Skin Conditions
Antimicrobials (antibiotics and antifungals) are commonly prescribed for a number of skin conditions including acne, eczema, impetigo, cellulitis, yeast infections, and others. Although antimicrobials may be needed in some situations, factors that increase antimicrobial resistance include overuse of antimicrobials without addressing the underlying cause, using antimicrobials without prescription, poor standard antimicrobials, suboptimal hygiene and immuno suppression. [5.15]
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From a naturopathic perspective, the health of a person’s skin is strongly determined by their immune health [5.23] [5.27] and digestive health [5.29] [5.28] as Hippocrates stated ‘all disease starts in the gut’. Certain gut bacteria have been shown to inhibit S.aureus and CA-MRSA in particular [5.14]. Skin is the body’s largest organ and it is also an organ of detoxification. To a naturopath chronic skin conditions represent an internal discord. The quality and location of skin conditions will help determine the causal factors and the appropriate treatment strategy.
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<<Then there will be a couple of sentences on how AMR affects the skin.>> Click here to learn more.
Prevention of skin conditions involves preventing the occurrence and worsening of skin rashes and conditions and it involves ensuring the healing of skin infections due to injury or trauma. Read More
ASSESSMENT & NATUROPATHIC DIAGNOSIS
Skin conditions that are chronic relapsing and remitting, or that are caught early often respond quite effectively to naturopathic treatments. Acute and aggressive the skin condition, such as cellulitis may require antibiotics or other medical interventions. Read More
NATUROPATHIC TREATMENTS
Naturopathic treatment is individualized and dependent on determining the cause of the symptoms. Read More
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It is always best to work with your naturopathic practitioner or other trained health professional to determine the best treatment option.
A growing area of research is the use of herbs and essential oils to decrease the risk of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. [5.2] [5.3] [5.4]
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78 essential oils showed zones of inhibition. Lemongrass, Lemon myrtle Mountain savory, cinnamon and Lemon Balm had the highest level of inhibition. [5.4]
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Topical application of tea tree was shown to be as effective as standard treatment.
[5.5] [5.6] [5.7] [5.8] -
Oregano oil has the potential as a topical antibacterial agent against MRSA.
[5.9] [5.10] -
Copper has been shown to inhibit MRSA strains within 45 minutes of contact. Copper surfaces were shown to completely kill three of the most prevalent strains of epidemic MRSA in the UK than stainless steel. Authors recommend that copper surfaces should be re-introduced to hospitals in place of stainless steel [5.12]
Key Points
