If you suffer from a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, athlete’s foot or warts, then you know that almost any treatment is worth pursuing. The discomfort and embarrassment caused by these conditions can be overwhelming and that’s why people have been turning to both traditional and natural treatments for generations to try and get some relief.
Traditional medications can be extremely beneficial and so too can natural treatments. The existence of both approaches offers much greater flexibility in terms of treatment, which is important since no two cases of any skin condition are exactly alike. But with a world of natural options available, nobody has to suffer from common symptoms like itching, redness, cracking, burning and dryness anymore. No matter what the condition, there is an answer in the world of organic treatment.
Why Try Natural Approaches To Skin Problems?
The skin is, in fact, a vital organ. Actually it is the largest of the organs and unlike any other, it is directly exposed to the elements and to outside irritants. That makes it our first line of defense against infection and illness but also makes it very sensitive to bacteria, fungus and allergens alike.
As a result, skin conditions are among the most common medical complaints and treatments require a very delicate approach. When you take all of this into consideration, it is no wonder that so many people opt for natural treatments for their skin. While traditional medications can certainly have their advantages they are not without potential drawbacks. Primary among these is the potential for serious side effects.
Since the synthetic ingredients contained in many traditional medications cannot be automatically absorbed by the body, they can linger and cause a host of unpleasant effects. Also, treatment for some skin conditions may require prolonged use of these medications, which can leave your body exposed to these side effects for quite some time. All of this makes the use of natural products that much more attractive to many people.
Ingredients such as aloe vera, manuka honey and tea tree oil can provide a natural source of moisture, soothing relief from itching, the ability to cleanse the body of toxins and a source of nutrients to help skin heal from the inside out. And because they are completely natural, they do so without exposing you to potentially harmful side effects.
Below you will find some of the most popular natural treatments for skin conditions. On each page you will learn what you can treat with each and how it compares with more traditional treatments. You might be surprised to learn that everything from acne to eczema to dermatitis to warts can be effectively treated with natural options. That’s welcome news for those who may suffer side effects from prescription medications and creams.
| Aloe Vera | Green Tea | Vitamin A |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | Honey | Vitamin B |
| Avocado | Jojoba Oil | Vitamin C |
| Beta Carotene | Sea Salt | Vitamin D |
| Coconut Oil | Shea Butter | Vitamin E |
| Fish Oil | Tea Tree Oil | Zinc Oxide |
What Conditions Can Benefit From This Approach?
People have actually been using natural skin treatments since ancient times, when women first realized that milk, honey and certain plants could help their skin to look and feel softer and younger. Over time, the scientific community stepped in and soon the benefits of natural products were being touted to treat athlete’s foot to acne and everything in between.
Acne in particular responds well to certain natural treatments, including Vitamin A and tea tree oil. These substances have been shown to dry up excess oil and reduce the appearance of pimples. In fact, a study conducted in 2004 also proved the usefulness of tea tree oil in helping to heal wounds by killing off bacteria.
Still another study at the University of Maryland proved the effectiveness of lavender on a number of conditions, including eczema and fungal infections. Turmeric, which grows wild in India and Pakistan, has been shown to provide relief for psoriasis and other skin conditions.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these natural wonders. New studies are cropping up every day that just add to the mounting evidence of the value of this approach. And the medical and cosmetic industries have responded with a number of products that contain natural ingredients. Access to natural treatments has never been easier…your local drugstore, cosmetic aisle and the internet are all well stocked with natural products.
When Is Traditional The Better Choice?
Of course, even the natural world is not without its potential problems. As noted above, not every individual will respond the same to each treatment. Individuals who are highly allergic may have trouble using natural products to treat skin conditions as they may just trigger allergic reaction, making the irritation worse. In other cases, symptoms may simply fail to respond to more gentle, natural treatment and may require a more powerful approach.
Whatever your particular condition, you should always consult with your doctor and assess all of your options so that you can make an informed decision and find the treatment approach that works best for you. Just remember to keep an open mind and consider the advantages of natural treatment. Your body just may thank you for it!