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Skin rash
Skin rash
I have skin blemishes on the top of my legs, buttocks and the top part of my arms. I have had this ever since I can remember and don't know what I can do about it.
What are these small red bumps on my skin?
Keratosis Pilaris is a very common follicular disorder characterised by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin. Primarily, it appears on the back and outer sides of the upper arms, but can also occur on thighs and buttocks. An excess of the protein known as Keratin, accumulates within the hair follicles forming numerous tiny rough bumps on the skin. Sometimes, these bumps can become irritated causing the follicles to redden excessively and inflammation and irritation occurs.
The small red bumps that you have described appearing on your arms and legs may be the deficiency sign for either bioflavonoids or essential fatty acids (EFA's). Do you have any other related problems such as cracked lips or heels of the feet, Candida, immunity compromised (reoccurring illnesses), hay fever, sinusitis, or allergies or intolerances to any foods? Have you spoken to your doctor or health care professional regarding a proper diagnosis, as it would not be professional for us to diagnose the condition without taking a full case history to determine possible causes.
Diet tips for skin rashes
- Eat more zinc rich foods such as nuts, seeds, grains, oysters, red meats, parsley and pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- Increase your intake of essential fatty acids by consuming more oily foods such as fish, nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil, raw olive oil and avocados
- Ensure that you are properly hydrated (at least 2 litres of water/ day). Water is the solution to pollution in the body as it allows more metabolic wastes to be removed from the body and filtered by the kidneys
- Reduce acid forming foods and increase alkalising foods. An acidic environment in the body occurs due to eating too much sugar, dairy foods, wheat, alcohol, preservatives, processed and refined foods and not enough alkalising foods such as water, lemon juice, vegetable juices, miso soup, fresh fruits and vegetables and brown rice
- Avoid heating foods which aggravate skin conditions such as spices, preservatives and processed foods
Lifestyle factors for skin rashes
- If you suspect that it may be caused by Candida and you are exhibiting other symptoms such as digestive bloating, constipation or you take the oral contraceptive pill
- In Naturopathic Medicine any condition which results in skin inflammation or irritation then the liver needs to be addressed
- Gentle exfoliation to help promote circulation and remove dead skin cells (keratin) from the hair follicles
- Manage stress
- Address fungal infections and digestive insufficiencies
- Test for allergies which may be a causative factor
- Address liver congestion which causes heat in the body and irritation to the skin
- Please remember if you do decide to any of the above supplements it may take some time to notice any changes on the skin and increase nutritional status. There is a saying that explains this well and it says that healing takes place from within out. The skin is often the last place to see improvement
Natural remedies for skin rashes
- Check your Zinc levels; you can do this by enquiring at a health food store that performs Zinc tasting tests
- You may use a topical cream to ease the irritation and help to promote healing. Some herbs which you may find to be beneficial are Lavender, Comfrey, Hypericum, Chickweed, Chamomile, Aloe Vera, Calendula, Rose hip in a base of aqueous cream
- Seabuckthorn oil which can be rubbed into the affected areas may help to promote healing while providing nourishing effects to the hair follicles
- Liver cleansing herbs may help to reduce redness and irritation such as Red Clover, Cleavers, Burdock, St Marys Thistle and Bupleurum
- Anti-puritic (anti-itch) herbs are Chamomile, Marshmallow, Chickweed, Oats, Aloe Vera, Nettle and Calendula
- Specific nutrients for skin health are Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Zinc, Vitamin C, Bioflavinoids, probiotics and antioxidants
- Essential fatty acids are a very important component in our diet to reduce inflammation and irritation to the skin and also lubricate and moisturise the skin
- Bioflavinoids may help to reduce inflammation and aggravation of the skin. Bioflavinoids are a cousin of the Vitamin C family and include rutin, quercetin and hesperidan
- Homeopathics Sulphur, Psorinum and Arsenicum
For further information see the Ask a Naturopath.com webpages concerning liver health and Candida