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. I think it is blocked hair folicles as they are red and some are tiny whiteheads. I am embarrassed to go and ask about the condition to anyone and wondering how I can permanently get rid of them. I hate wearing swimwear because of this. I would be grateful if you could help.
What are these small red bumps on my skin?
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.
Natural treatments for skin rashes/ blemishes:
- Check your Zinc levels; you can do this by enquiring at a health food store that performs Zinc tasting tests. Or alternatively take a zinc supplement (15mg/ day) or eat more zinc rich foods such as nuts, seeds, grains, oysters, red meats, parsley and pepitas (pumpkin seeds).
- 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.
- 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, taking a supplement which contains probiotics such as Inner Health Plus will ensure that you have adequate amounts of healthy bacteria thriving through the digestive tract and bowels.
- In Naturopathic Medicine any condition which results in skin inflammation or irritation then the liver needs to be addressed. Please also see our liver detoxification hints page to learn more about cleansing the body and increasing vitality by reducing the strain placed on the liver.
- 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.
Essential fatty acids & Bioflavinoids
Essential fatty acids are a very important component in our diet, they include oils from fish, nuts, seeds, flaxseed oil, raw olive oil and avocados. You may like to try taking a fish oil supplement (at least 6000mg/ day) to ensure adequate supplies of these oils to help nourish and moisturise the skin and oils also contain a potent anti-inflammatory called Eicosapentanoic acid (EPA).
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. Please take a supplement which contains vitamin C with these bioflavinoids. The brand Melrose Health manufactures a Vitamin C and bioflavinoids supplement and the following is a link to the Melrose Health website: http://www.melrosehealth.com.au/products/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=30&products_id=4
Please remember if you do decide to supplement with fish oil or vitamin C that 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.