Dublin based
Acupuncture & Shiatsu
Specialist

Skin Problems, Acne, Itch, Psoriasis, Eczema

September 5th, 2010 | Posted in 3 Various Specific Problems

In TCM many skin problems are caused by — ‘Damp, Heat and the invasion of toxins.‘

• Dampness imbalances can be recognized by an abnormally large amount of body fluid accumulation, such as the fluids that accumulate under the first layer of skin. The root of such imbalance often lies with the spleen, which is part of our digestive system.
• Heat is reflected by feelings of heat in the skin and the body.
• Toxin build up. If there is a blockage in the process of detoxification by the liver and removal through the urinary tract or bowel, the body will attempt to remove the toxins another way—usually through the skin

Acupuncture in many skin problems,  will treat the regulation of the spleen function, the reduction of heat in the body, the elimination of unwanted toxins and regulating the whole body’s immune system

Some of these Skin Problems include:

ACNE In TCM acne can be due to the accumulation of damp in the body or to heat in the blood or to the invasion of toxins.

DRY SKIN is treated as heat in the body and the patient will be treated to reduce heat, and to remove imbalances and promote the proper functioning of the whole body.

NEURODERMATITIS Chronic skin itching on neck, elbow, knee crease and medial knee.

PSORAISIS Auto-immune system sending—’faulty messages’

ECZEMA an allergic skin reaction

DIET IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR ALL SKIN PROBLEMS —

Eat lots of greens, no greasy /fatty /spicy /processed food, no sugar, no alcohol.  Clear the digestive system. Consume foods rich in essential fatty acids such as wild salmon, mackerel, anchovies and herring. Fish oil supplements have anti-inflammatory properties.

SUPPLEMENTAL SUGGESTIONS

• Use stress reduction techniques—acupuncture, t’ai ch’i, meditation.
• Essential Fatty Acids Omega-3 and 6. Use evening primrose oil (500 mg per day) and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (3 to 4 grams per day) to help with eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, hair loss and dry nails.  Low levels of essential fats may be one of many causative factors of skin conditions due to the role of essential fats in inflammation and in bowel and detoxification organ health. If there is a blockage in the process of detoxification by the liver and removal through the urinary tract or bowel, the body will attempt to remove the toxins another way—usually through the skin.
• Manuka honey as a salve benefits suffers and may ease inflammation associated.
• vitamins E and A (to moisturize the skin); and support the skin’s immune response.
• vitamin B and quercetin (a flavonoid which prevents skin rashes);
• zinc;
• black currant oil;
• cod liver oil;
• bioflavonoids.

PSORAISIS—Auto-immune system sending—’faulty messages’

The trigger is often a major life stres or an injury to the skin. The person can also experience increased anxiety. Normally the process of skin creation—from formation to shedding—takes around 4 weeks. In psoriasis, it can be 4 days. Most cases are plaque psoriasis, characterised by raised patches on the knees, lower back, elbows and scalp.

Psoriasis cannot be cured but treatments have improved it immensely. Ultraviolet light, tablet treatment and injections are effective for severe cases but do have side effects.   For milder psoriasis, creams and lotions with Vit D and Vit A, or steroid creams but care is needed in use.  There is evidence that psoriasis can increase heart and blood vessel disease risk. So factors such as weight control, alcohol and smoking must be considered.  A healthy lifestyle is an important element in controlling psoriasis.

NB.  DON’T SCRATCH.     COOL THE SKIN DOWN WITH ICE, FROZEN PEAS.

Eczema is an allergic skin reaction. 30-40% of all skin diseases have a history of allergies in common, soap, cosmetics, synthetics, etc.etc. It can relate to KD, gastro-intestinal, obesity, gynecological problems. It is a chronic condition, with cycles of ebb and flow and is most likely rooted in the individual’s genetic heritage. It its an ever-changing condition and can lurch from bearable to unbearable in a short space of time. During a severe episode, the itching can get as intense as to disrupt sleep, skin may weep, thicken and crack. Prevention and lifestyle changes are paramount. Taking all of these factors into consideration, the good news is that a successful outcome can be achieved with appropriate treatment, provided the patient is willing to make a complete commitment to the process.

Triggers of Eczema

• Stress—emotional and psychological; anxiety, etc.
• cold weather; raw winter weather; dry winter house heat;
• intense heat;
• wool clothing;
• detergents, perfumes or dyes;
• perspiration;
• pollen;
• irritants, such as food additives;
• dry skin; and
• food allergies: sweets, alcohol, corn, chocolate, tomatoes and other nightshades, beans, dairy, wheat (gluten products) shellfish and soybeans.

Western Treatments

• corticosteroid creams, which do help itching, but have long-term side effects
• oral antihistamines
• ultraviolet light or sunlamps; and immune modulators (now being studied).

Herbal Recipes Prevention for Eczema, Psoriasis, Rashes.

• Moisturising only often causes dry and greasy skin. Emollients—products that contail oil—work by trapping water in the skin after washing.
• Aloe Vera gel.
• A Moisturizer for All Types of Irritated Skin Add 1 cup finely ground oatmeal to tepid bath
  2 cups licorice tea (relieves itching)
• Eczema Moisturizer: You must keep moisture in!   Use vegetable shortening or non-petroleum jelly with: 2 drops lavender essential oil; 2 drops calendula essential oil; and 2 drops German chamomile or carrot seed essential oil. You can massage the entire body or use as a spot treatment.

• Avoid triggers of eczema by identifying food sensitivities and allergies.
• Moisturize with infused calendula oil (“eczema eater”); good for eczema, psoriasis and rashes. Use as massage and bath oil.

Ingredients: 2 cups dried calendula flowers; 1 quart extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon vitamin E oil. Slow cook olive oil (on very low heat). Add flowers, stir and leave 12-14 hours over very low heat. Stir, if you can, every two hours. Pour through a strainer lined with panty hose; add vitamin E oil and store in refrigerator for six months.

• Ocean Potion: for weeping and crusting sores caused by eczema, insect bites, poison ivy or any kind of dryness

Ingredients: 1 cup sea salt; 5 drops carrot seed essential oil; 5 drops calendula essential oil; 5 drops lavender oil; and almond oil to cover mixture. Add salt to wide-mouthed jar; add essential oils and almond oil to cover. Store by your bathtub and use a scoop when bathing. Do not bathe more than 20 minutes, so as not to dehydrate. Moisturize and relax.

• Calamine Lotion for any itchy problems