Category: Integumentary (Skin/Dermatological)) Health

What You Put On Your Skin Matters - By Jaycee Clarkson, Ayurvedic Lymphatic Massage Practitioner

1/17/2021

What is the first thing you do when you wake up or before leaving the house for the day? Perhaps you soap up in the shower? Wash your face or put on deodorant? Many people have a daily routine that involves putting some sort of product on to the body.

So what really happens when we put something on our skin? Well - the skin is the body’s largest organ of absorption and elimination. What we put on our skin is absorbed and enters our body coming into contact with our tissues, organs, and glands.

Seven years ago, I was shocked when I started flipping over my body care products and paying attention to the ingredients. Many of them had long long lists of unfamiliar words and chemical terminology. I was even more shocked when I started discovering what these ingredients were and their potential harmful effects on our health.

Below we will look at three super common ingredients in skin and body care products. I encourage you to take a moment and grab a few bottles, be it hand soap, facial moisturizer, or shampoo, to see if the following ingredients pop up…

Parabens (Paraben, methylparaben, butylparaben and propylparaben) - Act as preservatives in a variety of cosmetics. They are suspected endocrine disruptors and may interfere with male reproductive functions.

Parfum - Any mixture of mystery fragrance ingredients that can trigger allergies and asthma. Some are linked to cancer and neurotoxicity. Some are harmful to fish and other wildlife.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate - Used as a foaming agent in products such as shampoos, cleansers and bubble bath. Can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which may cause cancer.

Eek! Manufacturers market that these ingredients are present in such small amounts that they are “safe”, but when small amounts of potentially harmful ingredients are used once, or often multiple times a day, they build up in our system and add to our toxic load. When combined with daily exposure to other toxic substances through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat, this build up can happen faster than our body’s ability to safely eliminate them.

WHAT CAN WE DO?
1. Get informed!
• The David Suzuki Foundation has incredible resources including the Dirty Dozen - a list of 12 ingredients to watch out for in skin care.
• Another amazing resource is the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database where you can search for products and individual cosmetic ingredients to check their safety rating.

2. Choose simple and pronounceable - Vote with your dollars! By choosing products with short lists of ingredients that you can pronounce we signal to manufacturers that this is what we want to see more of in skin care products.

3. Stay tuned! Next time we will dive into what our skin LOVES and how to nourish it with a focus on plant infused, whole, natural ingredients.

If you are like I was many years ago - and you discover a large amount of products containing the Dirty Dozen - my counsel to prevent waste and emotional overwhelm, is to use up what you have and slowly start to transition. It can take time! As you transition, not only will you be reducing your daily dose of chemicals, you will also prevent these substances from entering our waterways, protecting aquatic ecosystems too!

Jaycee practices Ayurvedic Lymphatic Drainage Massage and crafts her own line of plant infused skin care products and natural deodorant - check out her website to learn more or contact the office at Healing House to schedule an appointment.

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Natural Support Options for Eczema - by Petra Sovcov, Clinical Herbal Therapist

1/16/2021

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The practitioners at Healing House are not medical doctors. The information supplied is not to be considered as a replacement for advice or prescription drugs from your medical doctor. If you have a health issue, please see your primary care physician first and foremost. Also, please do not self dose with herbs and supplements, please see an appropriate practitioner if you wish to include natural health strategies in your care.

Understanding Eczema

The terms eczema and dermatitis are synonymous with these types of skin reactions. Eczema can be acute in nature (sudden onset) or it can be chronic (long term), the term eczema refers to a grouping of disorders that share similar clinical features but may have different causes.

In either case, an eczematic flair may have several factors involved, these can be environmental, systemic, or potentially food sensitivity based. In addition to these reactionary standards, there are different types of eczema, the most common being Atopic, Seborrheic, Discoid, and Irritant/Allergic contact Eczema (Contact Dermatitis). A short description of the types will be discussed below.

Atopic Eczema

Atopic eczema is one of the most common types. It is categorized by prolonged hypersensitivity to environmental factors. This can include things such as pollen, dust, foods, chemicals, or pets. There is often a strong genetic predisposition in this type of eczema and may include other factors such as asthma, hay fever, and food allergies/sensitivities. This type of eczema has increased 2 to 5-fold since the early 1980s, and now potentially affects up to 1 in 10 individuals during their lifespan.

The reasoning behind this is not clear in standard western medical practice. However, in natural medicine circles, it is thought to be caused by the increase of chemical usage in foods, care products, household cleaners, and so forth, all contributing to something called ‘Toxic Load Reaction’.

Most commonly this type of eczema is seen in children and young adults, and though onset may happen after the age of 30, it is not common unless it takes place in a pregnant individual.

Atopic eczema looks different at different ages and in individuals of different skin colors, some of the features and symptoms may include:

Elevated IgE levels in blood tests (found in 80 to 90% of individuals)
Personal or family history of eczema, asthma, hay fever, or general environmental and food allergies
Food allergies/sensitivities
Itching (mild to severe)
Skin inflammation (mild to severe)
Rash on the face (common in children and infants)
Thick and leathery buildup on the skin (common in adults)
Recurrent Conjunctivitis (An itchy infection of the eyes – Pink Eye)
Facial swelling or pale complexion
Wool intolerance
Intolerance to hot water or hot weather
Increased itching and redness when sweating
Dry and inflamed splitting of the skin
Weeping sores
Blister like sores
Plaque and scaling on the skin
A red and itchy rash without defined edges
Involvement of the hands, wrists, elbows, trunk, back, legs, buttocks
Secondary infection by Staphylococcus aureus – may contribute to progression of this skin disorder

In addition to these classic signs, there are exacerbating factors that can also impact Atopic Eczema, there are commonly:
Heat
Sweating
Anxiety
Stress
Frustration
Infections
Sudden temperature changes
Contact with irritant or change in personal care products
Excessive hand washing
Continued use of allergen inducing foods or substances (these may be unknown to the individual)
Secondary microbial infection

Seborrheic Eczema

Another common form of eczema, Seborrheic eczema is thought to affect up to 2%of the population. This type of skin reaction is most seen in areas of the skin where sebaceous glands are most numerous, such as on the scalp, forehead, eyebrows, eyelids, ears, cheeks, and on the chest or between the shoulder blades, and can include dandruff or a cradle cap type infection. Often times this type of reaction is marked by a red or pink rash with non-regular edges, and can also include a yellowish greasy looking scale, because of this it can be easy to mistake this type of Eczema with psoriasis.

This type of eczema is one of the most common types seen in infants usually during their first 3 months of life and is seen in adults between the ages of 30 and 70. The disorder is more common in men, often runs in families, and can be made worse in cold weather.

This type of eczema is also commonly found in individuals with HIV and AIDS, but is also commonly seen in individuals under large amounts of stress, and those with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.

Some of the symptoms associated are as follows:

A slow, gradual onset that causes greasy scaling of the scalp that can include itching and sometimes hair loss.
Yellowish or reddish scaly pimples may appear along the hair line, behind the ears, in the ear canal, on the eyebrows, on the bridge of the nose, around the nose, on the chest, or the upper back may occur.
In infants, frequently a stubborn diaper rash accompanies the scalp rash.
Older children and adults may develop a thick, tenacious, scaly rash with large flakes of skin.

Discoid/Nummular Eczema

Discoid, or nummular eczema is a persistent, usually itchy rash with inflammation that is characterized by circular shaped spots with tiny blisters, scabs, and scales. Most commonly this type of eczema presents itself on the lower legs, forearms, and backs of the hands. It can at times be mistaken for ringworm, but unlike ringworm, it does not have a red border around the outside edge. Like most types of eczema, the cause is unknown. There are two common peaks of onset for this type of eczema, those being in young women aged 15 to 30, and middle-aged adults of both sexes.

Some of the symptoms associated are as follows:

Circular rash without a red edge.
Itchy patches of pimples and blisters that later ooze and form a crust.
Rash may be local or widespread.
Often, spots are more obvious on the backs of the arms or legs, and on the buttocks, but may also appear on the torso.

Contact Eczema/Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is an acute or chronic condition with itching and inflammation. It mostly results from exposure to substances in the environment caused by allergens, soaps, detergents, organic solvents, or other substance of food based environmental triggers. It can also be caused by such familiar things as allergies to dogs and cats or contact with some plants such as poison ivy or poison oak.

Some of the most common symptoms and causes are as follows:

Skin dryness
Skin cracking
Fissures
Inflammation
Pattern of the rash is often asymmetrical and comes with itching and burning, and sometimes stinging and blisters may be present.
Commonly caused by poison ivy or poison oak
Commonly seen from household chemicals and cleaners
Commonly seen in those who work daily with chemicals such as individuals in the beauty, automatic, or construction industry
Patch testing can often be done to find the reactionary culprit.

When one approaches eczema from a holistic standpoint, it is important to remember that all parts of the body and individual are related. In saying this, a practitioner who is trained in holistic applications will look at the individual’s current emotional health, stress levels, nutritional habits, environmental exposure, medications, and all body systems to gain a full picture of the potential issue

Traditionally Used Herbs

Pau d’arco (Tabebuia impetiginosa) – Pau d’arco is a powerful herbal ally. Since often times issues with candida and staph (clinical or pre-clinical) can be a secondary issue with eczema, Pau d’arco is an appropriate specific which can be used internally or topically. Traditionally used as an immune stimulant, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal it is specific for eczema. Additionally it is considered to be highly anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and a helpful bitter used to support the liver and its various metabolic functions.
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – Glycerrhetinic acid from licorice root has shown advantages over corticosteroid creams with applied topically and taken internally. Licorice is considered a general tonic, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, demulcent, and protective to liver function. It is a specific for eczema and is indicated in most flares. It is not appropriate for individuals with high blood pressure.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – The bright orange flower of calendula is a specific in cases of eczema. Used internally or externally, it is traditionally used for its ability to be anti-inflammatory, gently astringent, anti-candida, and restorative to soft tissue. Specifically in conditions of the skin, calendula is considered specific for its actions in increased cellular granulation, or rather, its ability to help the skin heal and restore and a more active pace.
Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) - Much like p1au d’arco, cat’s claw vine is an important and active antimicrobial. It is traditionally used in situations where systemic restoration is needed. It is also used traditionally for its properties as an immune stimulant, tonic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and alterative. It is excellent in the use of weakened immunity, degenerative, and inflammatory conditions. It is also supportive of the GIT as a whole which may be needed in eczema if there is an allergic/inflammatory reaction taking place in the mucosal lining of the GIT.
Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinalis radix) – Dandelion is often considered a triad herb, meaning its various parts can be used for different things. In the case of Dandelion, those parts are the flower, leaf, and root. The dandelion’s root is a specific to eczema due to its hepatoprotective qualities (protects the liver), and its ability to aid in liver detoxification and proper function. The importance of this is due to the many metabolic functions and detoxification methods of our liver, it is our main detoxifying organ and can often be weighed down by excess toxic load from environmental exposure, chronic allergen exposure, or excess endocrine disrupting chemicals.

Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) – Like dandelion, nettle has multiple uses for its various plant parts. In herbal medicine the seed, roots, and aerial plant body is used. In regard to eczema, it is the leaf that is most commonly utilized. Nettle is specific for its histaminic actions and allergy calming benefits. Since the majority of individuals with eczema have raised IgE levels, the use of nettle is considered specific. Traditionally it is used in cases of acute or chronic allergic reaction, and is considered to be tonic, antiseptic, splenic, astringent, anti-allergic, blood tonic, detoxifier, and nutritive. It is a specific in all cases of eczema and is said to be excellent in cases where stress and chronic environmental exposure may play a role.

Oats/Milky Oat Seed (Avena sativa) – this herb is considered a general tonic plus nervous system tonic, a demulcent and nutritive. In regard to eczema, it is traditionally used for skin irritations and inflammation, itchiness, and is a specific to eczema and can be used both topically and internally.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) – before its modern uses in depression and anxiety, St. John’s Wort was often used topically for skin and soft tissue injuries. It is considered to be effective topically against pain, and is antiseptic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory.
Blue Chamomile Essential Oil (Matricaria chamomilla) – Blue Chamomile, also known as German Chamomile is exceedingly rich in a constituent known as azulene. Azulene is deadly against staph and candida, both of which are common secondary infections present in eczema outbreaks. The essential oil is applied topically in a carrier cream and often in combination with other herbs.

Commonly Used Supplements

Healing House carries the full line of Genestra, Douglas Labs, Pure Encapsulations, Seroyal, and Wobenzym supplements. Supplements generally arrive within 48 hours. There is no cost for shipping supplements within Canada.

Genestra – Liquid Multi-Vita Min – A high potency multivitamin with additional minerals is key to overall health in body functions. A liquid multi-vitamin is often more bioavailable than a capsule or tablet because the body does not have to work harder to break down constituents or digest. Instead, the liquid can go directly to the gut where it is absorbed within the walls of the small and large intestine. In many individuals with eczema, nutritional deficiencies are quite common.
Genestra – HMF Intensive Probiotic – Because the intestinal flora plays a major role in personal health and immunity, especially regarding eczema, probiotic therapy is particularly indicated. Studies show that administration of probiotic in individuals with allergens demonstrates a significant reduction of eczema severity.

Genestra – Omega EFA Liquid – Therapeutic results from omega 3 fatty acids in multiple double blind studies have shows that fish oils supplementing EPA and DHA fatty acids show significant protective effects against allergy development as seen in eczematous outbreaks. Fish oils contain primarily long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, which are further down the anti-inflammatory pathway reaction in the body.
Pure Encapsulations – Vitamin E with Mixed Tocopherols – Vitamin E is critical in the healing of soft tissue and oxidative damage. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that contains a family of compounds called tocopherols, including d-alpha, beta, delta, and gamma. Naturally occurring tocopherols (d-alpha, beta, and gamma) are the most biologically active forms of vitamin E. Vitamin E is crucial to proper cellular function; it protects and supports a wide range of physiological functions through its free radical scavenging activity. An effective chain-breaking antioxidant and free radical scavenger, vitamin E is considered the first line of defense against lipid peroxidation. It protects the integrity of the body’s cellular membranes, and has the ability to unite with oxygen and prevent it from being converted into toxic peroxides.

Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications

The removal of gluten, dairy, eggs, citrus, and tomatoes – these are common triggers for eczema.
A full elimination diet may be warranted to find a potential trigger. Food allergies in susceptible individuals is the major cause of eczema.
Allergy testing – this may be done with your MD or with a private lab. If you are interested in a private lab panel, please feel free to reach out to us.
Use colloidal oatmeal in a gently warmed bath. Colloidal oatmeal products contain starches and beta-glucans that have protective and water-holding effects, and their polyphenols (avenanthramides) are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.
Wash clothing with mild soaps only and rinse thoroughly – Unscented Dr. Bronner's castile soap is most recommended.
Avoid exposure to chemical irritants and any other agent that might cause skin irritation. Pay special attention to the presence of perfumes (this can hide up to 10,000 unspecified ingredients).
Be mindful of personal care products, switch to unscented and natural varieties – ingredients on the label should be simple and easy to understand.
Regular exercise – walking/stretching/yoga. The goal with exercise is to keep your lymphatic system in motion as it is a major part of the body’s detoxification system.

As you can see, eczema is a multi faceted condition with various types and possible triggers. If you would like to reach out to ask any questions or have a no cost initial meet and greet to discuss your current wellness issues, please feel free to contact the office directly.

I hope you enjoyed this article and found its content useful.

In health and wellness,
Petra - CHT, Herbal Medicine

References:

Davidson’s Principles & Practice of Medicine 22nd Edition by Brian Walkter, Nicki College, Stuart Ralston, Ian Penman – Churchill Livingstone Elsevier 2014 Toronto
Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 4th Edition by Mazine A. Papadakis and Stephen J, McPhee – McGraw Hill Education 2015 Toronto
Ferri’s Color Atlas and Text of Clinical Medicine by Fred F. Ferri MD – Saunders Elsevier Philadelphia 2009
The Merck Manual of Medical Information Second Edition – Merck Research Laboratories, Whitehouse Station NJ – 2003
Staying Healthy with Nutrition – By Elson M. Haas MD – Celestial Arts Press, Berkeley and Toronto 2006
The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine Third Edition – By Michael T. Murray ND & Joseph Pizzorno, ND – Atria Publishing 2012
Atopic Dermatitis in Children: Clinical Features, Pathophysiology and Treatment by Dr. Jonathan J. Lyons MD, Joshua D. Milner, MD, and Kelly D. Stone, MD, PhD – Published by the Immunology and Allergy Clinical Findings of North America, Feb 2015 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4254569/
Medicinal Herbs Quick Reference Guide Revision 7 – By Julieta Criollo DNM, CHT – Self Published 2017