Skin Rash – Ask a Naturopath

Keratosis Pilaris is a very common skin disorder. It is 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.

Common causes of a skin rash

may be the deficiency sign for either Zinc, Bioflavonoids or essential fatty acids (EFA’s).
underlying digestive issues such as Candida, a compromised immunity (reoccurring illnesses), hay fever, sinusitis or allergies/ intolerances to any foods

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, alcohol, 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
Keep a food/ symptom/ emotions diary so that you can observe and identify anything that may be the problem
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 make any changes 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 D, 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