Skin conditions such as acne, athlete's foot, rashes, eczema, and poison ivy and other forms of contact dermatitis are quite common. Acne occurs when sebum, the skin's natural oil, blocks the pores, allowing bacteria to gather and cause pimples. Acne is influenced by hormonal changes, diet and fat consumption, and hygiene. Athlete's foot, a fungal infection that takes hold when the feet are confined in a warm and damp environment - tennis shoes, for example - causes scaling, itching, and cracking of the skin around the toes and sides of the feet. Natural antifungal remedies can be applied topically, and the feet should be kept clean and dry. Skin rashes, such as eczema, are usually itchy, peeling, and red. The causes are often complex and may involve allergies, nutritional deficiencies, and emotional stress. Treatment involves identifying and avoiding allergens, learning to manage stress, and applying drying remedies to wet rashes and moistening remedies to dry rashes. Skin irritations such as poison ivy are known as contact dermatitis and are provoked by substances that come into direct contact with the skin. Toxic oils in poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac cause an allergic reaction in the form of an inflamed, itching rash that may last for weeks. immediately washing the skin with soap and water after contact may prevent a rash from developing. Chiropractic Care Nutrition and Supplements Herbal Remedies Homeopathic Remedies Essential Oils Chiropractic Care coming soon  BACK TO MENU Nutrition and Supplements Fatty and sugary foods are the most frequently cited dietary contributors to skin problems. Replace these foods with at least five servings of fresh vegetables and fruits daily, and include whole grains and other fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation, which often plays a role in skin rashes and eruptions. Daily supplements that may help heal the skin include: vitamin C plus bioflavonoids, 2-5 grams or to bowel tolerance: to boost immune response and reduce allergic reactions zinc, 30 mg: for skin repair vitamin A, in the form of beta-carotene, 25,000 IU daily: essential for skin health essential fatty acids, 250-1,000 mg daily: to decrease inflammation vitamin E: 400 IU daily: to speed skin healing, can also be applied externally in the form of vitamin E oil grapefruit seed extract: antifungal, may be helpful for athlete's foot or fungal infections BACK TO MENU Herbal Remedies Taking herbs that assist in detoxification will often improve skin problems. Try any of the following herbs, singly or in combination, in the following dosages: 1 cup of tea, 1/2 teaspoon of tincture, or two capsules three to four times a day: nettles red clover yellow dock burdock Herbs can also be applied to affected areas of the skin in a variety of ways: calendula, as a strong tea applied as a wash; as a tincture for fungal infections, acne, or wet rashes; as an ointment or salve for dry rashes: has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties aloe vera gel, apply to poison ivy or other contact dermatitis to cool and soothe goldenseal, add I tablespoon of powdered herb to 1/4 cup of clay, or mix the tincture with an equal part of water and apply to weeping rashes: has antibiotic and astringent properties comfrey, chickweed, or witch hazel preparations: to relieve itching Chamomile, plantain, or St. John's wort preparations: to soothe inflammation myrrh, in tincture form: apply to fungal infections for its antimicrobial properties BACK TO MENU Homeopathic Remedies Single remedies often used for skin conditions include: Calendula: topical products include lotions, ointments, gels, and soaps for soothing a variety of skin irritations Rhus tox.: made from the poison ivy plant, for blisters and rashes Sulphur: for a burning itch made worse by warm bathing Combination remedies for skin conditions usually include these along with other ingredients such as Echinacea and Silica. BACK TO MENU Essential Oils Methods for using essential oils for skin conditions include compresses and baths. Use any of the following essential oils: lavender: antimicrobial, antiseptic, speeds skin heating patchouli: antibiotic, astringent, anti-inflammatory tea tree: antifungal, antiseptic, antibiotic; can also be applied directly to pimples, boils, or fungal infections. (Use caution when using as a massage oil or in the bath, as tea tree oil may cause skin sensitivity in some individuals.) PAGE TOP Powered by ProfessionalPlanets.com™ Copyright 1999 © ProfessionalPlanets.com™ All rights reserved. Terms of Use