Psoriasis

     Plaque psoriasis can occur at any age, on any part of the body with some cases being worse than others. It is often mistaken for other skin diseases, such as eczema or dermatitis but it's important to know that plaque psoriasis is a disorder of the immune system.

By getting adjusted your body will have a healthier immune system and a better functioning nervous system. Removing the nerve pressure with a specific adjustment will allow the body to function normally. When the nervous system is functioning normally so are the adrenal glands which help to reduce inflammation within the body by controlling cortisol levels. Adding chiropractic care to your routine as well as changes to diet and lifestyles may help with psoriasis.

A few recommendations to help decrease the frequency and severity of attacks include avoiding foods with the color red, fruit juices, bread products, and beer. Other suggestions are to avoid using detergents and sunscreens that contain perfumes, dyes, or other preservatives that irritate the skin. Supplements that support healthy skin are Omega-3 oils, vitamin A, C, E, and Standard Process products: USF Ointment, Livaplex, CataplexE, CataplexACP, and Dermatrophin.

Acne - A Chiropractic Approach

Acne is caused by skin pores becoming blocked and getting infected leading to inflammation and pimples.  Some common causes of acne are hormonal changes (common in adolescence, menstrual cycles, pregnancy), emotional stress, cosmetics and hair products, prescription medication and drugs, toxins, and diet high in refined sugars. A common treatment for acne is over the counter medications that come with a list of side effects including: nausea, vomiting, indigestion, irritable bowel, conjunctivitis, increased cholesterol, and decreased absorption of vitamins and minerals.  A chiropractic approach to acne is to look at the lifestyle of an individual as well as to optimize the function of his or her nervous system. 

The nervous system which controls the adrenal glands and thyroid plays an important role in the production of cortisol in the body.  Cortisol helps to reduce inflammation caused by infections as well as help to boost the immune system.  When nerve pressure is removed with an adjustment by a chiropractor the immune system can better handle infections and foreign bacteria on the body.  When your body is healthy on the inside it will show as a healthy body on the outside on your skin.  

Along with chiropractic care, a chiropractor will recommend lifestyle changes to help reduce acne.  Some common suggestions include stress management, nutrition, exercise, and reducing chemicals in your daily routines.  

A Chiropractic Approach - Eczema

           Eczema is an inflammation of the skin that is characterized by red bumps, blisters, itching, scaling, and crusting.  Although it appears on the skin, it is may be due to a toxicity problem caused by nerve interference.  In a person with eczema, the amount of Cortisol being produced by the adrenal glands may be decreased because of nerve pressure.  The Cortisol acts as a natural anti-inflammatory (anti-itching, swelling) allowing the body to adapt and heal itself.  With decreased amounts of Cortisol being produced, eventually other health problems could occur. 

            By getting adjusted your body will have a healthier immune system and a better ability to fight off disease and infection.  Removing the nerve pressure with a specific adjustment will allow the body to function normally and reduce the amount of eczema attacks.  Along with chiropractic care, diet and lifestyle changes will help reduce the amount of attacks. 

A few recommendations to help decrease the frequency and severity of attacks include avoiding foods with the color red, fruit juices, bread products, and beer.  Other suggestions are to avoid using detergents and sunscreens that contain perfumes, dyes, or other preservatives that irritate the skin.   Supplements that support healthy skin are Omega-3 oils, vitamin A, C, E, and Standard Process products: USF Ointment, Livaplex, CataplexE, CataplexACP, and Dermatrophin.    

 

Shingles - A Chiropractic Approach

         Individuals who have had chickenpox have the shingles virus lying dormant within his or her nervous system. Shingles are present in one of five people and are more commonly seen in older individuals.  When the nerves are damaged or weakened by nerve pressure the virus within that nerve may present itself. Also, if a person has a weak nervous system due to nerve pressure they may experience shingles when encountered with high levels of stress. 

          Shingles presents as painful bumps that typically follow certain patterns on the body.  These patterns are typically the areas that specific nerves travel and communicate with the body.  The virus does not affect the entire body.  It only expresses itself along the paths of the weakened nerve.  The sooner a chiropractor can adjust the spine and remove the pressure from the nerve the less damage will be done to the nerve.  The longer the virus presents itself the longer it will take to resolve because of the amount of damage done to that nerve.  With less stress on the nerve and a proper functioning nervous system the shingles virus will not have the ability to express itself. 

Skin Health

        During the month of July we will be discussing different topics that involve skin health and some issues that may arise.  We will look at how this is related to your nervous system and how a chiropractic exam could benefit.  Some of the topics we will cover this month include: Shingles, Sun burn, Psoriasis, Eczema, and Acne.

          The largest organ of your body is your skin.  Just like every organ in the body, without proper nerve supply it would not have the ability to function properly.  Your skin is a great window that shows the health of the inside of the body. When there are unhealthy organs within the body, they may show as signs on the skin such as rashes, pimples, eczema, psoriasis, shingles, etc.  Along with protecting your body form the environment, the skin also helps expel toxins and is host to bacteria that aid in protection. 

          Some recommendations along with regular chiropractic care are to avoid applying chemicals (make-up, sunscreen, perfume, lotion, etc) to the skin, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables,  drink the recommended amount of water daily, and  take vitamins A,C,E, and Omega-3 to support healthy skin from the inside.