Acne
One of the most common skin problems affecting males and females. it usually starts when one reaches their teens with the onset of puberty and hormonal shifts. When acne is on the face it can be quite depressing for boys and girls as they are at an age when they want to be sexually attractive. Acne often occurs on the back but this is not always as distressing for the sufferer.The foods we are eating, lack of fluids, hereditary factors, constipation etc are all factors in this condition. It can often be alleviated by removing some foods from the diet, treating constipation, balancing hormones and making sure plenty of water is drunk. A food intolerance or allergy test is great for pinpointing foods responsible whilst supplements can be given to balance hormonal levels. This is a condition that can be greatly helped by good nutrition.Psoriases
This is a chronic, infammatory skin condition which is also treatable by removal off offending foods, reducing stress and optimising liver fuction. There are five basic types, each with unique signs and symptoms. Between 10% to 30% of people who develop psoriasis get a related form of arthritis called “psoriatic arthritis,” which also creates inflammation in the joints.Plaque psoriases is the most common and can be seen on the knees, elbows, scalp and lower back. There is another type of proriases that occurs on the hands and can be very itchy.It can be seen to occur in allergic families and it appears to involve the immune system. Again an allergy or intolerance test may be helpful in removing triggers.Eczema
Many grow out of childhood eczema, by the age of three years the number of affected children will be halved. For others it may come and go all through their life. It varies greatly in severity and is atopic occurring usually within allergic families. It is seen alongside asthma and hay fever and these conditions may be interchangable throughout life. Again this condition can be helped by omitting certain foods or environmental triggers e.g. dairy foods, fabric conditioners, etc. and making sure one has an adequate supply of essential fatty acids. Having a good bacterial population is also important. Stress is another catalyst with episodes often occuring after one has had a stressful period in their life.Urticaria
The name urticaria is derived from the latin term urtica meaning nettle. It is also referred to as Hives and is an itchy skin complaint which is often the result of an allergic response.