ECZEMA - A naturopathic perspective

What is eczema?

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that commonly appears during infancy and childhood. It affects close to 20% of children. Eczema often presents as dry skin with red and itchy patches that may ooze, crust, appear scaly or harden. It can come and go and migrate around the body but is often seen on the areas where we flex (e.g. inner elbows and back of knees). 

Do Naturopathic Doctors treat eczema?

Eczema is one of the most common pediatric complaints we see in clinic. Naturopathic doctors apply a unique paradigm in treating eczema by targeting the underlying factors that are triggering an inflammatory response in the skin. A thorough Naturopathic Assessment combined with relevant Functional Medicine testing can be done to gain a better understanding of the root causes or triggers that are unique to every patient. 

What are some common causes of eczema?

The causes are often multi-factorial and there are many potential underlying factors. These can range from genetics, food and environmental sensitivities, vitamin and mineral insufficiencies, sluggish elimination pathways, impaired inflammatory response patterns, overactive immune response, cortisol dysregulation to digestive and gut imbalances. All of which need to be assessed properly by a Naturopathic Doctor. 

What are some common Naturopathic treatments for eczema?

Well, that would depend on what is causing or triggering the skin inflammation that we see with eczema. Treatment plans are customized to suit the needs of every patient and may include vitamin/mineral supplementation, herbal medicine, diet and nutrition, homeopathy, and traditional chinese medicine.

You left puberty behind many years ago and now in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s or even 50’s you are still getting acne. Enough already! 

You wonder what is going on? Think hormones, think male hormones to be specific. These are what we call androgens. One of the main culprits being an androgen we call dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone increases oil production in the pores and directly causes acne.

But why are my male hormone levels rising? This is where it gets more complicated. A slurry of factors can trigger this hormone imbalance including; blood sugar imbalances, impaired detoxification, elevated estrogen or prolactin levels, lowered progesterone levels, inflammation and stress. 

So what can I do? Get tested for hormonal imbalance. We go beyond blood testing and use advanced urine testing methods to profile the hormones. See our Naturopathic doctor who will treat the root cause of your acne with natural medicines.

Improving focus and concentration can benefit anyone at all stages of life, in particular those who are managing ADHD.

Figures from the CDC show approximately 10% of children aged 3-17 years are

diagnosed with ADHD (Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) annually and on average 6% of adults are living with it.

Symptoms of ADHD can impact social relationships in addition to work and school performance but we are here to help.

The research tells us that ADHD is associated with neurotransmitter imbalances.

Neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin are critical in

maintaining focus, concentration and calm. Functional testing should be considered as a first line approach in determining best treatments options for ADHD.

Supporting brain and nervous system health is also critical in order to reduce ADHD  symptoms. A thorough evaluation of an individual’s nutrient profile helps us fill in the gaps to promote ultimate nourishment of the brain and nervous system.

Taking a functional medicine approach also takes into account other factors that the literature shows play a role in ADHD including gut microbiome balance, effective metabolism of brain nutrients including fats and B vitamins, mitochondrial health, levels of oxidative stress in the brain, efficient detoxification pathways to reduce inflammation in the brain and nervous system, heavy metal assessment and histamine balance testing.

Cognitive health including your focus and concentration abilities can be better

understood and enhanced when taking this approach. Reach out to learn more!