Functional Medicine for Skin Conditions: Eczema, Psoriasis, and Acne
By P. Lovegrove Medically Reviewed by Lindsay Langley, BSN, RN, CHT
Posted Tuesday, September 10th, 2024
Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne are not just superficial problems; they often reflect deeper issues within the body. While traditional treatments focus on alleviating symptoms, functional medicine aims to address the root causes of these skin issues. This holistic approach can offer long-term relief by promoting overall health and well-being.
In this blog, we’ll explore how functional medicine approaches the treatment of eczema, psoriasis, and acne, providing a comprehensive understanding of how it differs from conventional treatments.
Understanding Functional Medicine
Functional medicine is a patient-centered approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the root causes of disease. Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, functional medicine practitioners consider the body as an interconnected system. They examine various factors, including genetics, environment, lifestyle, and diet, to understand the underlying causes of health issues.
When it comes to skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne, functional medicine looks beyond the skin itself. It considers how other bodily systems—such as the digestive system, immune system, and endocrine system—may be contributing to the problem.
Eczema and Functional Medicine
What is Eczema?
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and often painful patches on the skin. The exact cause of eczema is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune factors.
Functional Medicine Approach to Eczema
- Gut Health and Inflammation: Functional medicine practitioners often begin by examining gut health, as the gut is closely linked to the immune system. Imbalances in gut flora or a condition known as “leaky gut” can lead to systemic inflammation, which may manifest as eczema. Improving gut health through diet, probiotics, and gut-healing protocols can significantly reduce eczema symptoms.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and zinc can contribute to skin inflammation. Functional medicine emphasizes a nutrient-dense diet and supplementation to address these deficiencies.
- Food Sensitivities and Allergies: Many eczema sufferers have underlying food sensitivities or allergies that trigger flare-ups. An elimination diet, followed by careful reintroduction of foods, can help identify and avoid these triggers.
- Stress and Hormonal Balance: Stress and hormonal imbalances can exacerbate eczema. Functional medicine may include stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and adaptogenic herbs to support hormonal balance.
Psoriasis and Functional Medicine
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes rapid skin cell turnover, leading to thick, scaly patches on the skin. It is often associated with systemic inflammation and can be linked to other health issues such as arthritis and cardiovascular disease.
Functional Medicine Approach to Psoriasis
- Autoimmune Regulation: Since psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, functional medicine focuses on calming the immune system. This can involve identifying and removing immune system triggers, such as certain foods, infections, or environmental toxins.
- Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Reducing systemic inflammation is crucial in managing psoriasis. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins can help reduce flare-ups. Avoiding inflammatory foods like gluten, dairy, and processed sugars is also essential.
- Detoxification Pathways: The body’s ability to detoxify can influence psoriasis symptoms. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend supporting liver function and detoxification pathways through diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
- Addressing Underlying Infections: Chronic infections, such as Candida or Epstein-Barr virus, can trigger or worsen autoimmune responses. Functional medicine includes protocols to identify and treat these infections.
Acne and Functional Medicine
What is Acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It can range from mild to severe and is often influenced by hormonal changes, diet, and lifestyle factors.
Functional Medicine Approach to Acne
- Hormonal Balance: Hormonal imbalances, particularly excess androgens, can lead to increased oil production and acne. Functional medicine addresses hormonal health through diet, lifestyle changes, and supplements that support hormonal balance.
- Insulin Sensitivity: Insulin resistance can contribute to acne by increasing androgen levels. A low-glycemic diet that stabilizes blood sugar levels can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce acne symptoms.
- Gut-Skin Connection: The gut microbiome plays a significant role in skin health. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance of gut bacteria, can lead to inflammation and acne. Probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-healing protocols are often part of a functional medicine approach to acne.
- Detoxification and Skin Health: Proper detoxification is essential for clear skin. Functional medicine may involve supporting liver function and optimizing elimination pathways to reduce the toxic load on the body, which can manifest as acne.
- Nutritional Support: Nutrients like zinc, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids are critical for skin health. Functional medicine emphasizes a diet rich in these nutrients and may include targeted supplementation.
Conclusion
Functional medicine offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to managing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. By addressing the root causes—whether they be gut health, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or immune system dysfunction—functional medicine can provide long-lasting relief and improved overall health.
If you’re struggling with a chronic skin condition and conventional treatments haven’t provided the relief you seek, exploring functional medicine could be a game-changer. By treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms, functional medicine empowers you to achieve healthier skin from the inside out.
About the author
P. Lovegrove