Key Pillars in the Treatment of Eczema and Psoriasis
In my experience, I’ve found that to bring about any significant change in skin symptoms that various types of treatment are required. Skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis can be difficult to treat and generally will not get better with “cook book” remedies and localized treatments alone. To see results, I recommend the following course of treatment.
- Test For Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities are delayed reactions to specific foods that are triggered by IgG antibodies.
Food sensitivities is an IgG reaction, the IgG antibodies attach themselves to the food antigen and create an antibody-antigen complex. Special cells called macrophages normally remove these complexes. However, if they are present in large numbers and the reactive food is still being consumed, the macrophages can’t remove them quickly enough. The food antigen-antibody complexes accumulate and are deposited in body tissues. Once in tissue, these complexes release inflammation causing chemicals, which may play a role in numerous diseases and conditions.
For further information on testing see http://rmalab.com/node/48
- Vitamin D Levels Via Blood Test
In Canada, a lack of direct sunlight in winter means we do not make vitamin D from October to April.
Only about 1/3 of Canadians have vitamin D levels* above 75 nmol/L, the minimum considered optimal for health.
A 2010 study estimated that 37,000 deaths could be prevented every year if the Canadian average vitamin D level* was 105 nmol/L.
Reasons for Vitamin D Deficiency:
Season or Latitude
The low angle of the sun in Canada means we cannot make vitamin D during the winter months.
Sunscreen Use
SPF 15 sunscreen reduces D synthesis by 99%.
Skin Colour
Dark skin has more of the pigment melanin, which can reduce vitamin D synthesis by up to 99%.
Age
Vitamin D synthesis decreases by about 75% in a 70 year old.
Medications
Specific medications, like anti-rejection, anti-seizure and AIDS medicines can speed up the breakdown of vitamin D, resulting in low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D.
Cholesterol-lowering medications are commonly prescribed for high cholesterol and heart disease. Monitoring cholesterol is important, because having too-low cholesterol impairs the body’s ability to make vitamin D.
For more information on Vitamin D levels see http://rmalab.com/medical-laboratory-tests/environmental-nutritional/d-spot
- Digestive Function
Support general digestive function with enzymes, probiotics, demulcents and cholagogues to heal the gut lining and reduce bacterial imbalance.
Balance liver detox pathways via proper supplementation to support Phase 1,2, and 3.
Topical treatments including emollients, activated Vitamin D, Neem, or other botanicals
Coleus forskolli supplementation for psoriasis can be helpful. Carbolin 19 from Biotest is the best form.
Do aggressive biotherapeutic drainage for a minimum of one year.
TBM (Total Body Modification) basic reflexes have to be all up and running. Information on TBM can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIeF94riKtc