Skin Irritations / Eczema / Psoriasis

–Dr. Conan Shaw, Functional Medicine, Certified Clinical Nutritionist – Pittsburgh, PA

When there is a problem with your skin, like eczema or psoriasis, it means that there is an internal problem, usually in the Liver or Colon, and the symptom shows up externally as inflammation or irritation. This dermal symptom does not mean that the body is deficient in a topical cream. It means that there is an internal biochemical imbalance that needs to be corrected. This skin irritation can be from a food sensitivity, a medication interaction, a hormone imbalance, a virus, exposure to mold toxins or overload from exposure to chemicals in the day to day environment. Psoriasis or Eczema can be from a combination of dozens of other factors.

The Functional Medicine, Clinical Nutrition approach to treating a skin disorder is to first find out what is causing the internal problem and correct it. Second, the function of the body, liver and digestive system need to be improved to be stronger than the potential challenges the body is under on any given day. Once the food and environmental based triggers are removed and the body is healthier, there are usually no more skin symptoms.

This approach needs to be followed by a proper education on preventing re-exposure to an environment that allows the internal damage to occur. This can constitute a number of different functional systems and can be very confusing if you do not know where the problem started. Fortunately, I specialize in working with the functional changes in your body to correct the cause of the symptoms and remove the skin disorder.

In working with a Functional Medicine, Clinical Nutritionist you will hear the word “functional” quite a bit. What we are referring to is that not all problems show up in your blood work, and there may be a more subtle change in your system that is not bad enough to raise the red flags for your medical doctor.

It is important to note that when your medical history and health related goals are explored, those consultations are held directly with me, not an untrained individual, a staff member, a questionnaire or a computer program. When you come to my office you are not signing up for a “program” and paying money in advance for care that has not yet been rendered. Your care is unique to your individual concerns and will be treated accordingly.

I look forward to working with you directly to identify your health related concerns. — Dr. Conan Shaw Functional Medicine, Certified Clinical Nutritionist, Pittsburgh PA