Home Remedies for Skin Disease

The skin is your body’s first defense against the elements. Be it rain, sun, cold, bacteria and other microorganisms, or simple cuts and scrapes, your skin protects the rest of your body by putting itself in the line of fire. Under these circumstances, it is no wonder that skin ailments are such a common occurrence. Any ailment that affects the skin is known as a skin disease. In scientific terminology, all skin diseases are referred to as dermatosis.

Symptoms of Skin Diseases

The symptoms of skin diseases are as varied as the causes. Some of the most common symptoms include inflammation, itching, blisters, and dryness. Many times the symptoms may overlap each other and it takes a specialized skin doctor, also known as a dermatologist, to get to the root of the problem.

Causes of Skin Disease

Skin diseases may be caused due to local problems (such as eczema), or may be exhibited due to a deeper underlying condition (such as acne). It may even be caused due to an auto immune disease (such as psoriasis) or due to infestations by tiny insects (such as scabies). Let us take a look at some of the common skin diseases and their causes:

1. Acne: Acne is a condition that affects almost every individual during puberty. It is caused when hormonal imbalances in the body which are experienced mainly during puberty, cause the production of excess oil (sebum) on the skin. This oil blocks the pores of the skin, trapping any bacteria that reside in the pores, and providing them with ideal conditions to grow and multiply. The trapped bacteria and dirt lead to inflammations which are termed as acne or pimples.

2. Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease that affects the skin as well as the joints. As is the case with many auto-immune disorders, the exact causes behind psoriasis are unclear; however, it is presumed that an accumulation of toxins in the body may be the root cause.

3. Eczema: Eczema is characterized by extremely dry skin that frequently develops rashes and may sometimes also ooze fluids or blood. Eczema may either be genetic or may be caused by external factors such as harmful chemicals.

Home Remedies for Skin Disease

Home remedies offer an inexpensive and safe option for treating skin diseases. For example, regularly washing your face with a face wash that contains tea tree oil, a natural antibacterial agent, helps to kill the bacteria residing in the pores of the skin and helps to reduce instances of acne. Epsom salt baths or mud baths coupled with frequent exposure to sunlight are excellent home remedies for psoriasis. The application of oatmeal or seawater can help reduce the inflammation and itchiness associated with eczema.

Diet for Skin Disease

A proper, well-balanced diet that contains all the essential nutrients helps to keep you healthy and is also good for the skin. Consuming fresh fruit and vegetables is especially beneficial in treating conditions such as psoriasis. Eczema can sometimes be triggered by food allergies, so it is a good idea to identify and avoid any food sources that aggravate this condition.

Other Suggestions for Skin Disease

Regular exercise not only keeps your body healthy but is also good for your skin. Exercise promotes the circulation of blood throughout the body and ensures that your skin gets an adequate supply of nutrients and oxygen. Exercise also promotes sweat, which is an excellent way of releasing toxins through the pores of the skin.