Psoriasis:
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease in which itchy, scaly pink patches, usually covered with whitish scales, form on the elbows, knees, scalp and other parts of the body. It is one of the most common skin diseases in Britain, affecting about 2% of the population, but its cause is not known. There does seem to be some hereditary link in psoriasis, but often symptoms may not appear until adulthood. The severity of the condition can vary enormously from person to person and time to time. While psychological stress may cause an exacerbation of psoriasis, the only significant event that precipitates the disease is a preceding streptococcal infection. read more ...
Eczema
Eczema is the name given to a broad clinical variety of common, itchy, inflammatory skin diseases. The spectrum of clinical features range from redness or oedema, mimicking urticaria or angio-oedema to a profusion of signs with blistering, weeping and crusting, or thickened pigmented areas of skin with scaling.
Whatever the cause of the eczematous process, it involves both the dermis and the epidermis layer of the skin. If the eczematous reaction is severe there will be damage and eventual destruction of the epidermal cells. Whatever the degree of inflammation in the epidermis there is disordered keratinization. read more...
The case for a non-pharmaceutical approach to treating common skin disorders.
The pharmaceutical Approach:
Today, at least 15% of the population consult a GP each year with skin disorders, including skin allergies. About 20% of young Britain's are now estimated to suffer from eczema alone, and it is on the increase. (This compares to just 5% 50 years ago) In adults, the prevalence is slightly lower, but also on the increase.
Some doctors in the UK now openly admit that conventional medicine and alternative therapies can work in tandem for the well-being of their patients, whilst many others are still closed to the concept of alternative and complimentary medicine. Increasingly though, more and more local health authorities are offering alternative therapies on the national health. read more...
Dermatitis?
Dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the skin caused by external substances and agents coming into contact with the skin, as opposed to eczema which is principally a constitutional disease in which outside factors do not play a primary part.
However, in certain cases the terms “dermatitis” and “eczema” are interchangeable since eczema can also be due to both internal (endogenous) and external (exogenous) factors. read more...
ACNE
This is a common inflammatory disorder of the sebaceous glands. It involves the face, neck, back, shoulders and chest.
Spots and other skin eruptions are the hallmarks of acne (blackheads with papules, whiteheads (pustules) and raised red blemishes with semisolid centres
and beneath the skin’s surface localised bacterial infection. read more...
Urticaria
Urticaria appears as raised flesh-coloured or whitish bumps, welts on the skin, sometimes surrounded by a red blotch and occurs anywhere on the body, but most often on the trunk, arms and legs.
Urticaria usually strikes suddenly and often comes and goes. This common disorder can affect 15-25% of the population at some time. It is a baffling disorder and the cause is often obscure.
Urticaria is seldom serious, but it can be very frustrating. read more...
Feminine hygene and Candida
What is Candida?
A common yeast infection mainly of moist areas of the body. It is especially common in the vagina, but is also found in the mouth and skin folds. Candidiasis may affect both man and women. It is most common in those who have a compromised immune system, and as it proliferates, the fungus releases toxins that weaken the immune system further. Very often, people with Candida infections also have food allergies. The symptoms of a food allergy or environmental sensitivity can also mimic those of Candidiasis. To further complicate matters, some people with Candidiasis go on to develop environmental sensitivities as well. read more...
Athlete's Foot.
Is medically known as tinea pedis, and is a superficial fungal infection. The fungi (any of several species) can infect not only the feet but also other parts of the body in the form of tinea corporis commonly called ringworm. And when the fungus gets to the groin, its called tinea cruris, or jock itch.
The fungi that causes it are composed of tiny, plant - like cells found on the skin of all humans. They can sometimes multiply out of control. However, persistent Athlete's foot is almost always associated with an overgrowth of candia yeast in the gut. Athlete's foot fungus needs moisture and darkness to grow.
read more...
Allergies today - why are we suffering so much?
Viennese paediatrician Baron Clemens von Pirquet, working early in the 20th Century, was the first person to use the word “allergy” to describe unusual responses to the environment.
Today, an increasing number of people are suffering from allergies due to any number of potential triggers including food, chemicals, dust, pollution, animals, birds, pollen, etc.... read more...
Ingrowing hairs
The Hair Follicle
A sheath of epidermal cells and connective tissue (cells) that surrounds the root of the hair. N.B: There is no scientific verification or clinical proof that increased supply of fluids into the skin will "squeeze" hair follicles to straighten hair, make hair stand up or lift hair out of the skin.
Hair
A threadlike keratinised outgrowth of the epidermis of the skin. It develops inside a tubular follicle. The route of the hair, beneath the surface of the skin, is expanded at its base to form the bulb. As new cells are formed the older ones are pushed upwards and become keratinised to form the root and shaft. A hair maybe raised by a small erector muscle in the dermis, attached to the hair follicle.
Hair is composed of proteins and minerals and requires a healthy balanced diet for proper nourishment... read more...
Mouth Ulcers, Canker Sores (Aphthous Ulcers)
A closer look into the mouth by Dr Martin Schiele
Mouth ulcers seems to affect women more than men, they appear as shallow or crater like ulcerated areas in small clusters inside the mouth and range in size from as tiny as a pin head to as large as a 5p coin. They emerge rather suddenly. read more...
Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
Three out of four adults over thirty five experience tender, swollen or bleeding gums at some point in their lives, so if you have not had gum problems yet, the chances are that you will.
Symptoms
Red, swollen and tender gums. Chronic bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth. Gums that bleed specially after teeth cleaning. Loose teeth. read more...
Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Many years ago in most ancient Asian kingdoms, subjects were required to chew several cloves to freshen their breath before they were allowed to have an audience with the king. Today, this troublesome complaint affects millions of people. Besides the obvious, drinking alcohol, eating garlic, onions, smoking etc,, which causes bad breath, sometimes the condition may become chronic and can be caused by an underlying medical condition.
What can cause it. read more...