SKIN CONDITIONS CAUSED BY FLUCTUATING HORMONE LEVELS
There are a lot of skin conditions caused by fluctuating hormone levels, which dramatically affect the sensitivity of the skin. Especially in women, we often see that these particular problems become much worse before a period. We see this a lot with chronic skin conditions, and generally find that women who have problems with the ovaries, during their menstrual cycle also have problems with a spotty skin. Hormonal balance is therefore very important.
It is a mistake to think that men and women suffer from the same problems. Differences in hormonal condition mean that similar skin conditions in men and women have to be treated quite differently. The following example illustrates the difference between the skin of men and women. Take two people, one of each sex, and give them each a bar of soap and tell them to wash their hands in hot water until the hands appear spotless. Send the man into a separate room and allow him to touch nothing for three-quarters of an hour. The woman can continue with her ordinary routine, the only condition being that she does not touch soot or grease. If at the end of 45 minutes they both wash their hands again, the woman will leave no dirt in the water, whereas if the man just dips his hands in the water and then dries them on a towel, he will leave a dirty mark. This goes to show the differences in the skin of a man and a woman and it follows that diagnosis and treatment will need to be totally different.
Similarly, a young man with spots may worry about his spots preventing him being attractive to the opposite sex. However, they are not the same spots that a teenage girl with a similar skin condition would have. The hormone system can be greatly helped with some simple herbal remedies, which are effective for severe problems as well as milder conditions. It is important to look at the problem holistically, taking into account attitude, mental outlook, and all the physical signs and symptoms. There is no point in using lots of expensive creams and lotions. The problem ought to be treated internally, as well as by following the correct diet.
The ancient Greeks strived for harmony and balance within the body. This points to yet another approach to skin care which involves looking for causes of disharmony or chaos. Sometimes we treat our skin badly, without being aware of it, for example by following the wrong diet, smoking or drinking excessively. If the cause is not addressed, chaos will be allowed to spread throughout the body, disrupting the major organs, and disturbing the body's inner harmony. Many people will then start to treat the skin superficially and cover their spots with layers of make-up for camouflage. This will not provide a lasting solution. We must get to the root of the problem, look for the cause, and when the problem is solved the skin sufferer will feel a great deal happier.
There are far too many skin conditions to deal with all of them in this book. I have only mentioned some of the more common ones, and some of those skin conditions I have treated over the many years I have been in practice. I am sure that all skin conditions can be helped. Once the practitioner has diagnosed the condition, he can advise the patient on how to treat his or her particular problem, and mostly I favour a naturopathic treatment, which in my experience is extremely effective. The body's self-healing powers can be greatly assisted with proper care of the skin and by maintaining the body functions in good order. Mother Nature takes good care of her children, as long as we obey her simple laws.
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