Skin Conditions
The most well-known skin condition is acne, which starts at puberty and can persist throughout adulthood. There are a variety of other skin conditions, both acute and chronic, that cause itchiness, rashes, inflammation, discolouration, or other skin changes. The causes of many skin conditions can be linked to genetics, environmental factors like dry or cold weather, thyroid or autoimmune conditions, bacterial buildup, or fungal infections. As dealing with skin conditions can be quite uncomfortable, finding ways to manage or prevent flare ups can greatly improve your quality of life.
Acupuncture for skin conditions
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that your skin is a mirror to your internal health. This means that external pathogen invasions or internal imbalances causing organ dysfunction can manifest as skin disorders. Acupuncture provides a holistic approach to treating the root causes of your skin troubles through the manipulation of points along your meridians. The anti-inflammatory properties of acupuncture also help to relieve symptoms such as redness or itchiness caused by many skin conditions, as well as promote faster healing of sores.
Common skin conditions
Acupuncture is an effective treatment for many skin conditions. The following are among the most common that people seek treatment for:
Eczema
Eczema is a non-contagious skin condition that causes the formation of dry and itchy patches of skin with raised bumps. It is a type of dermatitis and can affect people of all ages. Common triggers for eczema flare ups are dry weather, certain types of soaps and detergents, makeup or skincare products, stress, or coming into physical contact with known allergens.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin condition that causes inflammation in your skin. This is a chronic skin condition and is caused by an over-reactive immune system mistaking healthy cells for foreign invaders. Symptoms include patches of red, scaly skin that are itchy and sometimes raised.
Shingles
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox in children. It causes a painful rash that can occur anywhere on your body. Typically, it will look like a single stripe of blisters that wraps around on side of your torso. It may also be accompanied by fever, headache, sensitivity to light, or fatigue. Anyone who has had chickenpox may experience shingles later in life caused by a reactivation of the virus, although it is not guaranteed.
Cold sores
Cold sores are small blisters that form on your lips or around your mouth and are caused by the herpes simplex virus. They are contagious through direct contact, and do tend to reoccur, although not for everyone. Flare ups can be caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy or menstruation, sunburns, extreme hot or cold, stress, fatigue, fever or illness, or from damaged or dry lips.
Acne
Acne is a long-term skin condition where dead skin cells and oil from the skin clog pores and hair follicles. The areas that are most commonly affected by acne are the face, upper chest, and back, but it can occur anywhere the skin tends to get very oily. While acne is most known to affect teenagers, adults will also experience this skin condition. Pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads are all considered symptoms of acne.
Urticaria
Urticaria, more commonly known as hives, is a type of skin rash with raised and itchy, red bumps that can appear anywhere on the body. Hives are a reaction to irritants and allergens. These triggers include foods like peanuts and shellfish, certain medications, insect stings or bites, latex, blood transfusions, pet dander, and pollen.
Athlete’s foot
Tinea pedis, the clinical term for athlete’s foot, is a skin condition affecting the foot. It is a chronic superficial fungal infection that occurs between your toes and on the soles of your feet. This is a contagious infection that occurs when wearing constrictive footwear for long periods of time, sharing shoes, or from walking around barefoot at communal pools or showers.
Pruritus
Pruritus is the medical term for itching. It refers to a sensation on the skin making you want to scratch. The most common cause is dry skin, but it can also be a symptom of another skin condition, rash, or allergic reaction. Prolonged scratching can irritate the skin, causing raised, red bumps or open sores that can bleed and become infected.
Whatever your health goals are, acupuncture can help you manage your symptoms and restore balance in your body, and your life. You’ll receive treatments that are tailored to your unique needs. Learn what to expect if it’s your first appointment.
Note: For an official diagnosis of any of the above conditions, you should speak with your healthcare provider.
