Homeopathy vol.8

The Skin

One of the most common symptoms around today is related to the skin. Skin is the largest organ in our body and also considered the least important. When you experience skin symptoms, this is because the body always try to throw off toxins and imbalances on to where it is least harmful to the body, this being the skin. The body is constantly working to eliminate toxins that enters the body by means of sweat, bowel movement, urination, breath and skin, in some cases vomiting and diarrhoea. So an irritated skin usually means that the body is trying to tell you that it is trying to eliminate something.

From a holistic point of view, if you suppress any skin eruptions by means of steroids or other drugs this often leads to much deeper and more chronic diseases later on; this can be seen in many cases of suppressed childhood eczema later developing into asthma.There will be different reasons why the skin is breaking out, just like why you would get a headache or any other symptoms, depending on the individual's weakness and susceptibility. Sometimes it comes with stress or it could come with eating the wrong foods and could well be a type of allergic/toxic reaction. The reasons for the symptoms are varied from individual to individual and to really get to the underlying cause of a case you would need to seek advice from a professional, especially in cases when it is presenting chronic symptoms such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.

However, there are many therapeutic remedies which you can try without side-effects that can be used alongside conventional medicine as well as on their own. This month I will suggest a few key remedies which cover some common skin symptoms often seen in cases of eczema, psoriasis and other forms of dermatitis. You can try the following remedies in a 6C potency and take them 3 times a day for 1 month and see whether this will bring relief.

CALENDULA

Calendula is the all time number one healer, it is the homeopathic antiseptic and will help to restore wounds, injuries and general skin damage. For broken skin injuries, this is a key remedy to promote fast healing. I would recommend Calendula to be taken alongside another remedy which more specifically matches your symptoms, or you can just take it on its own to generally help heal and strengthen your skin. The remedy can also be used as a herbal tincture and be applied diluted, directly onto the skin.

GRAPHITES
Thick dry skin which cracks and oozes clear yellow liquid as well as blood. Raw and moist typically around folds of skin such as inside elbows, behind the knees, ears and neck, which takes a long time to heal. Itchiness usually worsened by heat, especially warmth of bed.

PETROLIUM
Deep sore cracks that form on dry skin especially on the hands and fingers and folds of skin and genitalia. The crack becomes red and raw with a moist surface which burns and itches with discharge after scratching. Sensitive to cold and symptoms can worsen in winter time, much like the typical cracked hands some suffer from in the cold in the winter.

RHUS TOX
Swollen, dry, hot and red with intense itching. Hairy parts can feel even more itchy such as the armpits, legs, genitalia and the scalp. The skin develops crusty eruptions with tendency to form scales. Pus forming eruptions can cause hair to erode. Symptom is made better by applying warmth.

ANACARDIUM ORIENTALE
Skin symptom which is related to emotional stress. Eczema that flares up when feeling irritable and anxious will do well with this remedy. The skin looks a lot like urticaria and irritation caused by poison ivy and looks similar to skin symptoms needing RHUS TOX, but typically with this remedy it is the joints, hands and the forearms where the symptoms usually manifest. Skin symptoms needing this remedy also get relief from hot application to the affected areas.

SULPHUR
Smelly, moist, weeping eruptions. Intensely itchy which urges one to scratch until it bleeds which begins to burn (begins to burn when it bleeds? Not clear). skin is dry, scaly and cracked and the skin generally looks unhealthy with pimples that get infected easily. One typical key note for needing Sulphur is that the person is hot and is made worse by heat in general; at night time the heat of the bed can aggravate the skin and also cause hot feet. Woollen clothing can also aggravate the skin.

MEZERIUM
Intense, violent itching with smarting and crawling sensation. Affected area feels cold. The discharge is acrid which forms hard thick crusts with pus under it or white scabs that cause the hair to matt and tangle. Burning sensation after scratching. Main affected parts are the scalp andmargins of the hair, face hands and feet. Symptoms aggravateed at night time, by the heat of bed or bath and dampness.

NAT MUR
Dry skin in general but can develop small itchy blisters that corrode, much like a cold sore. Skin becomes red and inflamed, typically affecting the hair line, bends of joints and behind the ears. Dry flaky crusts come after the blisters. A good remedy for dandruff. A key note for Nat Mur is symptoms which can be related to inner grief and suppressed emotion, so if your symptom has started after some grief or disappointment, this may be a suitable remedy to try out.

CREAMS & TONICS : STELLARIA Cream is good for itching. URTICA URENS Cream is good for skin resembling urticaria CALENDULA Cream is a general skin healer. BORAGE Cream is a good anti-inflammatory, its oil can also be used especially in baths to help lubricate the skin.

Oatmeal BATH : Adding oatmeal to your bath will help sooth the skin and help prevent dehydration. Put in a muslin cloth and tie a knot (or even use a stocking) and place in the bath.

SUPPLEMENTS : The following supplements should be used as directed on the labels.

VITAMIN B COMPLEX : Needed for healthy skin and good circulation.

VITAMIN C : Inhibits inflamation and stabilises cell membranes.

VITAMIN E : Relieves itching and dryness of skin.

ZINC : Helps healing and promotes immune function.

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS : Promotes skin lubrication.

Identifying trigger factors (for example identifying foods that trigger your headache or exertion or situations that lead to stress) and avoiding these factors can also be very helpful in controlling the recurrence of headaches as well as taking well indicated homeopathic remedies.

Please note that Homeopathy, Herbs or Flower Essences should not replace appropriate diagnosis and/or emergency care without professional assistance. As with any health issues it is vital that one has professional support and individual responsibility is taken when choosing treatment.

Aiko Dinan moved from Japan to the UK in 1983. She grew up in Edinburgh, Scotland, and moved to London in 1993 to study Modern Languages at the University College London, as well as Cologne University in Germany. After graduating she went on to study Homeopathy for further 4 years at the Centre for Homeopathic Education, during which time she also completed a 2 year apprenticeship with a master Homeopath. Aiko also has a longstanding commitment in working in some of the most respected Homeopathic pharmacies in the UK, where she assists in making remedies as well as fulfilling the role as the in-house Homeopath.

Aiko is a member of The Alliance of Registered Homeopaths.