Skin Overview
Skin is the largest organ on our body, made up of several different parts, including water, protein, lipids (fats), and different minerals and chemicals. Throughout your life, your skin will change, for better or worse. In fact, your skin regenerates itself approximately every 27 days. It is very important to treat your skin properly to maintain the health and vitality of this crucial organ.
The skin has very important vital functions for keeping the physiological and biochemical conditions of the body in its optimum state. The most important functions of the skin are:
(1) Regulates body temperature.
(2) Prevents loss of essential body fluids, and penetration of toxic substances.
(3) Protection of the body from harmful effects of the sun and radiation.
(4) Excretes toxic substances with sweat.
(5) Mechanical support.
(6) Immunological function mediated by Langerhans cells.
(7) Sensory organ for touch, heat, cold, socio-sexual and emotional sensations.
(8) Vitamin D synthesis from its precursors under the effect of sunlight and introversion of steroids.
(9) Melanin production.
The skin is made up of three layers, epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The second layer of the skin (dermis) is where the protein collagen is found. Collagen molecules are bundled together throughout the dermis. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin, making up 75% of your skin and it works with keratin to provide the skin with strength, smoothness, elasticity and resilience. It makes up about 25% of the body’s protein and occurs naturally in humans and animals. It is needed for bones, organs, connective tissues and healthy skin. Collagen is the major component of the epidermis, which helps preserve water and keep the skin supple and elastic. Collagen production reaches its peak at age 20-25 and then starts to decline. By age 45, reduced collagen production is evident in drier skin, lines and wrinkles. Generally, the skin of a person 50-60 years old contains no more than half the collagen in the skin of those 20-25 years of age.
As you age, the collagen production declines and weakening of the skin occurs, this is when skin wrinkles, necks become saggy, lines form around eyes and mouth. Over time, environmental factors and ageing diminish your body’s ability to produce collagen. Collagen fibers may benefit from the two amino acids Lysine & Proline, and the presence of collagen promoting nutrients such as Vitamin C.
According to Dr. Howard Murad, a board certified dermatologist and clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California at Los Angeles, collagen production within the body’s connective tissue depends on adequate levels of amino acids. There are nine essential amino acids (Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan & Valine) which can’t be manufactured by the body itself and must be obtained through diet. Generally, animal sources such as poultry, fish, cheese, milk and eggs provide all nine essential amino acids.
Skin performs many beneficial functions but it does undergo changes and damage. Ageing and illnesses take their toll, while wounds, burns and skin diseases, including cancer, can damage this organ. Causes can also be internal such as immunological abnormalities, environmental, food allergies and emotional elements such as stress. In some cases, the skin can show signs of an internal disease before the disease advances and becomes more serious. While in other cases, a symptom is noticeable on the skin long after the disease begins causing damage internally. There are hundreds of nuances of the skin that could spell trouble, but a handful of general skin changes commonly signal an internal disease. Understanding the physiology and function of skin will give useful insights into a patient’s state of health.
Dermatologists at the University of Louisville of American Academy of Dermatology find that the skin offers a window to what is going on inside the body, and changes to the skin may signal a more serious health problem. The key is knowing how to spot these early warning signs so the internal disease can be successfully treated and before it becomes a bigger problem.
Diseases & disorders Of The Skin Can Be Classified Under Seven Categories:
(1) Congenital: Exists at birth, may be inherited.
(2) Bacterial: Bacteria are single-celled organisms found both inside and outside the body. Some are harmful and others are good for us. They can invade normal skin areas or wounds.
(3) Viral: Viruses are sub-microscopic organisms that can only multiply once inside cells they have invaded.
(4) Fungal: An organism that can live on skin, hair and nails and thrives in warm, moist conditions.
(5) Pigmentation Disorders: A number of pigments contribute to skin colour, for example melanin. This can accumulate more or less intensively in some areas.
(6) General: Other features visible on the skin surface which may be considered a disorder.
(7) Skin Cancer: There are 3 main types of skin cancer. The leading cause of all types is excessive exposure to sunlight.
Detoxification through taking the right food sources & herbs is one way to help eliminate toxic substances from our Skin naturally & improve Skin’s health. The detoxification systems of our body need to be in priority order because each organ need to cleanse its toxins or the toxins will spread to other organs. Advisable to follow the detoxification system’s in priority order…
Some common skin problems are:
(1) Acne Facts
(2) Boil Facts
(3) Dry Skin Facts
(4) Eczema Facts
(5) Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Facts
(6) Psoriasis Facts
(7) Ringworm Facts
(8) Skin Itching & Rashes Facts
(9) Sagging, Wrinkles & Aging Skin Facts
(10) Shingles (Also Known As Herpes Zoster) Facts
(11) Skin Problems During Pregnancy Facts
(12) Skin Tags Facts
(13) Vitiligo Facts
(14) Warts Facts
Refer to the dietary recommendations at these skin problems’ specific pages.
Skin Cancer Risk Factors
● Age: Skin cancer risks increase as you age, which is likely due to accumulated exposure to UV radiation. But skin cancers may also be found in younger individuals who spend a lot of time in the sun. Frequent sunburns, especially when they occurred during childhood, increases the risk of developing melanoma.
● Chemical exposure: Certain chemicals, including arsenic, industrial tar, coal, paraffin and certain types of oil, may increase the risk for certain types of non-melanoma skin cancers.
● Gender: Men are approximately two times more likely to develop basal cell carcinomas and three times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinomas than women.
● Family or personal history: Individuals with one or more parents or siblings with skin cancer may be at increased risk. Individuals who have previously been diagnosed with skin cancer are also at increased risk for developing the disease again.
● Inherited conditions: Conditions such as xeroderma pigmentosum, an inherited disease that affects the skin’s ability to repair UV damage, are at increased risk for developing skin cancers, and may develop them at an earlier age.
● Immune suppression: Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as viruses, diseases or immune suppression therapy associated with organ transplantation, may increase skin cancer risks.
● Moles: Most moles are harmless and may never develop into cancer, but having a large number of moles may increase the risk for developing melanoma. The presence of dysplastic nevi (moles that may resemble melanoma) may also increase risk, by 10 percent. Although most dysplastic nevi will not develop into melanomas, a small percentage may, and individuals with these types of moles should see a dermatologist regularly for thorough skin exams.
● Skin tone: Caucasians have a greater risk of developing skin cancer than non-whites. The risk is also higher in individuals with blond or red hair, blue or green eyes, or skin that burns or freckles easily.
● Smoking: Smokers are more likely to develop squamous cell skin cancers, particularly on the lips.
● Ultra-Violet exposure: People who work outdoors during the day or who choose to spend much of their leisure time outdoors and are exposed to Ultra-Violet light are at an increased risk. People who choose to use tanning beds increase their risk of skin cancer.
● Basal cell nevus syndrome: Individuals with this condition, also known as Gorlin syndrome, often develop many basal cell carcinomas over their lifetimes, and these may start before they are 20 years old.
● Psoriasis treatment: Individuals who have been treated for psoriasis with a combination of psoralen, a natural remedy, and ultraviolet light treatment may have an increased risk for developing squamous cell carcinoma and other forms of skin cancer.
● Radiation exposure: Treatment with radiation may increase the risk for developing skin cancers in the exposed area.
● Viruses: Certain types of Human papilloma virus (HPV) infections, particularly those that affect the anal or genital area, may increase the risk of skin cancer. Individuals have a higher risk of Kaposi sarcoma if they were infected with what’s known as the eighth human herpesvirus, also called Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus. According to the American Cancer Society, some patients with Kaposi sarcoma have a weakened immune system because of their Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Global Statistics On Age Distribution of Skin and Subcutaneous Disease Burden 2013
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Chinese Medicine Theory On Skin Facts
According to Chinese Medicine principles, skin swellings are often due to Damp-Heat toxins, Stomach Heat, Heat in the Blood, Liver Heat, Qi Stagnation, Wind-Heat, Blood Deficiency and Yin Deficiency. Chinese Medicine believes that the skin is not separated from our body. The skin has a physical and pathological function that is strongly associated with certain internal organs.
Internally, the spleen provides the source of Blood and Qi (Vital Energy) and the lung is responsible for disseminating the Blood and Qi to the skin. These two organs ensure the skin is constantly nourished but other organs also attribute to the smoothness of the circulation. Along with the aging process, a sluggish metabolic rate and an excess of waste products will inevitably lead to malnourished skin causing dullness, wrinkles, age spots, dryness and hair loss as well as brittle and deformed nails. Traditional Chinese Medicine claims that the texture and elasticity of skin can be improved by replenishing blood and activating its circulation as well as nourish Yin for lubrication with acupuncture, food therapies and natural remedies. acupuncture.
Types of Swelling
Swelling indicates blockage in the meridians or Stagnated Blood or Qi flows; however, some influential factors lead to other kinds of manifestations.
Influential factors Manifestations Fire The swelling has burning pain and its surface appears shiny and bright red. Coldness The swelling is firm and is usually associated with dull pain or a cool feeling; its surface is pale and purple in color and is matte in appearance. Wind The swelling is diffuse and extensive or shifts constantly. There is mild pain, no redness and the area is slightly hot. Dampness There can be extensive swelling with pitting or blisters. Phlegm The swelling is either solid or very soft; it is neither painful nor hot. Blood Stasis There is acute blue-purplish swelling such as that occurs with trauma. Type Of Pain
In external medicine, impaired Blood and Qi circulation usually cause pain; however, various factors and the regions involved all determine the nature of the pain.
Influential factors Manifestations Heat Burning pain that can be relieved by cooling; the surface area is bright red. Cold Dull pain that can be relieved by warming; there is no redness or heat. Wind The pain tends to be always moving and changing. Blood Stasis Distending or stabbing pain with bruising. Types Of Itching
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Itching usually arises from a disturbance in pathogens accumulated in the superficial muscles or on the skin. There can be a single or multiple pathogens, exogenous or endogenous.
Influential factors Manifestations Wind Dominating The itching constantly moves around the body; dry marks appear on the skin. Dampness Dominating Itchiness with a secretion; the more eroded the area, the more severe the itch. Heat Dominating Skin rash associated with itchiness and a hot sensation; in severe cases, there may be scabs and a secretion. Blood Deficiency Itchiness associated with dryness, thickness and peeling. Types Of Pus Formation
Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that Pus is the end product of excessive heat accumulation and tissue decay, and that Blood and Qi stagnation facilitate its formation. Thus, the nature of Pus provides crucial information about the progress of a condition.
Texture Thick and sticky pus indicates primordial energy is in abundance, while thin and watery pus indicates insufficiency. If yellow pus changes gradually from turbid to clear with a thick discharge, then it is a favourable sign. If thick and sticky pus turns thin and watery, it is a sign of bodily deterioration, which does not favour wound healing. If pus is thin, turbid and milky or contains decayed tissue and is foul smelling, then it is a poor sign. Colour Bright, white-yellow thick pus indicates that blood and qi are abundant; dirty yellow thick pus means there is still resistance; thin and clear yellow pus means resistance is very weak. If the pus is darkish-green, thin and watery, that means it is a chronic wound and there may be bone and tendon damage. Odour Thick pus with a mild fishy smell indicates favourable progress, while foul and watery pus indicates unfavourable progress. Venule Colour Cause or Pattern Red Heat Bluish Cold Greenish Pain Purple Blood Stasis -
Acne Facts
Acne is a skin condition that occurs when your hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. Acne is most common among teenagers and studies shown that approximately 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 25 develop acne. But it can affect people of all ages, too.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Heat affects the different Meridians, Zang Fu Organs, and Fundamental Substances, providing the substratum that allows Acne to occur. The different manifestations of Heat in these aspects of the body’s energetics appear as different complexes of signs and symptoms. Acne requires a careful differentiation of Heat so that proper treatment can be formulated to match the Pattern of Disharmony. Lung Heat and Stomach Heat are the most common forms of acne. If Dampness is present, the skin will be greasy. Sores and bleeding signify toxicity. Itchiness can be caused by Wind and Dampness. The most common form of itchiness in acne is from Wind that arises from Heat. Finally, Emotional disorders can contribute to Acne which can lead to Stagnation of Qi and cause Heat and Dampness to rise to the skin.
The Heart and Liver dominate the body’s circulation and emotions. Any circulation and emotions can affect the skin. This means that if the body has a Heart and Liver function disorders, it will cause heat and toxins in the blood, flaring up on the skin causing certain skin problems or making them worse, such as pimples, eczema or rashes.
Particulars Description Causes Of Acne ● Clogged pores, bacteria, male hormones imbalance & intake of high refined carbohydrates foods eg: biscuits, cakes & wheat products, etc. ● Caused by different patterns like Lung-Heat, Stomach-Heat, Toxic Heat, Damp-Heat and Blood Heat.
● Emotional disorders can contribute to Acne which can lead to Stagnation of Qi and cause Heat and Dampness to rise to the skin.
● If the body has a Heart and Liver function disorders, it will cause heat and toxins in the blood, flaring up on the skin causing certain skin problems or making them worse, such as pimples, eczema or rashes.
● The skin and the Large Intestine are strongly related. If the body over eats (including greasy, hot and spicy foods) and drinks, it may cause a lot of toxins to build up in the intestines, which will show on the skin, etc. The common skin problems are boils, pimples, rashes and itchiness. Some symptoms including bloating, constipation and pungent flatulence, etc.
Symptoms Of Acne (1) Lung-Heat’s Symptoms: (a) Lesions on the forehead and near the nose. There may be slight itching as well. (b) In cases with a rapid onset of new lesions, the patient may complain of chills or sensitivity to Wind. The patient may have an aversion to heat and feel thirsty.
(c) The tongue is generally red with a thin yellow coat.
(2) Stomach-Heat’s Symptoms: (a) A predominance of lesions around the mouth and on the chest, shoulders and back.
(b) The patient may have an aversion to heat.
(c ) Have a large appetite and thirst.
(d) Prefer greasy and spicy foods. There may be a tendency to pass dry stools as well.
(e) The tongue is usually red with a thick yellow coating.
(3) Toxic Heat’s Symptoms: (a) Severe acne, strongly inflamed with pus-filled nodules and much reddening of the skin around the lesions.
(b) The patient may have an aversion to heat as well and may complain of malaise.
(c) The tongue is generally red with a dry yellow coating.
(4) Damp-Heat’s Symptoms: (a) Composed of deep, pus-filled, inflamed nodules. The skin usually is oily.
(b) The patient may have an aversion to heat. He or she may be thirsty but have no desire to take fluids.
(c) The tongue generally is red or crimson, with a greasy or sticky coating.
(5) Blood Heat’s Symptoms: (a) A flushed face and strong aversion to heat.
(b) The patient may complain of thirst, dark urine, and dry stools.
(c) The tongue usually is red (with a redder tip) and has a yellow coating, or may be crimson in colour.
Recommended Food Sources For Improving Acne Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: Lung-Heat, Damp-Heat, Blood Heat, Blood Stagnation and Qi Stagnation. Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods For Improving Acne Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: Lung-Heat, Damp-Heat, Blood Heat, Blood Stagnation and Qi Stagnation. Application Use For Improving Acne You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. -
Boils Facts
Boils (Furuncles) are painful pus-filled bumps on the skin resulting from the deep infection of a hair follicle.
In Chinese Medicine, Boils result when exogenous Wind-Heat or Dampness-Heat interacts with poisons in the visceral organs, and the mixed pathogenic evil and poisons accumulate in the superficies. In consequence, there is disharmony of the Defensive and the Nutritive Levels and Stagnation of Qi and Stasis of Blood, which in turn lead to blockage of the meridians and channels.
Particulars Description Causes Of Boils ● Exposure to certain industrial chemicals. ● Overuse of corticosteroids.
● Poor immune system.
● Patients with diabetes are especially prone to develop boils.
● The staph bacteria that cause boils typically enter the body through cuts, scratches, and other breaks in the skin. They can be transmitted from person to person and can live on us all the time.
● The skin and the Large Intestine are strongly related. If the body over eats (including greasy, hot and spicy foods) and drinks, it may cause a lot of toxins to build up in the intestines, which will show on the skin. The common skin problems are: Boils, pimples, rashes, itchiness. Some symptoms: bloating, constipation and pungent flatulence, etc.
● Deficiency of Both Qi and Blood.
● Yin Deficiency with Strong Poisons: This occurs mainly in the weak or elderly, or in a patient with diabetes.
Symptoms Of Boils ● Boil on the head, face or extremity first appears like a grain of millet in yellow or purple colour. ● A blister or pustule with a hard base is formed, usually accompanied by tingling.
● May have increased redness, swelling and pain with burning sensation, often accompanied by chills and fever.
● Sometimes a red thread – like line extends proximally if the boil toxicity attacks the interior, there will be dizziness, high fever, impaired consciousness, restlessness and vomiting. Tongue: Red color with yellow coating.
● Deficiency of Both Qi and Blood Symptoms: Following rupture the watery pus is clear and thin. The putrescent matter clears slowly, and new granulation tissue grows very slowly so that the wound heals with difficulty. There are such systemic symptoms as lassitude, weakness and lusterless complexion. Tongue: Pale colour.
● Yin Deficiency with Strong Poisons Symptoms: The lesion is flat and is dark purple in color. Ulceration and drainage develop slowly, and when they come about, the pus is watery or bloody, include a dry mouth with thirst. Tongue: Red color.
Recommended Food Sources For Improving Boils Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, Damp-Heat, Lung Wind-Heat, Qi Deficiency, Qi Stagnation and Yin Deficiency. Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods For Improving Boils Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, Damp-Heat, Lung Wind-Heat, Qi Deficiency, Qi Stagnation and Yin Deficiency. Application Use For Improving Boils You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. -
Dry Skin Facts
Dry Skin (Xerosis) may not be serious most of the time, but experiencing it is not comfortable. Not only that, lines or wrinkles could manifest, making your skin look older than it is.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dry Skin which on the surface may seem to be caused by external environmental pathological factors, but these environmental factors will invade the body and influence the internal imbalances between Qi, Blood flow, Yin, Yang and blockages of different energy pathways within the body. As we age, life stressors consume Yin according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. Yin has moistening qualities, and its depletion can be reflected as dryness in our body and skin. Additionally, Blood is a Yin quality and is vital in its role in nourishing the skin.
Particulars Description Causes Of Dry Skin ● Kidneys Yin Deficiency: The Kidneys dominate the body’s original Yin and Yang which is in charge of all stages of the body and skin. If the Kidney has a Yin and Yang disorder, it will cause dry skin, hot flushes (especially around the neck and face) and perspiration. ● Blood Deficiency & Liver Yin Deficiency: Happens more to women after labor, women beyond 40 years of age and after menopause. (This cause can also occur in other ages and in males as well.) This cause is due to the Yin and the Blood being weaker and the skin is unable to get enough nutrition and moisture from the deficient Yin and Blood.
● Lung Wind-Heat: If you smoke for a long time, you not only have a cough and phlegm or disorder of the Lung but also dry skin.
● Other causes of Dry Skin: Lack of circulation, chronic injury or illness, certain medications or certain foods, etc.
Symptoms Of Dry Skin ● Kidneys Yin Deficiency Symptoms: Dry skin, hot flushes (especially around the neck and face) and perspiration. ● Blood Deficiency & Liver Yin Deficiency Symptoms: Dry skin, hair loss or reduced quality of their hair, cracks around the nails or unhealthy-looking nails, dry stools, feeling of heat in the body, increased thirst, hot flushes (more in the evening or while sleeping), anxiety, emotional, insomnia or dream disturbed sleep.
● Lung Wind-Heat Symptoms: Dry skin, cough and phlegm.
● Other Symptoms: Constipation, difficulty falling asleep, dry cough, dry eyes, dry throat, emotional disorders, insomnia, itchy skin and red eyes, etc.
Recommended Food Sources For Improving Dry Skin Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: Blood Deficiency, Lung Wind-Heat and Yin Deficiency. Avoid or Least Intake For Improving Dry Skin Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: Blood Deficiency, Lung Wind-Heat and Yin Deficiency. Application Use For Improving Dry Skin You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. -
Eczema Facts
Eczema, also called Dermatitis, is a group of skin conditions that can affect all age groups. The severity of the disease can vary. In mild forms, the skin is dry, hot, and itchy. In severe forms, the skin can become broken, raw, and may even bleed. Eczema is a non-infectious, non-contagious and chronic skin disorder, for which no cure exists. Health experts believe that Eczema is caused by the skin’s inability to retain moisture, but do not know why or how this inability occurs on certain people’s skin.
Above all the many types of Eczema, two are most common. Atopic Eczema has the highest rate of occurrence. It tends to develop in childhood, sometimes just after birth. This type tends to run in families and is more likely to occur if someone also has other atopic conditions such as asthma or hay fever. The second most common type is Contact Eczema, which usually affects adults. It is caused by contact with something that a person may be allergic to, like nickel, or that irritates the skin, as some detergents often do. Many other common substances cause contact eczema, such as soaps and perfumes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine believed that internal organ disharmony with external pathogenic factor together can cause the skin disorder known as Eczema. Organ disharmony occurs when there is dampness accumulation and blood deficiency. The main internal organs that are related to Eczema are the Spleen and Lung. External pathogens such as External Wind and Heat can also invade the skin giving rise to the presentation and symptoms of Eczema.
In Chinese Medicine terms, the symptoms of Eczema are a mixture of Heat, Dampness and Wind (redness of the skin, itching, crusting & scaling, and blisters filled with liquid). Therefore, applying the right herbs and acupuncture can help to clear away the heat and dampness through the bowels, urine or skin, relieving wind and detoxifying the body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine, also help to reduce allergic reactions and is beneficial to the immune system, improving the body’s physiology, and relieving emotional problems such as stress and anxiety. The organs treated are most commonly the lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen, and stomach.
Particulars Description Causes Of Eczema ● Inappropriate diet (Excessive alcohol, greasy & spicy foods, processed foods, refined sugars and salt, etc.) and irregular eating, will damage the Spleen & Stomach and creates excess dampness in the body. ● Over-intake of medications that are toxic to the Liver and or antibiotics that will cause yeast infection (Candidiasis) in the body.
● Stress, anxiety, tension, frustration, and long-term bottled up emotions will stagnate the liver.
● Chinese Medicine believes that shellfish is classified as Yang food that easily produce wind. If the body already has certain deficiency, this can lead to itchiness of the skin.
● Hereditary Deficiency of Lung and Kidney (more in Atopic Eczema).
● Organs deficiency and or blood deficiency are the causes of Chronic Eczema.
Symptoms Of Eczema There are acute and chronic stages of eczema which can be classified by its appearance. (1) Acute Eczema Symptoms: Itching, redness and small blister with yellow pus.
(2) Chronic Eczema Symptoms: Can be recurrent at the same area. Skin become thicker, gray colour with severe itching especially itching at night time with redness scratching marks and scaling.
Recommended Food Sources or Improving Eczema Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: Blood Deficiency, Damp-Heat, Qi Deficiency and Yin Deficiency. Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods For Improving Eczema Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: Blood Deficiency, Damp-Heat, Qi Deficiency and Yin Deficiency. Application Use For Improving Eczema You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. -
Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin Facts
Freckles may be described as flat, round, dark coloured spots that range in size from about 2mm to 4mm. Freckles could be the result of pigment precipitation in one particular place, as generally the skin surrounding the spot is lighter in colour. Freckles have a hereditary aspect to it and you are likely to inherit it if runs in your family. Freckles are usually of no medical consequence and do not cause any problems. Freckles are sensitive to the UV rays of sunlight and hence appear more prominent during or after exposure to sunlight. Though Freckles could be present all over the body, mostly they are found in areas exposed to sun. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kidney and Blood imbalances contribute to freckles’ causes.
Hyperpigmentation is as common a skin concern as it is diverse, appearing at any age and any life stage – from birth in the form of a birthmark through to age spots in our middle age!
Most cases of hyperpigmentation are a Liver imbalance: Blood deficiency, Qi and Blood Stagnation, and sometimes Heat. The Liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine terms is intimately tied to hormonal cycles and becomes vulnerable during menses, postpartum, and menopause. This is why improper care during menstruation, postpartum, and menopause can lead to hyperpigmentation. While western medicine views age spots, or liver spots, as the accumulation of melanin from sun exposure, Traditional Chinese Medicine views them as Qi Stagnation causing accumulations caused from Liver Qi Stagnation.
Chloasma Gravidarum (Pregnancy Mask) is a brownish pigmentation on the face and neck, due to hormonal shifts and sun sensitivity. It can also be seen during menopause with Kidney-Liver imbalances. While Age Spots or Liver Spots (Lentigines) are usually caused by accumulated sun damage, and customarily appear after age 30. Freckles are hereditary and usually disappear when there is no excessive exposure to the sun.
Particulars Description Causes Of Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin ● Freckles are passed on genetically, so you are likely to get it if one or both your parents have it. ● Hormonal imbalances could cause Freckles too. In this case, the estrogen could over-stimulate pigment producing cells causing them to generate more color when exposed to sunlight.
● Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause Freckles to appear, more so in case of fair-skinned people. The melanin content is less in case of fair-skinned people; hence exposure to sunlight causes these spots to appear.
● Rare disorders such as Xeroderma Pigmentosum cause an increased sensitivity to ultraviolet rays leading to Freckles.
● In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Freckles are related to:
(1) Freckles: Insufficiency of Kidney-Water: Manifested as Kidney-Water insufficiency and fire depression on the collaterals, caused by natural endowment deficiency, Kidney-Water deficiency, so out of control of fire, leading to deficiency fire flaming upward, rash occur on the face, the true qualities of kidney appear outside, so the skin damage and become light black. In the hot summer, exuberant Yang Qi lead to impairment of Yin and insufficiency of kidney-water, so the colours of rash deepen than before.
(2) Freckles: Blood-Heat with Wind: It mainly seem in patients with exuberant yang heat, manifested as yellowish-brown rash or coffee speckle as pinpoint to grain large, scatter on the face, beard, shoulder, back, back of hand and other exposed parts, which will become deepen than before after insolation in summer, the condition of tongue and pulse like ordinary people.
● In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hyperpigmentation is related to Liver imbalance: Blood deficiency, Qi and Blood stagnation, and sometimes Heat. The Liver in Traditional Chinese Medicine terms, is related to hormonal cycles and becomes vulnerable during menses, postpartum, and menopause. This is why improper care during menstruation, postpartum, and menopause can lead to Hyperpigmentation.
● Hyperpigmentation Other Causes: This can be the result of melanin accumulation in the epidermal or dermal layer of the skin, due to age, excessive sun, pregnancy, birth control pills, certain medications, injury, chicken pox, shingles, acne scars and hereditary factors, etc.
Symptoms Of Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin ● Freckles Characteristics: Dark colored spots on the skin. These may be more apparent on the facial skin, especially on or around the nose. Generally, light or fair skinned people are more prone to freckled skin. Freckles get more emphasized on exposure to sunlight. There are two basic types of freckles
Ephelides: These are flat red or light-brown spots that typically appear during the summer months and fade away in the winter. These types of freckles could be hereditary.
Lentigines: Lentigines may be small tan, brown or black spot that is darker than an ephelide. This does not fade in winter. This is also a genetic condition.
● Hyperpigmentation Characteristics: Flat, round, non-carcinogenic brown or reddish-brown spots that develop on the hands, arms, face, shoulders, feet and legs. This usually occurs with increasing age.
Recommended Food Sources For Improving Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: (1) For Freckles: Blood Deficiency, Qi Deficiency, Wind-Heat and Yin Deficiency.
(2) For Hyperpigmentation: Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, Qi Stagnation and Yin Deficiency.
Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods For Improving Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: (1) For Freckles: Blood Deficiency, Qi Deficiency, Wind-Heat and Yin Deficiency.
(2) For Hyperpigmentation: Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, Qi Stagnation and Yin Deficiency.
Application Use For Improving Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. -
Psoriasis Facts
Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, inflammatory skin disease that affects approximately three percent of the population. It is thought to be a genetic disease with immune-mediated skin lesions that (according to western scientific medicine) has no cure. Psoriasis is more than a skin condition. It can affect one’s confidence in social situations, causes stress, anxiety, and great physical discomfort. Psoriasis is characterized by hyperproliferation of skin cells and thus is often referred to as “The Living Cancer.” The skin under the lesions in this disease has a cell turnover rate that is seven times faster than normal skin cells. In normal healthy skin, it takes 28 days for a cell to progress from the deeper layers of the epidermis outward to the surface where it then dies and is shed. But in the lesions of common Psoriasis, this process is sped up and occurs in only four days. These cells then build up on the surface of the skin and scaly plaques are formed.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the skin lesions of Psoriasis is mainly caused by an excess of heat which can manifest as blood-dryness, heat in the blood and blood stasis. The heat is often resulting from pathogenic wind entering the body and invading the yin and blood. Also, Qi and blood obstruction throughout the body due to stress for example, can result in heat accumulation.
Particulars Description Causes Of Psoriasis Causes ● Blood Dryness, Blood Heat and Blood Stagnation.
● Damp heat and Qi stagnation can also be a factor, particularly in Pustular Psoriasis.
● Genetic, etc.
Risk Factors
● Cold weather: In the winter, kids generally spend more time indoors and get less sun. A moderate amount of direct sunlight can help to improve Psoriasis.
● Certain medicines: Lithium, beta-blockers for high blood pressure, and drugs used to prevent malaria have been shown to increase the risk of Psoriasis.
● Infections: Strep throat, colds, and other infectious diseases trigger the body’s immune system to respond, making Psoriasis outbreak more likely.
● Obesity: The plaques that are produced by many kinds of Psoriasis often develop in folds of skin.
● Skin irritations: Cuts, scratches, sunburns, rashes, and other irritations that affect the skin can make Psoriasis outbreak more likely.
● Stress: High stress levels can have an effect on the body’s immune system and can make Psoriasis symptoms worse.
Symptoms Of Psoriasis ● Dry, cracked skin that may bleed at times. ● Raised red patches of skin that can have silvery scales on them.
● Skin itching, soreness, or a burning sensation in the affected area.
● Thick, pitted fingernails.
● Constipation, dark urine, irritability, etc.
● Tongue: Red color with yellow coating.
● When there is Qi & Blood Stasis involved in Psoriasis, the lesions typically are darker in color. The lesions can appear dull red, purple or even brown. Women with Qi & Blood Stasis may have painful periods (often with clots) or heavy periods. The patient’s tongue might be dull purple or dark red or there may even be purple spots.
Recommended Food Sources For Improving Psoriasis Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: Blood Deficiency, Blood Heat, Blood Stagnation, Damp-Heat & Qi Stagnation. Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods For Improving Psoriasis Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: Blood Deficiency, Blood Heat, Blood Stagnation, Damp-Heat & Qi Stagnation. Application Use For Improving Psoriasis You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. -
Ringworm Facts
Ringworm (Western medical term is Tinea) is not caused by a worm. It is a Fungal infection that often forms a ring-shaped rash. Ringworm occurs in people of all ages, but it is particularly common in children. It occurs most often in warm, moist climates. Ringworm is a contagious disease and can be passed from person to person by contact with infected skin areas or by sharing combs and brushes, other personal care items, or clothing. It is also possible to become infected with Ringworm after coming in contact with locker room or pool surfaces. The infection can also affect dogs and cats, and pets may transmit the infection to humans. It is common to have several areas of Ringworm at once in different body areas. It can be successfully treated with antifungal medications used either topically or orally.
According to the Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ringworm happens due to the damp conditions of the skin.
Particulars Description Causes Of Ringworm ● Damp-Heat accumulation in the spleen and stomach. ● Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind, Liver Yin Deficiency, Liver & Gallbladder Damp-Heat.
● Wind-Damp or Wind-Heat.
● When our defense systems are weak and comes in contact with pathogenic bacteria.
● Long term use of western medicine drugs may cause this disorder.
Symptoms Of Ringworm ● Hair loss in the affected area. ● Red, itchy, scaly, or raised skin patches.
● Skin patches that produce blisters.
● Skin patches that look like a ring.
● Skin patches with defined and raise edges.Recommended Food Sources For Improving Ringworm Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: Blood Deficiency, Damp-Heat, Wind-Damp, Wind-Heat & Yin Deficiency. Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods For Improving Ringworm Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: Blood Deficiency, Damp-Heat, Wind-Damp, Wind-Heat & Yin Deficiency. Application Use For Improving Ringworm You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. Tips For Preventing Ringworm ● Do not share clothing, sports gear, towels, or sheets. ● Wear slippers in locker rooms and public pool & bathing areas.
● Shower after any sport that includes skin-to-skin contact.
● Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Change your socks and underwear at least once a day.
● Keep skin clean and dry. Dry yourself completely after showering.
● If you have athlete’s foot, put your socks on before your underwear to prevent spreading to your groin.
● Take your pet to the vet if it has patches of missing hair, which could be a sign of a fungal infection.
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Skin Itching & Rashes Facts
Skin Itching tends to occur on exposed body parts, which can easily trigger or aggravate by cold temperatures or climatic changes, emotional stress and affect individuals who are mostly elderly or weak body constitution, etc.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Skin Itchiness is commonly categorized as Wind-related problems. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine holistic view, itch development has internal and external factors. Internal factors such as loose striae, damp-heat accumulation, blood deficiency, organ weakness, or meridian disharmonies make the skin become vulnerable and lay a foundation for itch development. When external factors such as weather changes, environmental irritations, improper diet or emotional distress get a chance to further stimulate the skin, Skin Itching will be triggered. It is claimed that the internal factors are usually associated with blood and Qi (Vital Energy) disturbances, or disharmony between the defense (Wei) and nutrient (Ying), while the external factors are usually associated with wind irritations. When the external factors are dominant, the itchy conditions are likely to be acute; when the internal factors are dominant, conditions may be lingering and difficult to heal.
Particulars Description Causes Of Skin Itching & Rashes ● Blood Deficiency lead To Wind & Dryness Accumulation: Individuals are mostly elderly or weak body constitution, flare up frequently and likely to be affected in winter and then alleviated in summer. Skin Itching tends to occur from one area to another, worsen at night and disturb sleep. ● Liver Qi Stagnation & Blood Deficiency: Skin Itching usually triggers by emotional distress.
● Over-heated Blood & Abundant Wind: Severe generalized Itching with a burning feeling, and may have bleeding marks on the skin. Individuals usually feel worse when hot but alleviated when cool. Individuals are mostly young adults, and likely to develop in spring and summer seasons.
● Wind-Cold Attack Body Surface: Skin Itching tends to occur on exposed body parts, which can easily trigger or aggravate by cold temperatures or climatic changes. Individuals usually feel worse at night, especially when taking off their clothing to bed.
● Wind-Heat Accumulate In Skin: Skin Itching tends to occur in summer or autumn season, high temperatures or low humidity usually trigger or aggravate the situation.
● Toxic Dampness Accumulate In Skin: Itching that mostly affects the anus, scrotum or private part of female. Very often individuals feel hard to resist scratching, and so the local area appears scratching marks, redness, and even thickening and hardening after a long period of time. Rubbing or certain foods can trigger or aggravate the situation.
● The Heart and Liver dominate the body’s circulation and emotions. Any circulation and emotions can affect the skin. This means that if the body has a Heart and Liver function disorder it will cause heat and toxins in the blood, flaring up on the skin causing certain skin problems or making them worse, such as pimples, eczema or rashes.
● The skin and the Large Intestine are strongly related. If the body over eats (including hot and spicy foods) and drinks it may cause a lot of toxins to build up in the intestines, which will show on the skin. The common skin problems are: boils, pimples, rashes, itchiness. Some symptoms: bloating, constipation and pungent flatulence, etc.
Symptoms Of Skin Itching & Rashes ● Blood Deficiency Lead To Wind & Dryness Accumulation Symptoms: Constipation, fatigue, general weakness and pale complexion. Tongue: Pale color. ● Liver Qi Stagnation & Blood Deficiency Symptoms: Individuals tend to have a depressed mood, sallow complexion, sighing, irritability, a bitter taste in mouth, pale lips and nails, irregular or missed periods in women. Tongue: Pale or Darkened colour.
● Over-Heated Blood & Abundant Wind Symptoms: Feverish sensation, irritability, dryness in the throat and mouth. Tongue: Red color with yellow dry coating.
● Wind Cold Attack Body Surface Symptoms: Aversion to cold, dry skin and slight fever, etc. Tongue: Pale color.
● Wind Heat Accumulate In Skin Symptoms: Feverish sensation, slight aversion to wind and cold, thirst, sweating, hard stools and yellowish urine, etc. Tongue: Red color with yellow or dry coating.
● Toxic Dampness Accumulate In Skin Symptoms: Bad breath, sweating, bad breath, a bitter taste in mouth, sweating and smelly vaginal discharges in women. Tongue: Red color with yellow greasy coating.
Recommended Food Sources For Improving Skin Itching & Rashes Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: Blood Deficiency, Damp-Heat, Qi Stagnation, Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat. Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods For Improving Skin Itching & Rashes Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: Blood Deficiency, Damp-Heat, Qi Stagnation, Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat. Application Use For Improving Skin Itching & Rashes You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. -
Sagging, Wrinkles & Aging Skin Facts
Sagging Skin is primarily the cause of loss of elasticity and the aging process. The amount of collagen is reduced and the elastin in diminished with Aging. The most common cause of Sagging Skin is Aging. As you age, your skin loses the collagen and elastin, your skin’s supportive connective tissue, that make it look soft, plump and youthful. In addition, facial muscles can weaken with age, which takes a toll too. Getting older means more exposure to the dreaded pull of gravity; which we know causes skin to sag a little further down with each passing day.
In Chinese Medicine, the health of the skin is a reflection of internal bodily wellness or imbalance. In order to address Wrinkles and Aging Skin, it is necessary to attain true balance and wellness throughout all of the energeti organ systems which may contribute to lusterless, dry, aging skin. While Spleen Deficiency is associated with Sagging Skin and prolapsed organs. Toxins can cause Aging Skin too.
Particulars Description Causes Of Sagging, Wrinkles & Aging Skin ● In Traditional Chinese Medicine, chronic stress consumes Yin accelerating the Aging process by making us dry and brittle rather than moist and supple. A deep wrinkled crevice between the eyebrows is a diagnostic signal of Liver Qi Stagnation. ● Lung Qi Deficiency attributes to Wrinkles & Aging Skin. Smoking will speed the outward appearance of Aging so advisable to smoke less or stop smoking.
● Spleen Deficiency is associated with Sagging Skin.
● Toxins can cause Aging Skin too. Toxins can be found in chemicals, pesticides, cleaning products, soaps, shampoos, and even the air we breathe and are difficult to avoid. In most cases, the body can eliminate toxins through natural avenues of elimination. However, if the organs responsible for elimination are compromised, or if the body is exposed to more toxins than it can process, these toxins can accumulate and ultimately damage skin. Therefore, advisable to purify the blood.
Symptoms Of Sagging, Wrinkles & Aging Skin Age or liver spots, dry skin, sagging skin wrinkles around our eyes, mouth & neck, etc. Recommended Food Sources For Improving Sagging, Wrinkles & Aging Skin Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: Blood Stagnation, Qi Deficiency and Qi Stagnation. Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods For Improving Sagging, Wrinkles & Aging Skin Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: Blood Stagnation, Qi Deficiency and Qi Stagnation. Application Use For Improving Sagging, Wrinkles & Aging Skin You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. -
Shingles (Also Known As Herpes Zoster) Facts
Shingles is the most common cause of chronic nerve pain and at least 50,000 people seek help for this disease every year. One woman described the pain as “worse than childbirth”, while others have considered suicide to relieve the excruciating intensity of the pain. The initial sign is frequently a tingling sensation, followed by burning pain and extreme sensitivity, usually distributed along a single nerve on one side of the body, primarily the trunk, although it may occur on the face. Within one to three days, a red rash arises, turning to blisters resembling chicken pox. These blisters last two to three weeks, leaving scars on the affected area.
Until the characteristic symptom of blisters appears, the pain can be misdiagnosed as pleurisy, myocardial infarction, abdominal disease and even migraine. This pain may also be accompanied by other complications including ocular damage or encephalitis.
The cause of Shingles is still unknown, although there may be a correlation with childhood occurrences of chickenpox, whose virus is reactivated later in life. The virus may gain a foothold on an older person’s immune system which has been weakened by age or illness. Some health experts believe that Shingles is an infection caused by a temporary decrease in the body’s resistance to illness, “allowing the virus to multiply and move along nerve fibres towards the skin.”
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, when the body is attacked by the External Wind and Heat (virus), it will affect Lung which will develop sneezing or sore throat and the skin can be itchy or have a rash or shingles. Acute Shingles typically is either Fire (and Wind) in the Liver & Gallbladder Channels (the most common pattern), or Damp Heat in the Spleen. Either of these patterns can lead to Stagnation of Qi & Blood which is seen in post-herpetic neuralgia. Fire (and Wind) in the Liver & Gallbladder Channels usually arises from emotional stress that caused Stagnant Liver Qi that then was constrained for a long period. This Stagnant Qi develops into Heat that then “blazes” out from the channel to the skin. Damp Heat in the Spleen develops from underlying Spleen Qi Deficiency and is more difficult to treat than Fire in the Liver & Gallbladder Channels.
The two most common patterns seen in Chronic Shingles are Kidney Yin Deficiency, Qi & Blood Deficiency, both of which are often complicated by some degree of Qi & Blood Stagnation. Lesions that exist in this chronic phase should not be exposed to cold or damp as any accumulation of Damp will make the condition more difficult to treat.
Particulars Description Causes Of Shingles ● When the body is attacked by the External Wind and Heat (virus) it will affect Lung function. ● Shingles are most common in people over age 50 and anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk for developing Shingles.
● Shingles is also common in people with weakened immune systems from HIV infection, chemotherapy or radiation treatment, transplant operations and stress.
● Acute Shingles: Caused by Fire (and Wind) in the Liver & Gallbladder, Damp Heat in the Spleen, Stagnation of Qi & Blood.
● Chronic Shingles: Caused by Kidney Yin Deficiency, Qi Deficiency, Blood Deficiency and which are often complicated by some degree of Qi Stagnation & Blood Stagnation.
Symptoms Of Shingles ● Early signs of Shingles include burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching generally located on one side of the body or face. The rash or blisters are present anywhere from one to 14 days. ● If Shingles appears on the face, it can lead to complications in hearing and vision. For instance, if Shingles affects the eye, the cornea can become infected and lead to temporary or permanent blindness. Another complication of the virus is postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a condition where the pain from Shingles persists for months, sometimes years, after the Shingles rash has healed.
Lung Wind-Heat Symptoms: Sneezing, sore throat, itchy skin and rash.
● Liver & Gallbladder Damp-Heat Symptoms: Bitter taste in the mouth, constipation, darker or scanty urine, dizziness, restlessness, red eyes, red facial complexion, irritability or outright anger. Tongue: Red colour with a yellow sticky coating, but this may not be the case if there is much underlying deficiency.
● Spleen Damp Heat Symptoms: Bloating, fatigue (though most patients will be fatigued during the viral outbreak), loose stools and poor appetite. Tongue: Puffy or flabby with greasy coating and possibly scalloped sides.
Recommended Food Sources For Improving Shingles Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: Liver-Fire, Liver-Wind, Lung Wind-Heat, Damp-Heat, Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, Qi Deficiency, Qi Stagnation and Yin Deficiency. Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods For Improving Shingles Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: Liver-Fire, Liver-Wind, Lung Wind-Heat, Damp-Heat, Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, Qi Deficiency, Qi Stagnation and Yin Deficiency. Application Use For Improving Shingles You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. -
Skin Problems During Pregnancy Facts
Pregnant women are likely to experience itching, especially in the second and third trimesters. The problem is mostly affected the trunk and lower limbs, aggravates with time, and then quickly goes away after delivery. Some pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema, hives or dermatitis can also worsen during these period, pregnant women should first consider the common causes of skin itching before direct linking with pregnancy.
From Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, pregnant women tend to develop a Yin deficient disharmony because plenty of essence and blood are absorbed by the fetus and less blood flows to the body surface to nourish the skin. Moreover, development of the fetus can disturb the normal body functioning of the mother, for example affecting fluid distribution function of the triple burner and leading to Damp-Heat accumulating on the skin. Some pregnant women may develop Chloasma Gravidarum (Pregnancy Mask) which is a brownish pigmentation on the face and neck, due to hormonal shifts and sun sensitivity. It can also be seen during menopause with Kidney-Liver imbalances.
Traditional Chinese Medicine treatment usually involves activating blood, and Chinese physicians are careful in selecting herbs for the pregnant patients, so as to avoid the unnecessary adverse effects to harm their sensitive body and the foetus too. Food therapies and natural remedies can help to improve its conditions too.
Particulars Description Causes Of Skin Problems During Pregnancy ● Blood Deficiency lead to Wind and dryness accumulation. ● Excess Wind and Heat with Blood dryness: Individuals feel worse in windy and hot environments.
● Stagnated Heat in Liver and Gall-Bladder.
● Menopausal Hormonal Imbalances Causing Melasma.
Symptoms Of Skin Problems During Pregnancy ● Blood deficiency lead to wind and dryness accumulation: Dry scaly & itchy skin, dizziness, insomnia or dream-disturbed sleep, mental fatigue, palpitations, etc. Tongue: pale color and lips as well. ● Excess Wind and Heat with Blood dryness: Dry itchy skin, bleeding marks, hard stools, thirsty, yellow and scanty urine, etc. Tongue: Red color with yellow coating. Individuals feel worse in windy and hot environments.
● Stagnated heat in Liver and Gall-Bladder: Mild yellowish tinged skin, agitation, bitter taste in the mouth, distention & soreness in the rib sides, mouth dryness and irritability, etc. Tongue: Red color with yellow coating.
● Menopausal Hormonal Imbalances Causing Melasma Symptoms: Dark skin patch on cheeks, forehead, upper lip or nose. In some rare cases, melasma is found on the neck and forearms. It does not do any physical harm, but cosmetically, the sufferers may worry as it may make the face ugly.
Recommended Food Sources For Improving Skin Problems During Pregnancy Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: Blood Deficiency, Damp-Heat, Wind-Heat and Yin Deficiency. Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods For Improving Skin Problems During Pregnancy Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: Blood Deficiency, Damp-Heat, Wind-Heat and Yin Deficiency. Application Use For Improving Skin Problems During Pregnancy You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. -
Skin Tags Facts
A Skin tag is a small piece of soft, hanging skin that may have a peduncle, or stalk. They can appear anywhere on the body, but especially where skin rubs against other skin or clothing.
Other names are an acrochordon, cutaneous papilloma, cutaneous tag, fibroepithelial polyp, fibroma molluscum, fibroma pendulum, soft fibroma, and Templeton skin tags.
It is not clear exactly what causes Skin tags, but it may happen when clusters of collagen and blood vessels become trapped inside thicker pieces of skin. As they are more common in skin creases or folds, they may be mainly caused by skin rubbing against skin which generally occur after our midlife. They affect both males and females, but they happen more often during pregnancy, in individuals who are obese, and in individuals with diabetes. They have been associated with hyperinsulinemia, when there is too much insulin circulating in the blood. Some individuals appear to inherit an increased susceptibility to Skin tags.
Skin tags are benign tumours of the skin. They are not dangerous, but they can be removed for aesthetic and cosmetic reasons. Methods of Skin tag removal include over the counter (OTC) therapies, excision, and cryotherapy.
In the terms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is a problem related to the lungs, large intestine, heart and liver. Skin and Hair are regulated by Lung-Qi, if there is an inadequate Lung-Qi, defensive Qi will lose its functions and cannot control derma (skin), hair and pores (sweat gland). Large intestine is an organ that excretes food wastes and, if function of large intestine weakens, the gas from food wastes would spread to the internal body. The lungs and large intestine are related to each other which external & internal factors can directly affect the skin. In addition, heart regulates the blood and blood vessels, if they weaken and has inadequate power for blood to circulate, Nutritive-Qi and Defensive-Qi will not function together leading to clots. Additionally, Liver functions as storage for blood and controls Qi of a body by stretching internal-Qi. If the Damp-Heat is accumulated in Liver or Stagnation of Liver-Qi or Liver-Fire raising to the head up, those can result in formation of Dermatofibroma.
Particulars Description Causes Of Skin Tags (1) Causes of Skin Tags ● Lung Qi deficiency.
● Heart Blood deficiency.
● Liver-Fire, Damp-heat & Qi stagnation, etc.
(2) Risk Factors For Skin Tags
Skin tags appear to be more common in:
● Those who are overweight and obese.
● Those with diabetes.
● Women during pregnancy, possibly due to hormonal changes and high levels of growth factors.
● Those with some types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
● People with a sex-steroid imbalance, especially if there are changes in levels of estrogen and progesterone.
● Those whose close family members who have Skin tags.
● Skin tags are rarely associated with Polycystic ovary syndrome and Birt-Hogg-Dubé (BHD) syndrome which is a rare genetic condition characterized by skin tumours, including multiple fibrofolliculomas, trichodiscomas, and acrochordon, or Skin tags. Carcinomas, or cancerous tumors, may also develop in the kidneys and colon.
● Studies have found that Skin tags are more likely to occur with obesity, dyslipidermia (Eg: high cholesterol or high blood pressure). They have also been linked to insulin resistance and elevated high-sensitive C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation. This suggests that Skin tags may offer an external sign of an increased risk of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Smoking, hormonal imbalances, cancers, and other medical conditions can also manifest in this arena, causing the skin cells to manifest growths.
Symptoms Of Skin Tags May itch. Recommended Food Sources For Improving Skin Tags (1) Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: Blood Deficiency, Damp-Heat, Liver Fire, Qi Deficiency & Qi Stagnation. Also, some herbs may help like dandelion root, angelica, skullcap, burdock root, and Spica Prunellae, especially for those who have dampness and skin irritation. They can be consumed and apply on the skin’s affected areas as well. Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods For Improving Skin Tags Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: Blood Deficiency, Damp-Heat, Liver-Fire, Qi Deficiency & Qi Stagnation. Application Use For Improving Skin Tags You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. -
Vitiligo Facts
The appearance of white spots on the skin is known as Vitiligo. It is a skin disease caused due to loss of skin pigments. Melanin gives the skin its characteristic color. When the cells that produce melanin or melanocytes stop functioning or die, white spots appear on the skin. It is really tough to get rid of the white spots once they appear. Generally, the normal skin color disappears in blotches, and it can affect any part of the body. Vitiligo can affect people of all races, but those with dark skin are especially susceptible to it. People within the age of 10-30 are prone to Vitiligo. In about 30% of the affected people, the skin begins to repigment naturally if exposed to the sun.
Vitiligo is a long-term skin problem that produces white patches of depigmentation on certain sections of skin. Vitiligo commonly affects body folds (such as armpits), places that have been injured in the past, and areas exposed to sun, around moles, or around body openings. It can also affect eyelids and hair. It is rare for pigment to return once the white patches have developed. Both men and women can be affected by Vitiligo. If it runs in your family, there are chances that you might develop it as well. Also, having other autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis increase the risk of developing Vitiligo.
Chinese Medicine called Vitiligo as BaiBoFeng. Chinese medicine claims that Vitiligo caused by the evil wind attack the epidermis, the epidermal skin with poor defensive function, cause the Qi and blood deficiency which can induce Vitiligo. Vitiligo treatment in Traditional Chinese Medicine revolves around clearing toxins and improving proper flow of Qi and Blood to the skin. Blockage and stagnation, whether of blood, energy, body fluids or emotions, are considered the root of many health problems. When these vital substances don’t flow properly, toxins cannot get eliminated, and can easily build in the body.
Particulars Description Causes Of Vitiligo ● Blood heat & Bodily heat: Too much internal heat will dry out body fluids, which in turn won’t nourish the skin. ● Qi Deficiency, Blood Deficiency & Blood Stagnation: Qi is typically known as energy, while consuming the herbs and foods will help the body to produce better energy and increase the quality of the blood, which in turn nourishes the skin.
● Spleen and Stomach Deficiency. The stomach and spleen in Chinese Medicine help to digest foods and transport the nutrients to our body.
● A disorder of the immune system that attacks and destroys the melanocytes in the skin (autoimmune disorder).
● Issues like sunburn, stress or exposure to industrial chemicals.
● A person with Vitiligo is more likely to have another autoimmune disorder, such as thyroid problems, Addison’s disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes or pernicious anemia.
● Family history or genetic health problems.
Symptoms Of Vitiligo (1) Common symptoms: Change in the color of the retina, vision and tear production; change in the color of the mucous membranes that line the insides of your mouth and nose; discolored patches in the armpits, navel, genitals, and rectum; hearing loss; painful sunburn; premature whitening or graying of the hair on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard before you turn 35 years of age & skin discoloration, etc. (2) Heat symptoms: This heat symptoms of Vitiligo is presented in the acute stage like light itchy feeling & bad emotions, dry mouth & light red urine, etc. Tongue: Red color, thin & yellow coating on the tongue is thin and present yellow color. This type of Vitiligo should choose the Chinese medicine have the effects of cool and activate the blood, remove the heat and get rid of the wind.
(3) Kidney Qi Deficiency’s symptoms: Dizziness & tinnitus; weak waist and knees, etc. Tongue: Thin coating & the tongue become larger with indentation. This type of Vitiligo should be treated by tonifying the liver and kidney, removing the wind and enriching the blood.
Recommended Food Sources For Improving Vitiligo Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: (1) Blood Deficiency, Blood Heat, Blood Stagnation, Qi Deficiency and Qi Stagnation.
(2) Also, some herbs and food sources may help like Aloe vera, apple, beetroot, cabbage, carrot, celery, chick peas, coconut oil, cucumber, figs, ginger, gingko biloba leaves, green tea, lemon juice, Mama Cadela roots, mustard, neem, olive leaves, papaya, radish seeds, tamarind, turmeric, yogurt & zucchini, etc.
Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods For Improving Vitiligo Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: Blood Deficiency, Blood Heat, Blood Stagnation, Qi Deficiency and Qi Stagnation. Application Use For Improving Vitiligo You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. Tips For Preventing Vitiligo (1) Tips For Preventing Vitiligo ● Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 prior to going out in the sun.
● Drink adequate water daily at 8-10 glasses.
● Use mild moisturizers to protect your skin from scars and dryness.
(2) Avoidance For Vitiligo
● Avoid tattooing as it might further aggravate your condition.
● Limit the intake of grapes, lemon, soft drinks and fish in your diet.
● Avoid swimming too much because the skin might react with chlorinated water.
(3) How To Prevent Vitiligo Disease?
● Always Apply Sunscreen – If you have a fair complexion and Vitiligo as well, then it is important that you apply sunscreen with SPF 30 before going out in the sun. This will protect you from the harmful Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays of the sun. It will help to reduce the Vitiligo signs on the skin and tanning as well.
● Protect Skin From Cuts And Abrasions – If your skin is prone to Vitiligo, you have to be extra cautious to reduce skin trauma as much as possible. A small cut or abrasion will not only cause bleeding and pain, but there are also high chances of Vitiligo developing in the bruised areas.
● Wash your face regularly with a soap that hydrates your skin. Avoid using soaps that contain chemicals that will have a harsh effect on the skin.
● Make sure you exfoliate your skin and remove the dead cells regularly. Use a scrub that suits your skin.
● Clean your skin twice daily with a mild astringent to keep bacteria and fungi at bay.
● Visit your doctor to find out whether fungal infections are responsible for the white spots on the skin or if it is Vitiligo.
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Warts Facts
Common Warts, especially around the fingernails and toenails, may be difficult to eliminate completely or permanently. If the Wart is gone but the virus remains, Warts may recur. Handling meat as an occupation, will also increase the risk of contracting Warts. A study carried out by the American Academy of Family Physicians showed that 33 percent of slaughterhouse workers and 34 percent of retail butchers have Warts on the hand. Most Warts are harmless, but some strains of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can cause Warts on, in, or around the genitals. These Warts can be more serious. In women, they can potentially lead to cervical, anal, and vulvovaginal cancer. In men, anal cancer and cancer of the glans penis can also occur as a result of infection with some types of genital Warts. Anyone who develops genital Warts, should see their doctor for assessment.
Wart refers to a dermal disease caused by papilloma virus and can be infected by contact. Wart is usually divided into common Wart, flat Wart, plantar Wart and genital Wart. Respectively, they are similar to the syndromes of “ Wart“, “Flat Wart“, “Foot Callosity”, and “Itching Warts ” in Chinese Medicine. It is believed in Chinese Medicine that this disease is caused by invasion and accumulation of the exogenous wind, heat and dampness in the muscles and skin, or by failed nourishment in the tendon and meridian resulting from blood dryness due to the liver deficiency. If the condition lasts for a long time, it may lead to stagnation of Qi and blood in the collaterals.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, they are referred to as the “1000 days eruption” because they commonly last for approximately that duration of time. Warts will attack a specific area of the body and depending on the local areas immunity the Wart may grow. Warts are most commonly found on the hand, fingers, feet, toes, face and around the nails of the hands and feet. They will be rough, round or oval, raised, light grey or yellow, silk like, and most commonly found to be the size of a soy bean. Warts are commonly smaller and larger than this depending on the type and growth rate. Chinese Medicine Cure and Treatment for Warts is Applied Depending upon the Type of Wart and Pattern of Chinese Medicine.
Particulars Description Causes Of Warts ● Blood or Qi Stagnation, Blood or Qi Deficiency. ● Damp-Heat or Toxic-Heat.
● Wind-Damp or Wind-Heat.
● Kidney Yin Deficiency.
● People with a weakened immune system are more likely to have Warts.
Symptoms Of Warts ● May be itchy for some Warts or redness. ● Small, fleshy, grainy bumps.
● Flesh-colored, white, pink or tan.
● Rough to the touch.
● Sprinkled with black pinpoints, which are small, clotted blood vessels, etc.
Recommended Food Sources For Improving Warts (1) Refer to Recommended Food Sources Page: Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, Damp-Heat, Wind-Damp, Wind-Heat, Qi Deficiency, Qi Stagnation & Yin Deficiency. (2) Also, some herbs and food sources may help like Ban Lan Gen, Chinese barley, Chinese yam, green tea, huang qi, licorice & water caltrop, etc.
Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods For Improving Warts Refer to Avoid or Least Intake Of Foods Page: Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, Damp-Heat, Wind-Damp, Wind-Heat, Qi Deficiency, Qi Stagnation & Yin Deficiency. Application Use For Improving Warts You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using. Also, you may use herbs & food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas like Apple cider vinegar, Chinese barley, horsetail, iodine lotion, isatis root, ledebouriella root, menthol oilment & nutgrass root, etc. Prevention of Getting Warts (1) Prevention of Getting Warts ● To reduce the risk of catching or spreading warts:
● Do not touch other people’s warts.
● Do not use other people’s towels, washcloths, or other personal items.
● Do not share shoes and socks with other people.
● Do not scratch warts or verrucae, as this can cause them to spread.
● Wear sandals when entering and exiting communal showers and pools.
● Cover warts or verrucae with a waterproof covering when swimming, and socks or gloves elsewhere, for example at the gym.
● Do not brush, comb, shave, or clip hair in areas that have warts.
● When filing or cutting nails do not use the same utensil on the infected nail and the healthy nails.
● Do not bite fingernails if warts are near them.
● Keep hands as dry as possible.
● Wash hands thoroughly after touching a wart.
● Warts are common, and they can cause embarrassment. May disappear alone, but if they do not, treatment can often help eliminate them.
(2) When should I see a doctor?
It is a good idea to see a doctor if the wart:
● Causes pain.
● Bleeds easily.
● Changes appearance.
● Spreads easily to other parts of the body.
● Comes back after prior removal.
● Appears in an area that leads to constant bumping and bleeding so as to affect daily activities, such as shaving & sports, etc.
● Individuals who want the wart removed for cosmetic reasons should see a doctor.
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Recommended Food Sources for Improving Skin Problems
Patterns Recommended Food Sources Blood Deficiency (For Boils, Dry Skin, Eczema, Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin, Psoriasis, Ringworm, Skin Itching & Rashes, Shingles, Skin Problems During Pregnancy, Skin Tags, Vitiligo, Warts) ● Beans: Almonds, black sesame seeds, black soybeans, cashew nuts, chick peas, Chinese almonds, fava beans, kidney beans, red beans, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, miso paste & tempeh, etc. ● Fruits: Apple, apricot, avocado, berries, cherries, coconut, dates, figs, goji berries, grapes, longan, lychee, mulberries, stewed fruits and especially dark green/ orange/ yellow/ red/ black/ purple & blue fruits, etc.
● Grains: Cooked whole grains, amaranth, roasted barley, brown rice, buckwheat, Chinese barley, glutinous rice, millet, oats, quinoa & wheat bran.
● Herbs & Spices: Dang Shen, dong quai, garlic, ginseng, ginger, Korean ginseng, onions, parsley, turmeric & wheatgrass, etc.
● Meat & Seafood: Animal livers & kidneys, chicken, mussels, octopus, oysters, red meat, deep-sea fish (Eg: sardine & tuna), etc.
● Vegetables: Alfalfa sprouts, artichoke, beetroot, button mushrooms, carrot, corn, dandelion leaf, green peas, kale, leeks, parsnips, pumpkin, shiitake mushrooms, spinach, sweet potatoes, wheatgrass, taro root, yams and especially dark green/ orange/ yellow/ red/ black/ purple & blue vegetables, etc.
● Others: blackstrap molasses, marmite and Teas (Eg: Dang Shen, Dong Quai, ginger, ginseng, turmeric, lavender flowers & rosebuds), etc.
● Food diet should comprise of Proteins only 20-30%, Complex carbohydrates 20-30% like grains and starchy root vegetables & Cooked vegetables 30-40%.
● You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using.
Blood Heat (For Acne, Psoriasis & Vitiligo) ● Beans, Nuts & Seeds: Adzuki beans, almonds, beancurd, bean sprouts, Chinese almonds, green beans, hyacinth beans, lotus seeds, soybeans, miso paste & tempeh, etc. ● Fruits: Banana, cranberries, lemon, loquat, persimmons, watermelon, especially most green/ orange & yellow color fruits, etc.
● Grains: Amaranth, barley, Chinese barley, millet, rice, rye & whole wheat, etc.
● Herbs & Spices: Mulberry leaves & peppermint leaves.
● Meat & Seafood: duck & all fishes.
● Vegetables: Alfalfa sprouts, amaranth leaves, arugula, asparagus, bamboo shoots, bittergourd, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, Chinese cabbage, celery, cucumber, eggplants, kelp, lettuce, lotus root, mushrooms, peas, purslane, radish, spinach, Swiss chard, tomatoes, water chestnuts, watercress, wax gourd, wild rice stems, zucchini especially most green/ orange & yellow color vegetables, etc.
● Others: Coconut oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil and Teas (Eg: Chinese barley, chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum leaves, green tea, mulberry leaves & peppermint leaves), etc.
● Food diet should comprise of Proteins only 20%, Complex carbohydrates 20-30% like grains and starchy root vegetables & Cooked vegetables 50%.
● You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using.
Blood Stagnation (For Acne, Boils, Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin, Psoriasis, Sagging, Wrinkles & Aging Skin, Shingles, Vitiligo, Warts) ● Beans, Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, black beans, chestnuts, Chia seeds, Chinese almonds, flaxseeds, gingko nuts, kidney beans, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds, red beans, walnuts, soybeans, miso paste & tempeh, etc. ● Fruits: Apricot, banana, citrus fruits, hawthorn fruit, lemon, mango, papaya, peach, plum, raisins, sour jujube, sugar cane, especially most green/ orange & yellow color fruits, etc.
● Grains: Amaranth, cereals, oats, quinoa & white rice, etc.
● Herbs & Spices: Alfalfa, basil, Burdock, chives, Dang Shen, garlic, ginger, licorice, lotus leaf, onions, nutmeg, parsley, rosemary, sage, shallots, turmeric & white pepper, etc.
● Meat & Seafood: Abalone, clams, crab, fish, jellyfish, lean meat & sea cucumber, etc.
● Vegetables: Asparagus, black fungus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrot, celery, Chinese radish, eggplants, kelp, leeks, mushrooms, pumpkin, seaweed, spinach, taro root, yams, zucchini especially most green/ orange & yellow color vegetables, etc.
● Others: Brown sugar, healthy oils (eg: canola oil, olive oil, safflower oil), vinegar and Teas (Eg: chrysanthemum, green tea, lavender flowers & rosebuds), etc.
● Food diet should comprise of Proteins only 10%, Complex carbohydrates 30% like grains and starchy root vegetables & Cooked vegetables 40-60%.
● You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using.
Damp-Heat (For Acne, Boils, Eczema, Psoriasis, Ringworm, Skin Itching & Rashes, Shingles, Skin Problems During Pregnancy, Skin Tags, Warts) ● Beans, Nuts & Seeds: Adzuki beans, almonds, beancurd, bean s prouts, Chinese almonds, green beans, hyacinth beans, lotus seeds, soybeans, miso paste & tempeh, etc. ● Fruits: Banana, cranberries, lemon, loquat, persimmons, watermelon, especially most green/ orange & yellow color fruits, etc.
● Grains: Amaranth, barley, Chinese barley, millet, rice, rye & whole wheat, etc.
● Herbs & Spices: Mulberry leaves and Peppermint.
● Meat & Seafood: duck & all fishes.
● Vegetables: Alfalfa sprouts, amaranth leaves, arugula, asparagus, bamboo shoots, bittergourd, bok choy, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, Chinese cabbage, celery, cucumber, eggplants, kelp, lettuce, lotus root, mushrooms, peas, purslane, radish, spinach, Swiss chard, tomatoes, water chestnuts, watercress, wax gourd, wild rice stems, zucchini especially most green/ orange & yellow color vegetables, etc.
● Others: Coconut oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil and Teas (Eg: Chinese barley, chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum leaves, green tea, mulberry leaves & peppermint), etc.
● Food diet should comprise of Proteins only 20%, Complex carbohydrates 20-30% like grains and starchy root vegetables & Cooked vegetables 50%.
● You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using.
Liver-Fire (For Skin Tags) ● Bean, Nuts & Seeds: Beancurd, green beans, soybean products, miso paste, tempeh & yogurt, etc. ● Fruits: Apples, banana, Chinese pears, kiwi, mangoes, pears, watermelons and especially green/ orange & yellow fruits, etc.
● Grains: Barley, Chinese barley, millet, oats, rice & wheat, etc.
● Herbs & Spices: Mulberry leaves & peppermint leaves.
● Meat & Seafood: Black-boned chicken, clams, crab & oysters, pigeon eggs, etc.
● Vegetables: Asparagus, alfalfa sprouts, arugula, avocado, bamboo shoots, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplant, kelp, lettuce, purslane, radish, seaweed, spinach, Swiss chard, tomatoes, water chestnut, watercress, zucchini especially green/ orange & yellow vegetables, etc.
● Others: Teas (Eg: Chrysanthemum, green tea, lotus leaf, mulberry leaves & peppermint leaves, etc).
● Food diet should comprise of Proteins only 10%, Complex carbohydrates 30% like grains and starchy root vegetables & Cooked vegetables 40-60%.
● You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using.
Lung’s Heat (For Acne) ● Bean, Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, Beancurd, green beans, soybeans, soymilk, miso paste & tempeh, etc. ● Fruits: Apples, lemon, peaches, pears, strawberries, watermelons and especially most green/ orange/ yellow/ white, tan & brown color fruits, etc.
● Grains: Barley, Chinese barley, millet, wheat, white rice, etc.
● Herbs & Spices: Peppermint & Mulberry leaves.
● Meat & Seafood: Fish & chicken.
● Vegetables: Asparagus, bamboo shoots, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cucumber, eggplants, grapefruit, green bean sprouts, kelp, lettuce, mushrooms, persimmon, pumpkin, radish, seaweeds, spinach, spirulina, Swiss Chard, tomatoes, watercress, zucchini and especially most green/ orange/ yellow/ white, tan & brown color vegetables, etc.
● Others: Teas (Eg: Chrysanthemum, Chrysanthemum leaves, green tea & Peppermint, etc).
● Food diet should comprise of Proteins only 10%, Complex carbohydrates 30% like grains and starchy root vegetables & Cooked vegetables 40-60%.
● You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using.
Lung Wind-Cold (For Skin Itching & Rashes) ● Beans, Nuts & Seeds: Black beans, chestnuts, Chinese almonds, chick peas, lotus seeds, walnuts, miso paste & tempeh, etc. ● Fruits: Berries, black dates, honey dates, red dates and especially most red/ black/ purple/ blue & green fruits, etc.
● Grains: Barley, Chinese barley, glutinous rice, oats & white rice, etc.
● Herbs & Spices: Black pepper, cardamom, chives, cloves, cinnamon, coriander, dong quai, garlic, ginger, green spring onions, fennel, leeks, magnolia flowers, onions, perillia leaf, rosemary, star anise & turmeric, etc.
● Meat, Poultry & Seafood: Beef, chicken, lamb, prawns & fish (Eg: Anchovy, mackerel, salmon & tuna), etc.
● Vegetables: Kudzu root, lily bulbs, parsnips, radish and especially most red/ black/ purple/ blue & green vegetables, etc.
● Others: Baked or roasted foods, maltose, rice syrup, soups & Teas (Eg: Chinese barley, cinnamon, ginger, rosemary & turmeric), etc.
● Food diet should comprise of Proteins only 10-20%, Complex carbohydrates 40-60% like grains and starchy root vegetables & Cooked vegetables 30-40%.
● You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using.
Lung Wind-Damp (For Ringworm & Warts) ● Beans, Nuts & Seeds: Black beans, Chinese almonds, flaxseeds, green beans, kidney beans & lotus seeds, etc. ● Fruits: Berries, cherries, papaya and especially most green/ orange & yellow fruits, etc.
● Grains: Barley, Chinese barley, white rice & rye, etc.
● Herbs & Spices: Basil, cilantro, ginger, oregano, peppermint, rosemary & turmeric, etc
● Meat, Poultry & Seafood: Eel, quail eggs & sardines, etc.
● Vegetables: Alfalfa sprouts, lily bulbs, mushrooms, mustard greens, radish and especially most green/ orange & yellow vegetables, etc.
● Others: Healthy oils (Eg: Canola oil, coconut oil, Chia seeds oil, olive oil & sunflower oil) and Teas (Eg: Basil, Chinese barley, ginger, peppermint, rosemary & turmeric), etc.
● Food diet should comprise of Proteins only 10%, Complex carbohydrates 30% like grains and starchy root vegetables & Cooked vegetables 40-60%.
● You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using.
Lung Wind-Heat (For Boils, Dry Skin, Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin, Ringworm, Skin Itching & Rashes, Shingles, Skin Problems During Pregnancy, Warts) ● Beans, Nuts & Seeds: Beancurd, Chinese almonds, green beans, lotus seeds, red beans, soybeans, miso paste & tempeh, etc. ● Fruits: Chinese pears, cranberries, goji berries, lemons, olives, persimmons, watermelons and especially most green/ orange/ yellow/ white/ tan & brown fruits, etc.
● Grains: barley, Chinese barley, millet, white rice, rye & whole wheat, etc.
● Herbs & Spices: Dang Shen, green tea, lotus leaf, mulberry leaves, peppermint & tangerine peel, etc.
● Meat, Poultry & Seafood: Chicken & fish.
● Vegetables: Alfalfa sprouts, amaranth leaves, arugula, asparagus, bamboo shoots, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, carrots, celery, Chinese spinach, eggplants, kelp, kudzu root, lettuce, lily bulb, lotus root, peas, mushrooms, purslane, radish, spinach, Swiss chard, tomatoes, watercress, white fungus and especially most green/ orange/ yellow/ white/ tan & brown vegetables, etc.
● Others: Teas (Eg: Chinese barley, chrysanthemum, chrysanthemum leaves, green tea, honeysuckle flowers, mulberry leaves, peppermint & tangerine peel), etc.
● Food diet should comprise of Proteins only 10%, Complex carbohydrates 30% like grains and starchy root vegetables & Cooked vegetables 40-60%.
● You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using.
Qi Deficiency (For Boils, Eczema, Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin, Sagging, Wrinkles & Aging Skin, Shingles, Skin Tags, Vitiligo, Warts) ● Bean, Nuts & Seeds: Black beans, chick peas, chestnuts, fava beans, kidney beans, lotus seeds & walnuts, etc. ● Fruits: Dates, cherries, figs, stewed fruits, sugarcane, especially most green/ orange & yellow color fruits, etc.
● Grains: Cooked whole grains (Eg: amaranth rice, buckwheat, cereals, oats, brown rice, millet & quinoa), hulled wheat, roasted barley, etc.
● Herbs & Spices: Black pepper, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, fennel, nutmeg, onions & turmeric, etc.
● Meat & Seafood: Fish (Eg: Anchovy, catfish, eel, mackerel, perch & tuna, etc). In moderation for beef, chicken, duck & mutton, etc.
● Vegetables: Carrots, corn, green peas, leeks, mushrooms, parsnips, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, turnips, yam, zucchini especially most green/ orange & yellow color vegetables, etc.
● Others: Blackstrap molasses, maltose, rice syrup and Teas (Eg: cinnamon, ginger, fennel & nutmeg, etc).
● Food diet should comprise of Proteins only 10-20%, Complex carbohydrates 40-60% like grains and starchy root vegetables & Cooked vegetables 30-40%.
● You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using.
Qi Stagnation (For Acne, Boils, Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin, Psoriasis, Skin Itching & Rashes, Sagging, Wrinkles & Aging Skin, Shingles, Skin Tags, Vitiligo, Warts) ● Beans, Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, beancurd, Chinese almonds, red beans & walnuts, etc. ● Fruits: black dates, cherries, citrus fruits, grapefruits, hawthorn fruit, loquats, red dates, tangerines, tangerine peel, especially most green/ orange& yellow color fruits, etc.
● Grains: Barley, buckwheat, Chinese barley & white rice, etc.
● Herbs & Spices: Basil, caraway seeds, cardamom, cumin, dill, fennel, garlic, ginger, horseradish, mustard seeds, onions, peppers, peppermint & turmeric, etc.
● Meat & Seafood: All fishes.
● Vegetables: Artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, Chinese chives, Chinese radish, lily bulbs, kelp, mustard greens, pickled vegetables, pumpkin, seaweed, sweet potatoes, turnips, watercress, water chestnuts, wheat, yam, zucchini especially most green/ orange & yellow color vegetables, etc.
● Others: Blackstrap molasses, olive oil and Teas (Eg: Chamomile, chrysanthemum, ginger, jasmine flowers, milk thistle, peppermint, rosebuds & saffron), etc.
● Food diet should comprise of Proteins only 10%, Complex carbohydrates 30% like grains and starchy root vegetables & Cooked vegetables 40-60%.
● You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using.
Yin Deficiency (For Boils, Dry Skin, Eczema, Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin, Ringworm, Shingles & Skin Problems During Pregnancy, Warts) ● Beans: All nuts & seeds, beancurd, bean sprouts, adzuki beans, mung beans, miso paste & tempeh, etc. ● Fruits: Apples, banana, coconut, grapes, melons, mulberries, peaches, pears, plums, pomegranate, raisins, especially most white/ tan & brown color fruits, etc.
● Grains: Barley, Chinese barley, millet, oats, wheat & white rice, etc.
● Herbs & Spices: American ginseng, Cordyceps, Dang Shen, mulberry leaves & wheatgrass, etc.
● Meat & Seafood: All seafood & white meat.
● Vegetables: Beets, black fungus, cabbage, carrots, celery, kelp, lettuce, lily bulbs, lotus root, mushrooms, pumpkin, seaweed, spinach, string beans, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, wheatgrass, white fungus, zucchini, especially most white/ tan & brown color vegetables, etc.
● Others: Blackstrap molasses, honey, marmite, vegemite, dairy products in moderation (Eg: eggs, milk & yogurt), healthy oils (Eg: almond oil, flaxseed oil, olive oil) and Teas (Eg: Chinese barley, mulberry leaves & peppermint), etc. Advisable to drink water, fruit juices & soups regularly.
● Food diet should comprise of Proteins only 10-20%, more on Complex carbohydrates like grains and starchy root vegetables & Cooked vegetables 40%.
● You may use the Recommended food sources to apply on your skin’s affected areas. Advisable to seek your health expert’s advice before using.
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Avoid Or Least Intake Of Foods for Improving Skin Problems
Patterns Food Sources To Avoid Or Least Intake Blood Deficiency (For Boils, Dry Skin, Eczema, Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin, Psoriasis, Ringworm, Skin Itching & Rashes, Shingles, Skin Problems During Pregnancy, Skin Tags, Vitiligo, Warts) ● Alcohol, caffeine beverages, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, cold or raw foods (Eg: iced drinks, salads or white/ tan & brown fruits & vegetables), dairy products (Eg: butter, cheese, eggs & milk except yogurt), fried or greasy foods, processed foods, seaweed, spinach, sprouts, soybean products, tomatoes, wheat products & refined sugars (Eg: biscuits, cakes & pastries), etc. ● Avoid smoking & stress.
Blood Heat (For Acne, Psoriasis & Vitiligo) ● Alcohol, carbonated beverages, caffeine beverages, cold & raw foods (Eg: iced drinks, raw meat, salads or white/ tan & brown fruits & vegetables), dairy products (Eg: butter, cheese, eggs & milk except yogurt), fried or greasy foods, processed foods, pungent herbs (Eg: basil, capsicum, chili, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger, horseradish, leeks, onions, shallots, turmeric), red meat, refined sugars (Eg: biscuits, cakes & pastries), salt, shrimps, spicy foods, etc. ● Excessive of Vitamin C (Not more than 3,000 mg).
● Do not take too much medications.
● Avoid smoking & stress.
Blood Stagnation (For Acne, Boils, Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin, Psoriasis, Sagging, Wrinkles & Aging Skin, Shingles, Vitiligo, Warts) ● Alcohol, all nuts & seeds except those stated in Recommended food sources, caffeine beverages, carbonated beverages, chocolate, cold or raw foods (Eg: iced drinks, salads or white/ tan & brown fruits & vegetables), dairy products (Eg: butter, cheese, eggs & milk except yogurt), fried or greasy foods, grains (Eg: brown rice & millet), processed foods, refined sugars (Eg: biscuits, cakes & pastries), red meat, salt, spicy foods & tomatoes, etc. ● Excessive of Vitamin C (Not more than 3,000 mg).
● Avoid smoking.
Damp-Heat (For Acne, Boils, Eczema, Skin Itching & Rashes, Psoriasis, Ringworm, Shingles, Skin Problems During Pregnancy, Skin Tags, Warts) ● Alcohol, carbonated beverages, caffeine beverages, cold & raw foods (Eg: iced drinks, raw meat, salads or white/ tan & brown fruits & vegetables), dairy products (Eg: butter, cheese, eggs & milk except yogurt), fried or greasy foods, processed foods, pungent herbs (Eg: basil, capsicum, chili, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger, horseradish, leeks, onions, shallots, turmeric), red meat, refined sugars (Eg: biscuits, cakes & pastries), salt, shrimps, spicy foods, etc. ● Do not take foods too fast or too many medications.
● Avoid smoking.
Liver-Fire (For Skin Tags) ● Alcohol, caffeine beverages, carbonated beverages, chocolates, citrus fruits, fried or greasy foods, processed foods, pungent herbs (Eg: basil, capsicum, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger, horseradish, leeks, onions, shallots, etc), red meat, shrimps, spicy foods & vinegar, etc. ● Avoid smoking & stress.
Lung’s Heat (For Acne) ● Alcohol, caffeine beverages, carbonated beverages, chocolates, fried or greasy foods, processed foods, pungent herbs (Eg: basil, capsicum, chilli, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger, horseradish, leeks, onions, shallots), red meat, salt, shrimps, spicy foods & vinegar, etc. ● Avoid furry animals, smoking & stress.
Lung Wind-Cold (For Skin Itching & Rashes) ● Alcohol, beancurd, caffeine beverages, carbonated beverages, chocolates, citrus fruits, cold or raw foods (Eg: iced drinks, raw meat, salads or white/ tan & brown fruits & vegetables) & dairy products (Eg: butter, cheese, eggs, milk except yogurt), fried or greasy foods, processed foods, refined sugars (Eg: biscuits, cakes & pastries), soybeans products except miso paste & tempeh, spinach, Swiss chard, tomatoes, vinegar & hydrogenated oils, etc. ● Excessive of Vitamin C (Not more than 3,000 mg).
● Avoid furry animals, smoking & stress.
Lung Wind-Damp (For Ringworm & Warts) ● Alcohol, beancurd, caffeine beverages, carbonated beverages, chocolates, citrus fruits, cold or raw foods (Eg: iced drinks, raw meat, salads or white/ tan & brown fruits & vegetables) & dairy products (Eg: butter, cheese, eggs, milk except yogurt), eggplants, fried or greasy foods, persimmons, processed foods & refined sugars (Eg: biscuits, cakes & pastries), etc. ● Excessive of Vitamin C (Not more than 3,000 mg).
● Avoid furry animals, smoking & stress.
Lung Wind-Heat (For Boils, Dry Skin, Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin, Ringworm, Skin Itching & Rashes, Shingles, Skin Problems During Pregnancy, Warts) ● Alcohol, caffeine beverages, carbonated beverages, cheese, chocolates, citrus fruits, dairy products (Eg: butter, cheese, eggs, milk except yogurt), fried or greasy foods, peanuts, pickles, processed foods, pungent herbs (Eg: basil, capsicum, chilli, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger, horseradish, leeks, onions, shallots), red meat, salt, shrimps, spicy foods & vinegar, etc. ● Avoid smoking.
Qi Deficiency (For Boils, Eczema, Freckles, Sagging, Wrinkles & Aging Skin, Shingles, Skin Tags, Vitiligo, Warts) ● Alcohol, caffeine beverages, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, cold or raw foods (Eg: iced drinks, salads or white/ tan & brown fruits & vegetables), dairy products (Eg: butter, cheese, eggs & milk except yogurt), fried or greasy foods, processed foods, seaweed, spinach, sprouts, soybean products, tomatoes, wheat products & refined sugars (Eg: biscuits, cakes & pastries), etc. ● Avoid smoking & stress.
Qi Stagnation (For Acne, Boils, Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin, Psoriasis, Skin Itching & Rashes, Sagging, Wrinkles & Aging Skin, Shingles, Skin Tags, Vitiligo, Warts) ● Alcohol, all nuts & seeds except those stated in Recommended food sources, caffeine beverages, carbonated beverages, cheese, chocolate, cold or raw foods (Eg: iced drinks, salads or white/ tan & brown fruits & vegetables), dairy products (Eg: butter, cheese, eggs & milk except yogurt), fried or greasy foods, grains (Eg: Brown rice & millet), processed foods, raw vegetables juices, refined sugars (Eg: biscuits, cakes & pastries), red meat, salt, spicy foods & tomatoes, etc. ● Avoid smoking.
Yin Deficiency (For Boils, Dry Skin, Eczema, Freckles & Hyperpigmentation Skin, Ringworm, Shingles & Skin Problems During Pregnancy, Warts) ● Alcohol, caffeine beverages, carbonated beverages, citrus fruits, pickles, pungent herbs (Eg: Basil, capsicum, cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger, horseradish, leeks, onions, shallots, turmeric), red meat, shrimps, spicy foods & vinegar, etc. ● Avoid smoking.
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Supplementary For Improving Skin’s Problems
● Herbs: Aloe Vera, Amercian Ginseng, Burdock, Chorella, Dandelion, Dang Shen, Dong Quai, Gingko Biloba, Grapeseed, Kelp, Licorice, Lingzhi, Olive, Mulberry Leaves, Panax Ginseng, Spirulina, Turmeric and Uva Ursi, etc.
● Amino Acids, Vitamins & Minerals: Alpha Lipoic Acid, Co-Enzyme Q10, Essential Fatty Acids, Lysine, Proline, Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Biotin, Copper, Selenium and Zinc, etc.
● Others: Bird’s Nest, Gelatin (Animal sources: Cattle, chicken, fish & pigs and Non-Animal sources: Algae, Coral Grass & Carrageenan – Irish moss seaweed, etc), Hasma, Marine Collagen and Royal Jelly, etc.
Note:
(1) To take supplements at an interval of 1 to 2 hours from caffeine beverages or medication.
(2) Consult health experts’ advice shall you need to take any supplements, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or having any medical conditions.
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Alternative Therapies For Improving Skin’s Problems
● Acupuncture & Acupressure: Acupuncture & Acupressure therapy help to stop skin itching, relieve pain, calming the spirit, eliminating skin inflammation, regulating blood vessel dilation and constriction, etc.
● Exercises: Exercising will help you to sweat out, aids toxins elimination through the skin, improves lymphatic circulation and metabolism. Exercise helps reduce stress too.
● Lymph drainage or Tuina Massage: These therapies help to stimulate lymph circulation, drain out fats, fluids, toxins & other waste materials from your cells, thus will improve skin health.
● Sauna, Steam bath or Footbath: Sauna, Steam bath or Footbath are excellent way to sweat out toxins through the skin & cleanse your body’s system.
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When To See A Medical Expert For Your Skin Problems
Being the first line of defense against the external environmental toxins, you should see your doctor when you have one or more of the following signs and symptoms:
● Signs of inflammation (redness, heat, swelling, pain and fever).
● Signs of infection (pus, fever, swelling and pain).
● Allergic reaction (itching, redness, hives or skin rash, and heat).
● Abnormal skin moles (irregular shape, large, painful or itching).
● New nodules, lumps or skin discoloration.
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How to Protect Your Skin To Improve Better Skin Health
● Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight (use sunscreens, sunblocks and protective clothes). Apply a sunscreen of high ‘sun protection factor’ whenever you have to go out in the sun. Add a broad-brimmed hat to your wardrobe and use it when out in the sun. The broad rim will shield your face from direct sunlight. Avoid going out from 10 am to 4 pm when the sunrays are maximum. Use sun block lotion each time you go for a swim and reapply every two hours in case of heavy perspiration.
● Regular cleaning with soap and water.
● Regular checks of moles, skin creases, sweaty areas (between toes, armpits or groin area).
● Apply Topical moisturizers (to prevent dryness and cracks).
● Avoid walking bare footed.
● Avoid Possible topical allergens: Switch to perfume-free, fragrance-free & natural extracts for face care, body care, detergents and cleaning products. Use essential oils rather than fragrance oils.
● Vacuum regularly to avoid dust mites and reduce exposure to animal hairs (if you have pets). Dust frequently. Remove any mold in the house if present.
● Healthy Food Diet: 50% of Color fruits & vegetables, 25% of Proteins (Fish, poultry), 25% of Wholegrains and 8-10 glasses of water including soups & teas. Add fermented foods (Acidophilus, coconut kefir, dark chocolate, kimichi & yogurt, etc) for a healthy gut.
● Avoid Unhealthy Foods: Alcohol, carbonated & caffeine beverages, Dairy products (Cheese, eggs, milk EXCEPT Yogurt), Allergy foods (Most nuts, mango, papaya, peanuts, strawberries, red meat & shellfish, etc), Gluten foods (Barley, corn, rye & wheat), greasy foods, peanuts, processed foods, spicy goods, salt & sugar, etc. You can avoid these Allergy & Gluten foods for 2 weeks then slowly re-introduce one food group every week to determine if a flare-up occurs.
● Avoid Smoking: Smoking decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair.