Both eczema and psoriasis involve skin inflammation which can be fairly noticeable. Because of this, many people tend to confuse the two skin conditions, but in reality they are completely different. In acupuncture, we tend to view conditions on the skin – the most outer layer of our bodies – as a symptom of toxins or imbalances in the deeper layers of the body, almost like the body’s way of trying to rid itself. The skin also relates to the lung, so lung deficiencies in acupuncture terms can be a key part of the problem. Naturopathically, both eczema and psoriasis are inflammatory conditions, and so inflammation within the body – especially the gut – tends to be assessed and addressed.

Treating Psoriasis and Eczema Naturally

Sorting Out The Gut

At least 70% of immunity is based in the gut. If the gut is not happy, inflammation occurs and this has a run-on effect over the entire immune system. Often we find that many skin conditions clear up when gut health is addressed. For any inflammatory disorders, we always sort out gut health and inflammation, and this can include detecting any food intolerances which might be present. For more information about our food intolerance testing, click here.

Herbs and Supplements

There are numerous herbs and supplements which are effective in managing inflammatory skin conditions. Fish oils and omega-3 fatty acid supplements have been shown to be beneficial in many inflammatory conditions and there are many other anti-inflammatory and immune moderating herbs we prescribe, for example echinacea is a wonderful herb to regulate the immune system, either by calming it in the case of it being overactive, or boosting it if it’s weak. We also use several topical skin herbal products to manage psoriasis and eczema symptomatically.

Reducing Stress

This is important in all immune conditions – when we are stressed, our adrenals use up high amounts of zinc and vitamin C stores, meaning that our immune system then becomes starved of them for its purposes. More stress will always equal an impaired immune system, something nobody wants, far less somehow already suffering an immune condition. Check out our 10 tips to reduce stress here.