minutes, then press the edge of the towel against the pimple. If it doesn’t come out easily, you have to conceal it and wait. Use liquid (not stick) concealer that’s the same color as your skin. Squeeze a drop onto your little finger and dab it onto each zit. Then take your same pinky and start tapping each zit to blend the concealer into your skin. Keep lightly tapping until it is all blended. If you don’t want to cover zits up because they are too dry and flaky, rub in a tiny amount of moisturizer right before you conceal. This will make your concealer go on more smoothly. LAST RESORT MEDICATION: Antibiotics such as erythromycin can help reduce inflammation by slowing the growth of bacteria in your hair follicle. Tretinoin helps unplug existing comedos by helping flush cells away. Be careful, as these medications can cause sun sensitivity, dryness, yeast infection susceptibility, and many other side effects. About Eczema Sufferers of eczema (atopic dermatitis) have chronic itchy, dry, flaky skin. Eczema can change your skin color and cause itchy blisters. It usually occurs on the face, elbows, and wrists, and is most common in babies. People with eczema usually have a family history of allergies such as asthma and hay fever. Eczema Causes We do not know the precise cause of eczema. However, research has shown that there are many factors related to eczema: HEREDITY: Eczema occurs more often in some families than others, and often accompanies asthma and hay fever. However, studies on twins show that the development of eczema also involves environmental triggers. IMMUNITY: Part of eczema is skin inflammation (heat and swelling). Inflammation is one of your body’s normal immune response to an “enemy” chemical, germ or object (these are called antigens). If you have an immune system response when there is no foreign antigen in your body, then your immune system has been activated by mistake. When this happens, you have an immunologic disease; this is often brought on by physical or emotional stress. Researchers want to know whether the eczema immune response is due to an antigen, or whether it is an immunologic disease. Many eczema sufferers also have allergies, which suggests that eczema may be due to an antigen. However, more studies need to be done before this is confirmed. ENVIRONMENTAL TRIGGERS: If eczema is not an immunologic disease, then it may be due to a foreign antigen (see immunity, above). The homes of eczema sufferers have more dust mites than normal. This may mean that dust mites trigger eczema; however, it may only be that the dust mites are attracted to the skin that flakes off when you have eczema. We do know that when eczema patients remove all the dust mites from their house, their symptoms improve. Other triggers are heat (which causes skin dryness), wool and nylon fabrics (which irritates the skin), heavy detergents, fatigue and stress. Avoid latex rubber, chlorine, nickel (found in plated jewelry), formaldehyde (found in permanent press clothing), polishes, particleboard, lanolin, foam insulation, and rugs. Eczema Home Remedies If you think you have eczema, a doctor should diagnose you, since eczema closely resembles other serious skin conditions including many infections. Eczema is probably an internal response to an external factor, so the first step is usually to try to identify the trigger(s) that cause the condition. Try to avoid the environmental triggers listed above. You should get tested for food allergies such as dairy, wheat, eggs, seafood, and peanuts. If you are not allergic to seafood, take one tablespoon cod liver oil per day. Cod liver oil is high in an acid called EPA, which reduces inflammation and itchiness. Many eczema sufferers are deficient in zinc and vitamin A. If you decide to take supplements, ask your doctor which dose is right for you, to avoid the risk of overdose. You may also want to take measures to build up your immune system. Do not let your skin get dry or too hot, or frequently wet – avoid hot showers and try to bathe less frequently in general. Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature. When cleaning or washing dishes, always use plastic gloves, and don’t kneel on the wet floor with bare knees. Avoid moisturizers with lanolin, as this can aggravate eczema. Watch out for the itchy-scratchy cycle of eczema. The inflammation of eczema causes your nerves to become extra sensitive. If you’re itchy, take a room temperature bath, then immediately dry with a soft cotton towel and apply vegetable shortening or a strong lanolin-free moisturizer made for sensitive skin. If this doesn’t resolve your itchiness, try over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. If you also have asthma and hay fever, try taking over-the-counter antihistamines. Also, remember to exercise! You may be avoiding sweaty gyms or the chlorinated pool. Try to find some sort of no-sweat exercise, such as brisk walking or yoga, that will help relieve stress and develop your circulation. About Psoriasis Psoriasis is a common, yet mysterious, skin disorder causing itchy red patches and thick, dry scales on your skin. It is an erratic and stubborn condition that happens when skin cells multiply much faster than normal, usually on the scalp, chest, elbows and knees. We do not know exactly why this happens. The cells rise to the surface and die in a few days (this process normally takes a month). When these cells emerge at the surface, your skin can’t shed them fast enough. The dead cells build up, causing itchy, dry red bumpy areas covered with white flakes. Sometimes the raised areas are white with red borders, or red with no flakes. The raised areas can crack and ooze painfully. Sometimes the condition accompanies burning, oozing eyes and arthritis pain. Psoriasis on the nails can lead to shedding of the entire nail. People with plantar psoriasis have tiny blisters on the soles of their feet. Palmar psoriasis is red, scaly skin on the palms of the hands. Psoriasis, like eczema, is not contagious. Psoriasis Causes Psoriasis is a hereditary condition. It appears to be an immunologic disorder like eczema. Sufferers can have flare-ups for a variety of reasons. A majority of patients have flare-ups right after a period of emotional stress. Other aggravating factors are ibuprofen, skin irritation, skin wounds, infections, obesity, alcoholism, sunburn, cold weather, and dry skin. Psoriasis Home Remedies Unfortunately, psoriasis is incurable. However, with the right treatment, flare-ups will lessen in about one month. To relieve dry skin, soak in a room temperature bath for 15 minutes, dry off quickly with a soft cotton towel, then smooth petroleum jelly (choose a generic brand: according to PETA, Vaseline still tests on animals) over the effected areas. To remove scaly skin, try applying salicylic acid gel. For itch, apply hydrocortisone cream. For dandruff, use a shampoo for dandruff such as Head and Shoulders. Flare-ups will usually subside if you stay healthy. Bathe daily with mild soap made for sensitive skin; never scrub. To loosen flaky skin, try soaking in a tub of warm water with one cup of oatmeal. Avoid alcohol and stress, get lots of rest and adequate exercise, and eat well. If you get an infection of any kind, treat it quickly so that it doesn’t aggravate your condition. If nothing else works, ask your doctor about Anthralin therapy or phototherapy. When to Call Your Doctor ECZEMA: Call your doctor if your eczema does not get better after one week of hydrocortisone cream treatment. Also call if your eczema has yellow crust or blisters – this could be an infection. Remember that having eczema increases your risk of contracting germs or viruses from other people, so call your doctor if you have come into contact with anyone who has a virus such as cold sores or herpes. PSORIASIS: Call your doctor if your psoriasis is severe, or covers most of your body – this may be an emergency. Also call your doctor if your condition does not respond to treatment. People with psoriasis should consider getting checked for cataracts, other skin infections, and skin cancer. About the Tea Ingredients Burdock root: Burdock is considered to be the best herb for healthy skin through internal cleansing. It helps your skin to release toxins from the blood through perspiration. It reduces toxins in your intestines by improving the health of your liver and increasing bile flow. Burdock root is also a very mild laxative and diuretic (urine promoter) which further flushes toxins from your body. Gotu Kola: Gotu Kola has undergone much scientific study that confirms its effectiveness for skin problems. It can heal wounds and reduce scarring from acne and other disorders. Yellow Dock root: this root is said to purify the blood and clean the liver. It has been used for all skin problems. Its mild laxative effect helps your body get rid of toxins. Dandelion root: this common weed has a long history of medicinal use. It can strengthen the liver, regulate your bowels, purify your blood, and give your skin a boost. Milk Thistle: Milk Thistle cleans and protects the liver. It has been used for many years and is one of the only herbs known to treat some types of psoriasis. Red Clover flowers: Red Clover flowers are said to purify the blood. The herb is officially recognized in the United Kingdom to treat psoriasis, eczema and rashes. Sarsaparilla root: Sarsaparilla root is good for psoriasis and eczema. It cleanses the body with its gentle diuretic (urine-promoting) and perspiration-promoting action. This effect is so mild that you will probably not notice it. You can also try: kelp, cayenne, aloe gel, vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, biotin, folic acid, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, evening primrose oil, lecithin. Copyright © 2000 Thalia Cambouroglou |
