Menon (2002) says it best, when he states that: “…the human skin is not only the largest organ in the body, but also perhaps the most complex, with at least five different cell types contributing to its structure, and other cell types from circulatory and immune systems being transient residents of the skin. In terms of the number of functions performed, the skin simply outweighs any other organ: its primary function is of course protection, which covers physical, chemical, immune, pathogen, UV radiation and free radical defences. The skin is also a major participant in thermoregulation (regulates the body's temperature), it functions as a sensory organ, performs endocrine functions (Vitamin D synthesis, peripheral conversion of prohormones), is significant in reproduction (secondary sexual characteristics, pheromone production), and perpetuation of the species, human non-verbal communications (visual signalling, emotions expressed), as well as a factor in zenophobia and bias against fellow humans that has shaped the destiny of humanity”.
Okay, it's a little on the 'academic speak' side, but think about it - the skin effects areas of our lives ranging from reproduction to defending us from UV-rays, bacteria, viruses; keeps water both in and out of our bodies and reacts to touch, emotions, temperature, etc.
There are hundreds of skin conditions ranging from annoying to deadly
Whilst there is nothing wrong with our skin, we barely give it a second thought. It is only when something goes wrong that we suddenly start to pay attention and quickly realise that there are very few experts that can actually help us to overcome many of the problems our skin can develop. Most treatments of various skin problems target symptom control. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs, cortico-steroid creams, antibiotics, etc. None actually target the cause of a skin disorder such as dermatitis, eczema, and many other similarly common conditions.
Modern medicine is great at diagnosis what is wrong, but very poor at actually fixing the problem. In their defence, skin problems are notoriously difficult to treat and even natural medicine is not exactly great at it either, but at least it attempts to identify the underlying constitutional cause and its treatment does primarily target this cause rather then targeting the symptoms that result.
To illustrate the difficulty in treating skin conditions, it is useful to have a quick look at the many conditions that fall into the category of skin problems:
Below is an alphabetical list of skin problems as recognised by the National Skin Care Institute:
A-B | E-I | M-P |
| – Acne | – Echtima | – Malignant melanoma |
| – Alopecia (baldness): | – Eczema | – Melasma |
| alopecia areata | – Miliaria | |
| alopecia totalis | – Epidermolysis bullosa | – Molluscum contagiosum |
| alopecia universalis | simplex | – Paget's disease of the nipple |
| traction alopecia | junctional | – Pediculosis |
| – Angioma | dystrophic | – Pemphigus |
| – Athlete's foot | hemidesmosomal | – Photoallergy |
| – Basal cell carcinoma | – Photosensitivity | |
| – Bed sore | – Erythrasma | – Pityriasis rosea |
| – Behcet's Disease | – Erysipelas | – Pityriasis rubra pilaris |
| – Blepharitis | – Folliculitis | – Psoriasis |
| – Boil | – Friction blister | |
| – Bowen's Disease | R-S | |
| – Bullous pemphigoid | – Herpes: | |
| HHV1 - cold sores | – Raynaud's disease | |
C-D | HHV2 - genital herpes | – Ring worm |
| HHV3 - chickenpox, shingles | – Rosacea | |
| – Calluses and corns | HHV6, HHV7 - roseola infantum, sixth disease | – Saint Anthony's fire |
| – Canker sore | HHV8 - Kaposi's sarcoma herpes virus | – Scabies |
| – Carbuncles | – Scleroderma | |
| – Hidradenitis suppurativa | – Sebaceous cyst | |
| – Candidiasis: | – Hives | – Shingles |
| oral (oral thrush) | – Hyperhidrosis | – Skin cancer |
| vaginal (candidal vulvovaginitis) | – Ichthyosis | – Skin Tags |
| penile (candidal balanitis) | – Impetigo | – Spider veins (telangiectasia) |
| in the diaper area (diaper rash) | – Squamous cell carcinoma | |
| in the skin folds (candidal intertrigo) | J-L | |
T-W | ||
| – Cellulitis | – Jock itch | |
| – Cold sores | – Kaposi's sarcoma | – Tick bite |
| – Creeping eruption | – Keloid | |
| – Dandruff | – Keratoacanthoma | – Tinea: |
| barbae | ||
| – Dermatitis (eczema): | – Keratosis: | capitis |
| atopic dermatitis | actinic (solar) keratosis | corporis |
| contact dermatitis | keratosis pilaris | cruris (Jock Itch) |
| seborrhoeic dermatitis | keratosis follicularis (Darrier's disease) | pedis |
| cradle cap | seborrheic | unguium |
| nummular dermatitis | hyperkeratosis | versicolor |
| stasis dermatitis | ||
| perioral dermatitis (muzzle rash) | – Lice infection | – Trichomycosis |
| dermatitis herpetiformis | – Lichen planus | – Varicose veins |
| – Lichen simplex chronicus | – Vitiligo | |
| – Dermatofibroma | – Lipoma | |
| – Lymphadenitis | – Warts |
This list is not an exhaustive list of all known skin diseases or disorders, however it is quite comprehensive and illustrates the vast range of afflictions that may affect the health of our skin.
Bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes are often responsible for skin problems. In order to treat skin diseases caused by such microbes, it is necessary to target the offending bug with appropriate herbs, essential oils, drugs or a combination of these therapies.
However, skin diseases are not solely caused by microbial infection. Some skin disorders are due to deficiencies in nutrients. A classic example is Scurvy, which is a vitamin C deficiency and can easily be treated by taking supplements of vitamin C or eating foods high in vitamin C.
Then there are the other skin problems.... Read the rest of this article here...
References:
Menon, G. K. (2002) New insights into skin structure scratching the surface. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. Vol. 54, 1, Pages S3-S17.
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