282: Metabolic Dysfunction Disaster Fueling Skin Problems w/ Dr. Robert Lustig

enFebruary 23, 2023

The Healthy Skin Show

About this Episode

You go to the doctor, get blood panels run, but you're told you're fine. However, you don't feel well. Have you ever felt that maybe there's a step missing somewhere or something is just being overlooked?? Today you'll hear from someone who might be able to give you some insight on why things have shifted in the medical system and what you can do to support health, especially your mitochondrial health.

My guest today is Dr. Robert Lustig, MD, MSL. He is Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology and Member of the Institute for Health Policy Studies at UCSF. Dr. Lustig is a neuroendocrinologist, with expertise in metabolism, obesity, and nutrition. He is one of the leaders of the current “anti-sugar” movement that is changing the food industry. Dr. Lustig graduated from MIT in 1976, and received his M.D. from Cornell University Medical College in 1980. He also received his Masters of Studies in Law (MSL) degree at University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 2013.

I'd love to hear if something really stuck out to you in this interview! Share with me in the comments below!

In this episode:

What is metabolic health + what all does it affect?
Insight on the liver enzyme ALT + how it's normal range has changed
What are Dr. Lustig's "Hateful Eight" for metabolic health?
Thoughts about why the diabetes diagnosis is exploding
Glucose vs. fructose - which is worse?
The importance of fiber

Quotes

"It makes sense that the disease of alcohol and the disease of sugar should be the same, and that's why children now get type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease without alcohol." [5:01]

"It turns out there are a whole lot of mitochondrial toxins out in our environment. But the mitochondrial toxin that you have the most control over, that you could deal with yourself in a flash and get rid of about 85% of the mitochondrial dysfunction in your body in one fell swoop, is the molecule fructose, which is one half of sugar." [20:17]

Links

Follow Dr. Lustig on Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn

Check out a charity Dr. Lustig supports: Eat REAL

Get ALL of Dr. Lustig's books:

Looking for some healthy snacks made from REAL food? Try PaleoValley!

Healthy Skin Show ep. 007: How To Combat Your Chronic Skin Issues By Helping Your Liver w/ Dr. Alan Christianson

Healthy Skin Show ep. 047: Will A Liver Detox Help My Skin Rashes?

Recent Episodes from The Healthy Skin Show

334: When Liver Detox Problems Become Fatty Liver Disease w/ Dr. Ilana Gurevich

Did you know that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common type of liver disease? (And it absolutely is tied to skin issues too!)

Fatty liver disease, also now referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease, is the result of inflammation.

It is associated with other common health issues like high lipids, high blood sugar, metabolic syndrome, and autoimmune disease.

The good news is, in the early stages, when you’re just starting to show fatty liver signs (like elevated liver enzymes), fatty liver is reversible!

To share more valuable information about this liver disease, like fatty liver symptoms, how to get diagnosed, NAFLD treatment, and fatty liver diet, I’m joined by Dr. Ilana Gurevich.

Dr. Gurevich is a board-certified naturopathic gastroenterologist and a fellow of the American Board of Naturopathic Gastroenterology. She graduated from the in 2007 with her doctorate in naturopathic medicine from NUNM.

She runs a gastroenterology-focused private practice in Portland, Oregon specializing in treating IBD, IBS, SIBO and other functional GI disorders. She is an educator who lectures about both conventional and natural treatments for gastrointestinal conditions, and is a mentor for physicians, helping them navigate complex GI disorders.

Dr. Gurevich was nominated as a Top Doc by Portland Monthly in 2014, 2016, 2020, and 2021. She was the recipient of the 2022 Borborygmus Lifetime Achievement Award by the GastroANP.

In This Episode:

What is liver disease?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): The most common liver disease
How inflammation causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (aka metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease)
How does high blood sugar affect liver cells?
Nervous system-liver connection
What causes fatty liver disease symptoms?
Microbiome-liver health connection
How is fatty liver disease diagnosed?
Who is at risk for fatty liver disease?
Fatty liver treatment options
Is drinking coffee or coffee enemas helpful for liver health?

Quotes

“The liver…is the largest organ of detoxification, second to the skin. And because of that, everything is running through it, including all of the pesticides, toxins, immunological factors and everything else that we're exposed to on a daily basis. And in today's day and age, it's very, very easy to make that load on the liver too heavy. When that load on the liver is too heavy, you can get progressive liver disease.”

“Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common liver disease that's out there. And it is associated with a lot of other diseases…It is associated with high lipids. It is associated with high blood sugars and metabolic syndrome…There are factors of liver disease that tie into almost every autoimmune disease, and the sicker you are, the more weight that liver is carrying, so the more likely you are to have an inflammatory process of the liver.”

Links

Find Dr. Gurevich online

Research: https://elifesciences.org/articles/44116

Turd Nerds Podcast

Healthy Skin Show ep. 282: Metabolic Dysfunction Disaster Fueling Skin Problems w/ Dr. Robert Lustig

Healthy Skin Show ep. 047: Will A Liver Detox Help My Skin Rashes?

Healthy Skin Show ep. 177: Liver Detox - Skin Rash Connection, Part 1

Healthy Skin Show ep. 186: Liver Detox - Skin Rash Connection, Part 2

Healthy Skin Show ep. 190: Liver Detox - Skin Rash Connection, Part 3

Healthy Skin Show ep. 242: When A Liver Detox Can Help Your Skin (And When It Can’t)

The Healthy Skin Show

enMarch 13, 2024

333: Guttate + Scalp Psoriasis Treatment (Case Study With LOADS Of Hidden Triggers)

If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to unravel the frustrating symptoms of scalp psoriasis with a more natural or integrative approach, you’re in for a treat.

I’m sharing a case study from one of my real-life psoriasis clients who has lived with both scalp psoriasis and guttate psoriasis on her body for nearly 30 years.

When my client first found me, she was pretty sick – struggling with more than just her skin.

And I find that many psoriasis warriors don’t know about the deep connections of psoriasis to other body systems (aka. comorbidities).

By just trying diets, cleanses or detoxes, it can feel like you’re doomed to suffer with psoriasis, but research shows us that there’s so much more going on under the surface.

And as a result, it means that there is actually a lot that you can do – even if diet changes aren’t working.

I shared another case study on an eczema client a few weeks ago and it’s my hope that this will be just as helpful!

So let’s dive in…

In This Episode:

Complex scalp psoriasis case with TONS of inflammation (my own client)
What her psoriasis (scalp and guttate) history looked like before we started working together
Assessments I used to uncover hidden root causes of her psoriasis
Key clinical findings of her guttate and scalp psoriasis (and other symptoms)
Other body systems that CAN’T be ignored in psoriasis
Where my client is on her psoriasis-healing journey

Quotes

“The sheer severity and number of times my client had food poisoning while traveling was probably one of the most important details.”

“Current estimates point toward 20% of those with psoriasis also have SIBO.”

Links

Apply to work with my virtual clinic HERE

Healthy Skin Show ep. 148: How I Turned My Psoriasis Around

Healthy Skin Show ep. 217: Health Concerns Linked to Psoriasis

The Healthy Skin Show

enMarch 13, 2024

332: SIBO Symptoms Trigger Rosacea, Psoriasis + Eczema w/ Dr. Allison Siebecker

Struggling with SIBO symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, constipation, gas, and diarrhea, can be very frustrating.

SIBO (short for small intestine bacterial overgrowth) is basically what it sounds like: Bacteria overgrow in the small intestine leading to many symptoms that impact the gut and other body systems.

The presence of SIBO can trigger IBS, SIBO malabsorption (where you don’t absorb the nutrients from food and end up with nutrient deficiencies), and even anxiety due to inflammation.

And SIBO symptoms can also include skin problems! For example, there’s an established SIBO-rosacea connection: Research has shown that SIBO is present in about 77% of people with rosacea!

Additionally, SIBO is found in about 20% of psoriasis cases.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Allison Siebecker to answer all of your burning SIBO questions. We’ll discuss common (and uncommon!) SIBO symptoms, SIBO test options, as well as how to treat SIBO (the conventional vs alternative options).

Dr. Allison Siebecker, ND, LAc, MSOM has been specializing in small intestine bacterial overgrowth (aka SIBO) since 2011. She is the 2021 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the GastroANP, has been teaching Advanced Gastroenterology at NUNM since 2013, and is an award-winning author.

Dr. Siebecker was the co-founder and former Medical Director of the SIBO Center for Digestive Health at NUNM. Her integrative SIBO protocols have helped thousands worldwide.

In This Episode:

What is small intestine bacterial overgrowth (aka SIBO)?
SIBO symptoms + surprising triggers
SIBO-rosacea connection + (other skin rash connections)
SIBO breath test vs other testing options
How to treat SIBO (conventional vs alternative SIBO treatment options)
Myth busting: Can you stop SIBO with a SIBO diet (low FODMAP)?
Nervous system dysregulation + SIBO

Quotes

“Our small intestine is where we digest and then absorb our nutrients from our food. And when there's too many bacteria overgrown there or methanogens, they interfere with that process. It can cause malnutrition and then all sorts of other problems. Skin problems can be one of them.”

“What are those symptoms [of SIBO]? Abdominal bloating, that could come with discomfort, general pain or discomfort in the abdomen, constipation or diarrhea or a mixture of the two. So those are our core symptoms. There can also be nausea, a feeling that food is sitting in the stomach and won't move down. There could be gas exiting, so burping or excessive flatulence.”

Links

Find Dr. Siebecker online

Healthy Skin Show ep. 018: SIBO-Skin Rash Connection w/ Amy Hollenkamp

Healthy Skin Show ep. 019: SIBO-Rosacea Connection w/ Dr. Leonard Weinstock

SIBO Recovery Roadmap® Course

For practitioners: The SIBO Pro Mini Course (SAVE $220)

For practitioners: Check Your Blindspots and Become A Better SIBO Practitioner book

Nerva App (for IBS symptoms)

The Healthy Skin Show

enMarch 07, 2024

331: Eczema Symptoms-Skin Color Connection: Why Skin Tone May Make Certain Symptoms WORSE w/ Dr. Shawn Kwatr

Did you know that the severity of eczema symptoms + skin color have a unique relationship? That certain eczema symptoms can be WORSE for skin of color versus white or lighter skin tones?

While practitioners are typically taught about the “classic eczema patient” who has itchy eczema, there is huge variation in how atopic dermatitis (eczema) manifests on different skin tones.

Eczema on black skin, for instance, often presents as itchy skin bumps in areas not usually associated with atopic dermatitis.

One main metric used to diagnose eczema is redness. But inflammation and eczema on dark skin often show up purple or grey, which makes it tough for practitioners to diagnose — especially if they were only taught to look for redness.

So today, let’s dive into the complex topic of eczema symptoms + skin color thanks to NEW RESEARCH from returning guest – Dr. Shawn Kwatra!

We talk about why people of color so often struggle to get a correct skin rash diagnosis (black skin versus asian skin versus white skin), different ways chronic skin rashes manifest in different races, and much more!

This topic is of particular importance because rashes (depending on race) can present looking more like psoriasis when it’s actually eczema – thus leading to misdiagnosis. Plus we’re discussing how to measure how itchy you are (no matter your skin tone) so you can convey it accurately to your doctor.

Shawn Kwatra, MD, is a Director of the Johns Hopkins Itch Center and an Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, USA.

He specializes in medical dermatology areas of clinical expertise, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic itch of unknown origin and dermatology for ethnic skin. Dr. Kwatra also runs a basic science laboratory and clinical trials unit and is funded by the National Institutes of Health and multiple foundations.

Dr. Kwatra has been an author or co-author on over 200 publications and author of the book Living with Itch.

This was such a fascinating conversation and I am so excited to share it with you!

In This Episode:

Eczema symptoms-skin tone connection: How rashes look different based on skin color
Why eczema symptoms can be mistaken for psoriasis
Importance of serum IgE lab test for eczema
Who is MOST affected by Prurigo Nodularis?
Why topical steroids create eczema white patches on skin
Non-steroidal medication options for eczema symptoms
How skin of color patients lose out on getting better treatment options
BEST way to show your dermatologist how itchy you are

Quotes

“If you have atopic dermatitis and you are a skin of color patient, and particularly an African American patient, you're more likely to develop these small bumps for your eczema or prurigo nodules.”

“If you apply a topical steroid for a long time, your skin actually gets lighter. And sometimes it takes many months to years to go back, and sometimes it can actually even be permanent. So we have to be really careful in skin of color patients when we're giving topical steroids, of the potency, and the duration of use, even on the scalp.”

Links

Find Dr. Shawn Kwatra online here and here | Twitter

Get Dr. Kwatra's book Living with Itch: A Patient's Guide

Diagnosing Atopic Dermatitis in Skin of Color (Dr. Kwatra’s paper)

Healthy Skin Show ep. 275: Why You're So Itchy (HINT: It's Probably Not Histamine) w/ Dr. Shawn Kwatra

Healthy Skin Show ep. 302: What Is Prurigo Nodularis: Triggers, Body Connections + Crazy Itch w/ Dr. Shawn Kwatra

Healthy Skin Show ep. 168: Misdiagnosis of Chronic Skin Conditions In Skin of Color w/ Dr. Hope Mitchell

The Healthy Skin Show

enFebruary 29, 2024

330: Everything You Need To Know About Dairy Allergy (In Food + Skincare Products)

If you have a dairy allergy, it probably doesn’t surprise you that it’s one of the more complex common food allergies.

While there are 25 proteins in milk (yes, you read that right!), only a handful have been shown to trigger antibody production against them.

Now, remember that a dairy allergy is different from being lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerance is considered a non-allergic reaction to milk products that can lead to uncomfortable GI symptoms like bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Anaphylactic dairy allergy symptoms include hives, swelling, coughing, wheezing, nausea, and vomiting, and these usually manifest shortly after you eat the food containing dairy.

BUT this is where it gets confusing.

There are several non-IgE-mediated milk allergy symptoms that affect the gastrointestinal tract. These reactions are immune-mediated…which can make it really difficult to differentiate between lactose intolerance and a true milk products allergy.

Dr. Stacy Silvers returns to the podcast to clear up some confusion surrounding the complexity of dairy allergy. He’s a board-certified allergist specializing in environmental and food allergy diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. And he oversees the allergy program and protocols, and also leads the food allergy and oral immunotherapy (OIT) program at Aspire Allergy & Sinus.

Dr. Silvers is considered an expert in the field of food allergy diagnosis and treatment and I’m THRILLED to share this interview with you!

In This Episode:

Are there specific milk proteins that cause dairy allergy symptoms?
A1 casein vs A2 casein in dairy (which is better tolerated?)
Can you have a dairy allergy to whey protein?
Testing options to figure out a dairy allergy
If you have a milk products allergy, are you only allergic to cow’s milk?
Can you stop dairy allergies? (OH BOY!)
Dairy in topical products IF you have a dairy allergy

Quotes

“When you're looking at anaphylactic reactions to milk, there is a very, very high likelihood of there being cross-reactivity between cow's milk, goat, and sheep's milk. 90%, 95% of the time, if you react to cow's milk, you’ll react to those other milks.”

“What we find is the majority of infants or toddlers who have a milk allergy do have it resolved as they get older…It's roughly 50% will have it resolved by age six, according to one study. And it can oftentimes get better as the years go on after that.”

Links

Find Dr. Silvers online

Follow Aspire Allergy on Instagram

Healthy Skin Show ep. 269: Allergy Testing: Everything You Need To Know w/ Dr. Stacy Silvers

Healthy Skin Show ep. 327: Demystifying Food Allergy Signs, Symptoms + Skin Rash w/ Dr. Ruchi Gupta

Additional Research:

Cow Milk Allergy

Modulation of Milk Allergenicity by Baking Milk in Foods: A Proteomic Investigation

Food Allergies and Cross-Reactivity

The Healthy Skin Show

enFebruary 22, 2024

329: Crazy Eye Rash Trigger! Demodex Mites Treatment + Triggers w/ Dr. Carly Rose

If you struggle with eyelid inflammation (aka. blepharitis), crusty eyes in the AM or ocular rosacea, Demodex mites treatment might be in your future thanks to an overgrowth of these little critters!

Demodex mites are a common, naturally-occurring commensal skin parasite that live, feed, poop, and die on your skin and on eyelashes and eyebrow hairs.

While that may sound (really) gross, they are usually not an issue…unless the Demodex mites overgrow.

Eyelid inflammation, irritated eyes, crustiness on your lashes in the morning, and eye discomfort are signs of Demodex mites overgrowth.

Luckily, identifying these frustrating blepharitis symptoms and starting a demodex mites treatment can help save the day (and your eyes). My guest today is sharing a ton of tips to help do this including eyelid washes, natural remedies for demodex mites treatment, and much more!

Dr. Carly Rose is a returning guest to the show. She is a distinguished optometrist who earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Northern Kentucky University. She pursued her optometry studies in Chicago and completed a year-long residency at the Cincinnati VAMC Eye Clinic.

Her unwavering dedication to understanding the complex disease of dry eye, as well as investing in cutting-edge research, has earned her widespread recognition in the industry as a leader in dry eye diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Rose's practice is called Eyecare on the Square in Mariemont, Ohio where she offers the most effective and advanced treatments available to her community.

Did you know that eye inflammation could be a sign of Demodex mites overgrowth? Share your questions, comments + experiences in the comments below!

In This Episode:

What is blepharitis and what are common blepharitis symptoms?
Demodex mites: what are they and how are they linked to eye inflammation and ocular rosacea?
Signs of Demodex blepharitis (caused by Demodex overgrowth)
Who is at risk for developing an overgrowth of Demodex mites on face?
How to get checked for Demodex mites overgrowth
Demodex mites treatment options (conventional vs natural remedies)
Why AVOID tea tree oil home remedy for demodex mites overgrowth around eyes
Demodex overgrowth prevention tips

Quotes

“Demodex is a naturally occurring parasite. Most of us have it, anywhere from 30% to 100% prevalence. And it's very, very common. The issue is when it becomes overgrown.”

“...the life cycle [of Demodex mites] is a few weeks long, and they die off and start to decompose in your lash follicles. All of this inflammation can be linked to ocular rosacea, anywhere from 65% to 85%.”

328: Client Case Study: Severe Eczema On Feet + Body

If you’ve ever wanted a sneak peak behind some of the eczema cases that I work on, I’m sharing a fascinating healing journey of a client with severe eczema on feet + her body!

This client was excited to be a part of this new case study series I’m bringing to the podcast to help inspire other eczema warriors out there.

It’s easy to give up especially if you start to feel like there are no answers or causes of eczema – that it’s just a mystery! But I hope that this journey for my real-life client dealing with eczema on feet + her body will remind you that you just have to keep digging!

And that healing can take time – sometimes more than you’d prefer to give it.

This journey for my client has spanned two years (not like the quick fixes claimed online).

She had A LOT to deal with in stages so that she could still be a functioning human being who showed up at her job ready to work.

I plan to share more of these types of case studies soon on other skin conditions so stay tuned!

In the meantime, let’s dive into this eczema on feet + full body case…

In This Episode:

Severe eczema on feet + body case study (with my own client!)
What her eczema journey was like before we started working together
Assessments I used to uncover hidden root causes of eczema on feet + body
Key clinical findings of her severe eczema case
What’s a realistic timeline for severe eczema spanning decades?
Where my client is on her eczema-healing journey

Quotes

“After consistently working on root causes, this summer was the first time that she could wear shorts in the past 6 years.”

“Depending on your case’s complexity, your timeline may be longer than what you expect – especially with issues present for many years if not decades.”

Links

Apply to work with my virtual clinic HERE

Healthy Skin Show ep. 109: Eczema Triggered By Hidden Infections [CASE REPORT]

Healthy Skin Show ep. 257: Itchiness + Histamine Intolerance – Why Am I Itchy?

The Healthy Skin Show

enFebruary 08, 2024

327: Demystifying Food Allergy Signs, Symptoms + Skin Rash w/ Dr. Ruchi Gupta

Spotting food allergy signs quickly can be tricky, especially since they don’t manifest in everyone in the same way.

But it’s so important to be able to identify the symptoms of food allergies, because a whopping 1 in 13 kids have at least ONE food allergy. And that number is surprisingly high for adults, too.

Food allergies are an IgE immune-mediated reaction. Essentially, your body sees a particular food as an invader, so it goes on attack by releasing chemicals like histamine.

So if you’ve ever wondered what causes food allergies, common food allergy signs, and whether you can prevent them altogether, this episode is for you!

My guest is not only an expert in food allergies, but she’s also a mom raising a child with life-threatening food allergies. Her invaluable information and insight about what’s driving food allergies in kids and adults is really sobering, some of which may surprise you (as it did me).

My guest today is Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH, a Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a Clinical Attending at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.

Dr. Gupta has over 20 years of experience as a board-certified pediatrician and health researcher and currently serves as the founding director of the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research (CFAAR).

She is world-renowned for her research on the epidemiology, economic impact, prevention, and management of allergic conditions, and strives to find answers and shape policies surrounding these conditions in order to reduce burden and improve health equity.

Do you have personal experience with a food allergy? Are you comfortable identifying food allergy signs should they arise? Share your questions, comments + experiences in the comments below!

In This Episode:

Dr Gupta’s personal experience with food allergies
What’s driving the explosion in food allergies (in children and adults)
Differences between food allergies, food intolerances and food sensitivities
Food allergy signs and anaphylaxis signs (you might overlook)
Anaphylaxis treatment options (why to NOT use Benadryl if you notice food allergy signs)
Shocking food allergy trigger (NEW RESEARCH)
Updated food allergy prevention tips for parents

Quotes

“About 8% of kids have food allergy. Now that's about 1 in 13, or 2 in every classroom. So it's a lot.”

“If you only give Benadryl, it may mask some of the symptoms because it takes away maybe some of the rash and some of the itching, but the reaction continues to happen in your body.”

“One of the biggest hypotheses right now is if a food is introduced through your skin before your gut, then your immune system goes on the attack.”

Links

Find Yobee online and on Instagram

Get Dr. Gupta’s book, Food Without Fear

Healthy Skin Show ep. 269: Allergy Testing: Everything You Need To Know w/ Dr. Stacy Silvers

Healthy Skin Show ep. 321: Before You Invest in Food Sensitivity Testing (What You Need To Know)

Healthy Skin Show ep. 291: Can You Stop Eczema, Allergies + Asthma In Kids? w/ Dr. Chris Thompson

Healthy Skin Show ep. 265: Problem with Antihistamines That No One Tells You w/ Dr. Chris Thompson, MD

Healthy Skin Show ep. 262: Why Your Child's Risk of Allergies, Eczema + Asthma Is So High w/ Meenal Lele

The Healthy Skin Show

enFebruary 01, 2024

326: Bleach Baths Debunked: Why Mineral Baths Are So Much Better

Tempted to try a bleach bath for eczema skin rashes? Did your doctor recommend them? Before you go dumping Clorox into your bath water — you need to hear this. Because honestly, the science doesn’t support bleach baths which was highlighted by Dr. Peter Lio at the Eczema Expo 2023 meeting. Turns out that the research on this outdated practice isn’t as helpful as everyone thought, which is why I recommend a mineral bath over a bleach bath for rashes every single time.

Now, I know that there’s information out there recommending bleach baths for rashes, eczema, hives, and fungal infections. A simple Google search will turn up results suggesting this practice is totally safe. Especially since many dermatologists have promoted bleach baths as helpful tools for a long time.

But newer data just doesn’t support this idea as newer studies suggest bleach baths just aren’t very effective. And that’s not to mention the fact a bleach bath can dry your skin out and INCREASE itchiness. Plus, if you’re sitting in a bleach bath, you’re exposing your lungs to chlorine, which isn’t a great idea.

Let’s explore some of the studies that have debunked the bleach bath myth and what the science says is way better for your skin.

Spoiler: mineral baths are a much better option!

In This Episode:

What is a bleach bath for eczema?
Recommended eczema bleach bath ratio from doctors
Side effects of doing an eczema bleach bath (no one tells you)
What is a mineral bath soak — and why is it so much better than bleach?
Bleach bath alternatives like baking soda, sulfur, colloidal oatmeal, and pink Himalayan salt – how do they stack up?
Why mineral bath soak can support your skin barrier and reduce angry skin

Quotes

“If you took a bleach bath that’s strong enough to kill the bacteria that may be on your skin — you’d expose yourself to dangerous levels of bleach!”

“A 2020 review… concluded that mineral-rich waters (in particular salty and sulfur waters) demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial activity.”

Links

Get the Soothing Skin Soak + MSM from DermaQuell to use 3-4x per week!

Healthy Skin Show ep. 107: Symptoms Of A Staph Infection On Your Skin

Healthy Skin Show ep. 149: How Staph Aureus Wrecks Your Skin

The Healthy Skin Show

enJanuary 25, 2024

325: Keratosis Pilaris Treatment, Causes + Remedies w/ Dr. Julie Greenberg, ND

If you've been disappointed by keratosis pilaris treatment options + natural remedies -- you're not alone!

Keratosis Pilaris (aka. Chicken skin) is a complex, poorly understood skin problem that can make you feel really insecure (because of how it looks). It can also make your skin texture feel unpleasant + rough (potentially triggering skin picking).

The most common keratosis pilaris treatment includes scrubbing off the involved areas of rough skin, but beyond that – you’re probably already figured out the options are limited.

There is no medicine for keratosis pilaris AND there's very little research on keratosis pilaris causes.

That’s because conventional medicine doesn’t recognize it as a significant skin problem, even though the Cleveland Clinic states that "about 50% to 80% of teenagers and 40% of adults will develop" keratosis pilarsis during their lifetime. (ref)

I previously discussed keratosis pilaris diet concerns HERE, and wanted to share more up-to-date info that will hopefully help you on your journey to ditching chicken skin!

My guest today is Dr. Julie Greenberg, a licensed Naturopathic Doctor (ND) and Registered Herbalist RH(AHG) who specializes in integrative dermatology, holding degrees from Northwestern University (BA), Stanford University (MBA) and Bastyr University (ND). She is the founder of The Center for Integrative & Naturopathic Dermatology Inc, a holistic clinic that approaches skin and hair problems by finding and treating the root cause. She has presented at multiple conferences and she teaches dermatology classes at naturopathic medical schools and is a highly sought-after speaker at conferences across the U.S.

What keratosis pilaris treatment options have you tried? Share your questions, comments + experiences on KP in the comments below!

In This Episode:

What is Keratosis Pilaris?
Causes of Keratosis Pilaris (yes, there's a gut connection!)
Where does Keratosis Pilaris shows up on the body
Keratosis Pilaris treatment options (conventional vs integrative)
Keratosis Pilaris home remedies -- do any really work?
Fat-soluble nutrients tied to Keratosis Pilaris
Conditions associated with Keratosis Pilaris
What does the research on KP say?

Quotes

“If you have a problem like a filaggrin gene mutation and you're not naturally producing a lot of filaggrin, you're not going to be producing a lot of Natural Moisturizing Factor. You're going to be prone to these dry skin diseases like ichthyosis vulgaris, eczema, and keratosis pilaris.” [19:45]

“...It’s linoleic acid, alpha-linoleic acid, these are other types of essential fatty acids that are different than just the EPA and DHA that you get from fish oil. It's bigger than just a fish oil problem.” [21:32]

“It's definitely the check engine light that is flashing and your body is telling you, ‘Hey, we're having an abnormal process here because something is wrong.’ It's not just a cosmetic issue.” [23:05]