Healing help:
Naturally, identifying the cause of your skin complaint is the best way to get relief. It is however easier said than done and if you are stuck with symptoms you will certainly want to do all you can to reduce the severity of your skin complaint. Internally most people find that the anti-inflammatory oils are helpful, such as fish oil, flaxseed oil or evening primrose oil. The mineral zinc, along with vitamin C can increase the skin’s ability to heal, helping to restore the natural barrier and reducing the chance of an infection taking hold in broken skin. Another natural product showing great benefit is a type of bacteria called Lactobacillus rhamnosus. A urine test can show if your digestive bacteria is out of balance and in need of this bacteria. This is often the case for people with eczema and when they restore that balance, their symptoms improve.
Topically, oats have been used for centuries to soothe irritated skin. The naturally occurring silicon strengthens skin and it has a nourishing quality for which it was named. Avena sativa, the Latin name for oats, means nourishing and cultivated, pointing to a long history of therapeutic use, and the reason many a skincare product uses this grain as a prime ingredient. I recommend everyone try using oats within a muslin bag in the bath to experience the amazing softening power of this plant.
Another natural ingredient with a long history of use for skin conditions is avocado oil. Despite its own rough outer skin, it has naturally high levels of the skin healthy vitamins A and E along with many other nutrients that make it a perfect topical oil for those with skin complaints. It is rich oil with superior penetrating qualities, making it deeply moisturising and nourishing without clogging pores. Avocado oil can also be used internally by adding it to salad dressings or using it as dipping oil, and its vibrant green colour looks amazing drizzled over any meal.
Although steroidal creams are often necessary to clear up a very bad skin, it is worth trying some of the less harsh treatments available such as pine tar first. An old-fashioned remedy originating out of Sweden, the tar, made from the carbonisation of pine trees can be found in plenty of products at your pharmacy to this day. Although not entirely natural, some doctors are recommending it as a better option than the liberal use of steroid creams which can damage blood vessels and thin the skin over time.
Skin conditions in children:
- Breastfeeding your child is suggested to reduce the risk of dermatitis in later life
- Consider delaying solids until 6 months
- Keep skin moisturised with a naturally based balm or cream
Adult skin conditions:
- Protect your hands by wearing gloves
- Avoid hot long showers
- Keep skin moisturised
- Control stress
- Keep a food diary to see any correlations to your diet
Article: Annaliese Jones – Naturopathy, Nutrition, Herbal Medicine
Photography: Tessa Russell – Moemoea Collective
