I’m preparing for my talk at the upcoming Wise Traditions Conference in Santa Clara, CA on November 10th. I’ll speaking on the “gut-brain-skin axis”, a fascinating topic that I’ve been exploring for some time. I hope some of you will be able to come to the conference, but I thought I’d share a little slice of my research here for those of you who can’t. (If you don’t make the conference and want to watch my entire presentation, I believe the Weston A. Price Foundation sells DVDs of the talks after the fact.)
I’ve discussed the gut-brain axis several times on my radio show, and I’ve at least mentioned the triangular connection between the gut, brain and skin. In this post I’d like to go a little deeper on the gut-skin connection.
And as a clinician who works with people on these conditions, I’d go as far as to say this:
If you want to heal your skin, you have to heal your gut.
Associations between Gut Disorders and Skin Conditions
Epidemiological evidence shows a clear association between gut problems and skin disorders. A recent report indicated that small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), a condition involving inappropriate growth of bacteria in the small intestine, is 10 times more prevalent in people with acne rosacea than in healthy controls, and that correction of SIBO in these individuals led to marked clinical improvement. (1) 14% of patients with ulcerative colitis and 24% of patients with Crohn’s disease have skin manifestations. (Interestingly enough, a study just came out showing that a drug normally used to treat psoriasis is also effective for Crohn’s disease.) Celiac disease also has cutaneous manifestations, such as dermatitis herpetiformis, which occurs in 1/4 of celiac sufferers. Celiacs also have increased frequency of oral mucosal lesions, alopecia and vitiligo. (2)
How Altered Gut Function Impacts the Skin
In a study way back in 1916, acne patients were more likely to show enhanced reactivity to bacterial strains isolated from stool. 66 percent of the 57 patients with acne in the study showed positive reactivity to stool-isolated bacteria compared to none of the control patients without active skin disease. 1 In a more recent study involving 80 patients, those with acne had higher levels of and reactivity to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxins in the blood. None of the matched healthy controls reacted to the e. coli LPS, while 65% of the acne patients had a positive reaction. Both of these studies suggest that increased intestinal permeability is an issue for a significant number of acne patients. (4)
Speaking of permeable barriers: most of you have heard of leaky gut by now, but what about “leaky skin”? The main function of the skin is to act as a physical, chemical and antimicrobial defense system. Studies have shown that both stress and gut inflammation can impair the integrity and protective function of the epidermal barrier. This in turn leads to a decrease in antimicrobial peptides produced in the skin, and an increase in the severity of infection and inflammation in the skin. (5)
The gut flora also influences the skin. Substance P is a neuropeptide produced in the gut, brain and skin that plays a major role in skin conditions. An altered gut microbiome promotes the release of substance P in both the gut and the skin, and probiotics can attenuate this response. (6) The gut microbiota influences lipids and tissue fatty acid profiles, and may influence sebum production as well as the fatty acid composition of the sebum. (7) This may explain why a Russian study found that 54% of acne patients have significant alterations to the gut flora (8), and a Chinese study involving patients with seborrheic dermatitis also noted disruptions in the normal gut flora. 2
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Probiotics Improve Skin Conditions
The first formal case report series on the value of using lactobacilli to treat skin conditions was published in 1961 by a physician named Robert Siver. He followed 300 patients who were given a commercially available probiotic and found that 80 percent of those with acne had some clinical improvement. 3 In a more recent Italian study involving 40 patients, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum in addition to standard care led to better clinical outcomes than standard care alone. (9) And another recent study of 56 patients with acne showed that the consumption of a Lactobacillus fermented dairy beverage improved clinical aspects of acne over a 12-week period. (10)
The beneficial effect of probioitics on skin may explain why pasteurized, unfermented dairy is associated with acne, but fermented dairy is not. I haven’t seen any studies on raw dairy and skin conditions, but my guess is that it wouldn’t be associated either. Orally consumed probiotics reduce systemic markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are elevated locally in those with acne. (11) Oral probiotics can also regulate the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines within the skin. (12) The fermentation of dairy reduces levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) by more than four-fold. (13) This is significant because studies show that acne is driven by IGF-1, and IGF-1 can be absorbed across colonic tissue. (14) This would be particularly problematic when increased intestinal permeability is present, which as I mentioned above is often the case in people with acne.
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- Strickler A, Kolmer JA, Schamberg JF: Complement fixation in acne vulgaris. J Cutaneous Dis 1916, 34:166-78. ↩
- Zhang H, Yu L, Yi M, Li K: Quantitative studies on normal flora of seborrhoeic dermatitis. Chin J Dermatol 1999, 32:399-400. ↩
- Siver RH: Lactobacillus for the control of acne. J Med Soc New Jersey 1961, 59:52-53. ↩
I had terrible acne and chronic urticaria for almost 20 years. I cleaned up my diet, and researched myself out of it. My skin is clear now and I don’t get hives.
I decided to become a certified health coach to help others with autoimmune and skin conditions.
Many of you need to have thorough testing and proper lab work to figure out precisely what is going wrong. What causes an ailment could be different for each person.
If I can be of any help to any of you, please let me know.
Hi Jodi –
Can you provide some advise on proper testing? I deal with widespread dermatitis and it seems to get worse with each winter. I’ve had slight improvement with using glutagenics and following an AIP diet. Ive also recently started supplementing with pancreatic enzymes. I’m still waiting results of a comprehensive stool analysis. Any advice would be appreciated!
I have suffered with a skin disorder called granuloma annulate for about six years..left for awhile but is now back…can you offer me some advice.. I am anemic and was low in vit d but I take supplements now and just started drinking a blood toning tea… I also apply tea tree oil… I’m trying everything..
PERIORAL.. this is what derms are telling my now 22 yr old daughter that she has. Been dealing with since high school, above lip and around chin, red bumps some with whiteheads. On diff antibiotics thru the years, minocin and bactrim, both worked temporarily but coming back. Also used topical Aczone. Staying away from fluoride toothpaste, caffeine, sulfates and all dairy as she is lactose intolerant. Such a good girl I feel so bad for her. Now looking into eating clean also. Any advice? God Bless.
i had the same problem for 5 years and recenlty i was able to controled my PD after trial and error regimens. Try to use herbal set from head to toe (like shmapoo, toothpaste facial wash) all your be herbal or organic with out parabens or SLS then stay away from spicy, chiken and dairy and guten food… take probiotic vitamins and garlic vitamins it will realy helps a lot believe me..
Have you tried eliminating all oils and anything with grains including the whole organic grains?? Potatoes can cause skin allergies depending on the genetics and preparation process. Eliminate all processed stuff.
Art, I have perioral dermatitis also and I have been eating clean for 5 months. My case began after drinking a lot of Kombucha one weekend with a friend who brought me some.
I finally managed to get some control of it with retin a but drank Kombucha this weekend and it is coming back in force. I don’t think it ever went away although it did get so much better I was happy.
Vicki,
You may have SIBO and/or Candida overgrowth that may cause worsening of the symptoms after drinking kombucha.
How is your dermatitis now?
I need help. My skin has been suffering for a year and I think I may have gut issues
Hi Jodi Franklin, I think I need a Naturopath but I don’t know where to start. This February after being not allergic to anything my whole life – I did a slow motion break out into hives, or some mystery urticaria on my legs. First two itchy dime sized down by my ankles, and now it has marched all over my legs covering 80% of my calves and 20% of my thighs and arms. My doctor thought it was ringworm, and another doctor thought it was psoriasis. Nothing works on it and I’m taking now high doses of probiotics which seems to make it calmer, but it looks terrible. At this rate I’ll be covered including my face in three months. What tests will a Naturopath do? Will digestive enzymes help in addotion to probiotics?
Thank you,
Joan
Hi Joan
I’m wondering how things are going?
I wa thinking that 2 drops of oil of oregano every 4 hours for a week might kill what big caused your problem. Please update your post as I am really interested to know if you are any better. ?
Eating yeast?
The only thing that helped itch for me was taking Zantac with Zyrtec
Hi Jodi Franklin ..
I’ve been dealing with what seems to be a leaky gut syndrome for about 5 years now; possibly longer. I’ve been to a accupuncturist this past year. Having at least 10 treatments over the course of several months. And, drinking special herb tea that she gave me. I definitely “felt better” after each appointment. But, I still have skin irritations, rashes will appear all along my chin, cheeks, forehead. I had been getting a rash in one single spot on the front of my neck as well. Two weeks ago: my upper chest completely broke out. It’s finally starting to heal a bit. But, I feel ( prickly ) inside and I’m sure it’s from some stress. Because yes, folks: these gut issues will make you feel bummed out and stressed. I’m trying to keep as positive attitude; but I get very sad from all of these on going issues. My hair also shedds more than I think it should be. I’m a cosmetologist by trade; so I’m aware that losing a certain amount of hair every day is normal. I’m really watching what I eat; sticking to a clean natural foods. I gave up gluten, all grains and sugar completely 3 weeks ago. My foods now consist of: *lightly* cooked vegetables, some salads, chicken, salmon, small amounts of red meat = once a week for iron + B vitamins. Eggs, pinto beans, avocados, olive oil, fresh lemon with water, and basic vitamin supplements. Fresh fruits are: peaches, apples, cherries and blueberries, some times red grapes and watermelon. And trying to drink lots of water before and after meals. I can see the effect that the olive oil and possibly avocados may not be beneficial foods for me at this time. I’ve limited coffee down to a tiny tiny amount. ( 1/2 a cup a day ). And I stopped eating Greek yogurt, and stopped drinking milk. I’m not taking probiotics at this time; because I ran out and they were getting pricey for me. I would love LOVE to resolve my health issues; once and for all. This is draining the life out of me. As, I was typing this: I just ate mashed avocado with olive oil, and sea salt: and my skin felt very irritated within the last hour.
I think that when people change their current diet they may not be aware that their bodies go into detox mode. This could explain why you are reacting in this way as the liver needs supporting during detox.
What kind of testing is recommended?? How did you cure your issues??
Hello, Jodi Franklin! I have acne and urticaria too! I have been trying to deal with them 4 years now. I couldn’t find a cure for them. Can you share with me how you got rid of these diseases?
I am covered with a terrible bumpy rash all over my body. My back is covered in itchy bumps. My arms. Legs. I am stumped. I did develop what the doc said was imperial. He gave me a steroid pack and after that the impetigo never went away anf now I have a itchy red rash all over. Its driving me crazy. I need help.
Hello, Jodi Franklin! I have acne and urticaria too! I have been trying to deal with them 4 years now. I couldn’t find a cure for them. Can you share with me how you got rid of these diseases?
Hello,
Last year I got Dengue and I had been given antibiotics as usual. Dengue cured but I have got a new problem i.e itching all over my body.
Still I have itching but when I eat certain food like egg, grains meat it goes up.
Can you give me a solution for this problem?
I’ve just recently come to the realization that I have a a gluten intolerance. I’m nearly 49 years old. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s at 36 and then PCOS at 39, all while trying to conceive. In my mid to late 20’s, and until I got was FINALLY able to get pregnant at 39, I suffered with cycstic acne on my chin and neck. I also had a clogged pore on the right side of my neck, under my ear, which I could squeeze out a thick, white substance that did not smell good at all! Eventually this grew rather large and I was unable to get anything out of it and had to have it surgically removed. The surgeon said that he sees these type of clogged pores quite often, but he didn’t elaborate and I didn’t ask any more questions. Recently, the cyctic acne has returned. I also am able to pull little white things out of my pores on my face with tweezers. The pores aren’t inflamed, but clearly clogged. I also have several very large pores on different parts of my body. One in particular is on my face. It’s on the left side of my nose, closer to the bridge. This pore is large as in approximately 2mm in circumference. I literally have a hole on my face! It’s grown larger and larger over the years. But I’ve discovered several more on different area’s of my body. Not as large, but there non-the-less. Could this be from gluten as well? Has anyone ever heard of this? I’ve not been to a dermatologist as we really can’t afford it and so it is what it is, but if I knew that gluten is causing this – it would be a relief.
I have several other issues, including infertility, digestive issues, etc.
I’ve only been off gluten for several weeks, and I already feel better.
Can anyone enlighten me on the pore issue?
Thanks!
Angie,
I just responded to Shiela about these white fiberous splinters coming out of cysts on the face. I stay on a rotation diet to be sure of the effects of all foods. 4 months ago I ate organic mossarella and parmessean shreaded cheese with a filler called “cellulose”. I now believe this is the cause of the splinters .The news today just mentioned that the cellulose in some cheese is wood pulp and the FDA is investigating! So I got two huge cysts with rolling splinters after eating this cheese 4 months ago.. The open wounds will not heal until the splinters are removed. I use mud pack to calm the cyst, then Opaline wound crystals in a warm compact on the skin to isolate the splinters, for removal with surgical tweezers. Then I use hydrogen peroxide to keep the swelling down. The scab will not stay on if there are more, but will remove some splinters when it falls off. I take a strong Probiotic Healthy Trinity and Opaline oxygen pills to control the bad gut flora. Now, I eat NO DAIRY, or ever will again as hormones and antibiotics given to cows causes inflamation and Cystiic acne with foreign material inside! Eat no processed foods at all. A friend got these from eating a sausage (fillers again!).
This is becoming more common as the food we eat is manipulated. My cysts are almost healed. Now, to tackle the scars!
Gail
I have a condition on my face mostly, little lumps with what feels like sharp grains of sand embedded in them. They are very difficult to remove. Does this sound like your condition? I’ve had it for years. No GPs know what it is. I’d love to know the name of this condition and then I might have a chance of healing it. I too have leaky gut so I suspect food allergies (I’ll see what happens if I eliminate cheese).
Gail,
They are spraying the skies with all sorts of chemicals, which are causing our immune system to get sick and when that is out of balance, our gut, there can be consequences on our skin!
I know, because I have had this of late…look into geo. engineering on its website and read what this can do to one’s health…hope this helps, Patti
it is the food. you have control.
Hi Jodi Franklin ..
I’ve been dealing with what seems to be a leaky gut syndrome for about 5 years now; possibly longer. I’ve been to a accupuncturist this past year. Having at least 10 treatments over the course of several months. And, drinking special herb tea that she gave me. I definitely “felt better” after each appointment. But, I still have skin irritations, rashes will appear all along my chin, cheeks, forehead. I had been getting a rash in one single spot on the front of my neck as well. Two weeks ago: my upper chest completely broke out. It’s finally starting to heal a bit. But, I feel ( prickly ) inside and I’m sure it’s from some stress. Because yes, folks: these gut issues will make you feel bummed out and stressed. I’m trying to keep as positive attitude; but I get very sad from all of these on going issues. My hair also shedds more than I think it should be. I’m a cosmetologist by trade; so I’m aware that losing a certain amount of hair every day is normal. I’m really watching what I eat; sticking to a clean natural foods. I gave up gluten, all grains and sugar completely 3 weeks ago. My foods now consist of: *lightly* cooked vegetables, some salads, chicken, salmon, small amounts of red meat = once a week for iron + B vitamins. Eggs, pinto beans, avocados, olive oil, fresh lemon with water, and basic vitamin supplements. Fresh fruits are: peaches, apples, cherries and blueberries, some times red grapes and watermelon. And trying to drink lots of water before and after meals. I can see the effect that the olive oil and possibly avocados may not be beneficial foods for me at this time. I’ve limited coffee down to a tiny tiny amount. ( 1/2 a cup a day ). And I stopped eating Greek yogurt, and stopped drinking milk. I’m not taking probiotics at this time; because I ran out and they were getting pricey for me. I would love LOVE to resolve my health issues; once and for all. This is draining the life out of me. As, I was typing this: I just ate mashed avocado with olive oil, and sea salt: and my skin felt very irritated within the last hour.
YUP !! CHEM TRAILS . All over our skies now. What a strange, dirty polluted world we are now forced to live in. It’s making humans sicker and sicker. No wonder hospitals all over the U.S. are now FULL with patients. And thousands of doctors; laughing all the way to bank with big fat healthy paychecks. While their patients remain un-healthy. Things needs to radically change here in the U.S., doctors should be educating their patients on healthy LIVING .. instead of: prescribing chemical cocktails with worse side EFFECTS. It’s completely out of hand. People should be getting their hands on as much organic fruits and vegetables that they can afford. I agree it’s not almost cost effective; especially when feeding a family. But, it’s worth it. And, on that turn: people need to stop buying processed junk food. Save “that” money and apply it to: Organic foods. I used to love a good burger, fries, etc: but, now I walk away from all of it; knowing it’s just not worth risking my health. There are so many good healthy options with vegetables and real / whole food. I think once people start eating super clean and super healthy; they won’t miss those trips to their favorite fast food joints.
Nothing I have done has completely cured my skin issues. I try to follow a Paleo diet. I do eat carbs once in a while and I love eating 75 to 85 % chocolate with raw almonds and cashews. I eat no processed foods and all meat, fruit and vegetables are organic, with some exceptions when I travel. I use all natural soap and raw organ honey as cleansers on my face and hair. I eat fermented vegetables throughout the day, mostly cabbage, bought or prepared at home, for natural probiotics. Many of these things have improved my symptoms but I still get red irritated flaky skin on my upper torso, mainly my face and scalp. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis when I was 23 but I haven’t had any symptoms since changed my diet and stopped eating dairy in my late 20s. I take no meds. I am now 50. I am very fit and healthy in every way other then the seborrheic dermatitis. I have been using natural oils with anti-fungal properties topically and orally. Again slight improvements but always a daily fight. Any suggestions?
I too have Seb Derm on the face. I managed to reduce the itching and burning by supplementing with Glutagenics, but the redness never goes away. it wasn’t always red, the redness just started this past October. My face is congested with tiny bumps that just burn..especially around my chin. This is all part of the seb derm i believe. I’ve been following an AIP diet and doing acupuncture weekly but the seb derm still persists and, like you said, it is a daily battle. I never know what i’ll wake up with. If it’ll be worse or slightly better. I also do manuka honey masks every other day. And i only wash my face with water and remove makeup with jojoba oil. And i use natural shea butter with avocado oil to moisturize. Aside from the seb derm, i have eczema all over my body which i’ve had persistently for two years now. Two years ago i was also diagnosed with Sjogrens and UCTD. I’ve been on plaquenil since. This summer i also experienced the worst case of TMJ, i took a lot of aleve which then led to digestive issues which i am still dealing with. The seb derm seemed to act up shortly after the digestive issues started. Next week i will be running a comprehensive stool analysis so i hope it gives me some answers, although my naturopath doesn’t seem confident it will. If anyone has success stories on seb derm, i’d love to hear it!
Cae,
Please look at what I posted above you with Gail. I have Seb. dermatis, and at first, it was red, itch (unfortunately I didn’t know what it was and scratched, which made it angry and mean, and more red and itchy. I went to the dermatologist and he gave me a steriod cream, only used for a few days, as I have heard that they are bad, and now use coconut oil, and it it is still red and slightly itchy, but the scaling has gone away. I had a comphrensive stool test and it showed that I was elevated in many catagories and now the natural doctor wants me to wait a month and do it again, as I didn’t eat real healthy for the three days that I did the stool part and mine even showed blood in my stool, another thing to worry about!!! I feel like I am falling apart, believe me! You know that they are spraying the skies with all sorts of chemicals and many people are getting sick….hope this helps, Patti
Try a cream with Pyrithione Zinc in it. Just type “Pyrithione Zinc Cream” in amazon. You could also use a soap with Pyrithione Zinc as well. I don’t know if it’s a “cure” but some people go from using it 3x a day and get SD cleared in a few days to a couple weeks and then use it once a day as maintenance. You can read others reviews.
Hi Joe,
have you looked into using omega 3 oils?
Late last year I started having chronic gut problems that I thought might be diverticulitis. I took a course of antibiotics (prescribed by my GP) which didn’t help at all, and when I was finally able to get into see a GI doc she said I have IBS. Around about the same time my lips began to swell and bleed and shed skin. I’m trying to adjust to the low FODMAP diet now but keep having GI issues and my lips just don’t seem to get better no matter what I try to do.
I have had gut issues all nearly all my life. I was diagnosed with a milk allergy as a baby, although I “outgrew it” when I was about 3 years old. I was also diagnosed with MS about 13 years ago. I cured my MS by eliminating dairy from my diet. My MS has recently returned with a vengence, and so has my gut issues. I have noticed that when I get bloated, I also get intensely itchy skin across my lower back and around my front hips. I have been on a low chemical diet for a while now, and the itching and bloating have subsided, but still get it occasionally, both happening at the same time. My health issues are still a “work in progress” at the moment, but I definitely believe in the gut-brain link, also the gut-skin link.
I completely understand some of what you’re going through I also was diagnosed with MS in 2012. But a wonderful friend of mine introduced me to a supplemental drink that helps give you the nutrients that your body needs to get better. It has really made a huge difference in my life and I’m so thankful so maybe it could also help you. I would love to talk to you and know more of your story.I’m so sorry to hear about the relapse with your MS.
Please look into the GAPS diet, it has immensely helped in elevating many of my intestinal, skin, and other health issues.
I’ve been following the GAPS intro diet, unable to add in many foods in the later phases due to SIBO and histamine reactions. My skin has become so dry, it appears I have aged ten years in a couple of months. Extreme weight loss (15 pounds on a slight 5’3″ frame) may also be a factor. And, my eyes are so dry at night, it is difficult to open them without a horrible scratchy sensation. I’m concerned I’m doing damage on this diet. Why, considering the claimed benefits of meat/bone broth on the skin is mine looking worse than it ever has, rather than better?
I just started the SCD diet in earnest (after avoiding grains for a month, I finally dropped fluid dairy) and my skin has really dried up. I too feel like I’ve aged ten years in the last 10 days, despite eating significant quantities of fats. My eyes are also very dry, especially in the evening. My acne is better but the dryness is terrible and concerning. I wonder if it has something to do with the change in diet and may be an indication that it’s not the right fit.
After reading a lot of these comments and made me think wow a lot of people have seb derm like me………
I’m 18 now. when i was in year 9 or year 10 i had a haircut from a shop and supposingly they never cleaned there shavers, after i had my hair cut i had these big red patches on my head which was very embarrassing, i kept touching it and all of a sudden it came on my face after that i had break outs out of break outs i went to a dermatologist and basically they gave me an ointment, when it worked I thought it cured me forever but it didn’t sadly, I kept breaking out and then I’ll just apply the ointment and it will disappear…. After a good 6months the ointment stopped working, I was then given steroid creams which I heard was bad but I kept putting it on my face as I was desperate so I started with natural treatments like honey, avc, coconut oil etc. what we all already heard off but it helped but not for long but then I heard it was to do with my diet after watching a guy called ‘rob Stuart’ who CURED his dermatitis for years which meant no sugar, gluten, dairy yeast etc, but he ate as a vegan and i only stopped all them but I couldn’t become a began as I love chicken but eliminating all these foods helped me from break outs but I still have little patches of seb derm on my face, I drink only volvic water, fluoride free toothpaste, only use natural rollers on your under arm I have loads to say but I have no time but I believe there is a cure for everything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I cured my perioral dermatitis without antibiotics. I have taken antibiotics before with good results but did not want to take them anymore due to them being hard on my gut flora.
First I stopped drinking kombucha due to the high floride levels in tea. I stopped eating all dairy, eggs, tomatoes, nitrates and basically any foods that cause a histamine response. You can search a list of foods on the net for this. Next I started taking digestive enzymes and HCL with meals. It took 3 to 4 weeks for my facial rash to dissappear.
I am slowly reintroducing small amounts of these foods again. This is what helped me and I hope this may help others too.
what kinds of enzymes and what is hcl? my 22 yr old daughter has been dealing with perioral since high school and on and off with antibiotics with the perioral always coming back. Such a hard thing to get rid of. thanks!
Hi Karen,
Yes it is hard to get rid of and make us feel so self conscious.
I believe the key for me was avoiding the foods that cause a histamine response. I am still free of the perioral dermatitis, but if I eat too many of these foods, my face starts feeling itchy, and I know I have to avoid these foods for a while. Bad triggers for me are yogurt and Komucha (which from the responses seem to be triggers for others as well). For 4 weeks I avoided: dairy, chocolate, tomatoes, oranges, nitrates, tea, eggs, vinegars and alcohol.
The enzymes I took were DigestMore by Renew Life. HCL is hydrochloric acid that I take for low stomach acid.
I hope this helps 🙂
I have been dealing with these horrible lesions on one side of my face. If I pick them a white something comes out like a splinter. Then it bleeds, one drematoligist accused me of being in meth. :(. It’s that bad however I’ve never done drugs so it can’t be. It’s so very painful I can’t even describe it. Three years I’ve had no quality of life because when it inflames about 2 times a day u have to get them out so I can stand it. If I don’t it swells they grow larger I wind up with little bumps every were and a pocket full of fluid in my neck. I’ve recently was was wondering if it could be coming from my intestines because I’m finding thes white things in my feces my gut hurts all the time. My deem can’t seem to figure out what it is or what’s causing it. I have multiple pictures of it but I’m asking any professional who reads this can give me a glimmer of hope. Desperate
Shiela,
You are not crazy. My sister and I got the same thing. I figured out it was related to cheese. I ate organic shreaded parmesean and motzarella cheese with cellulose or filler in it. The news reported today that this is wood pulp!. I believe this is what is coming out of the skin. celulouse splinters
Treatment. Don’t eat any cheese or dairy ever again. There is also a hormone connection with antibiotics and hormones added to dairy that causes inflamation. So. Take a strong probiotic I use Healthy Trinity from Natrin. And I use Opaline crystal detox solution to bathe my face in it 2xs a day. This brings the splinters out. With surgical tweezers the spinters are removed. I use hydrogen peroxide to keep infection down and a mud pack to soothe the welts when first coming in .And, I take opaline oxygen pills to clear out the bad flora in the gut as well There is a cure. It works!
Gail
Everything starts in the gut! I had a comphrensive stool test and it showed all sorts of abnormalities so maybe this what started my skin problems…I have done a lot of research and this seems to go together, the skin and the gut and the brain. I have been on a strict diet and done all the right things, but it is still red and slightly itchy, but no scales lately…it is making me depressed, to say the least! Patti
I’ve got something going on as well the last cpl. Years with my skin and as far As I configure it was results from The ChemTrail of poision. My body is scared from the lesion that I had A crazy timewith trying to get them to close.. Tried everything to get what was hurting in them out. Soaked my arm in bleach one day for an hour.. All that done was burn my arm moreless.. But Then I found something that would make it come out. I then started scrubbing my arms an legs with Simple Green 4 times a day. After the 2-3 time tring it I noticed they were starting to heal an close. But now.. 2 yrs. Later this last week my face an around my ears have soar lesion/bumps an Im hopeing that the vinigar lemon water I was drinking daily tring to help my swollen nodes awhile back will perhaps work for this.. with what I’ve learned I try to stay out of the gov. Fog from the trails of poision an the rain. Shower an change right after. And the whole eating safe food as long as there poisoning the air.. the water and food is tainted too. Plus all the heavy metals in our food. Good Ol America. Mandatory Fluoride being put in the city’s water. Cause there’s no where to dump it cause its so harsh. Probly eating our skin from consuming it and bathIng in it. My point… sorry about going on an on is Organic Apple cider Vinegar with lemon in a cup of water.. help free our body’s of toxins I guess. Thanks for all the input an I hope everyone gets better! Take Care!
Hi
I am just a patient who had a staph infection in my arm about a month ago. Since then, Ive had this rash on my face and I just got diagnosed with colitis. I went to the ER cuz I was bleeding really bad from my rectum. I think all of this is a result of the staph infection which I was under the assumption was gone.
I have had a rash that moves all over my body. My GP and a dermatologist could not find a cause or cure. I had a person at a whole foods store recommend that I try a probiotic. Thank goodness I listened to that person. I started taking a probiotic and after 4 years of constant itching and horrible looking places on my body the rash is gone and stays gone so long as I take a probiotic. I have never found out what caused the rash nor found a cure.
Donna,
I am am so encouraged by your post. My mom, aged 72, has been dealing with chronic itching from a skin rash that has spread over most of her body. She has been to so many doctors and even wholistic doctors. All of them had their “theories” but my mom got no relief.
After seeing a Facebook ad, and watched a video on probiotics, I started researching online. I am going to share this info with my mom, in addition to your testimony. Thank you. May I ask, which probiotics did you use? I understand they are not all effective. You have to know what you’re buying.
From,
Encouraged Kelley
Yes may we ask what probotic
What product did you use that helped you? And thank you so much for your post.
Yes, please tell us the name of the probiotic that worked for you.
Thank you!
Healthy Trinity probiotics from Natrin. Works on stomach small and large intestines. Best I have found.
Gail
Hi
My son of now age 7 has had eczema from birth, he was diagnosed with a cow dairy intollerance, so dairy has been eliminated from his diet and the eczema isn’t as bad now but still flares up,so I elimanated sugars not completely and I see a slight difference so what I’m asking is it possible that a certain strain of probiotic would help his gut and in turn skin barrier and prevent eczema flare ups ? If so would anybody recommend strains of probiotic for him please?
Thanks
Dean
Dean, it does sound like your son has compromised gut health. Sometimes people find it hard to understand why children can have bad gut health when they have barely had more than a few years to even ingest reactive foods. It is interesting to note that in some cases children’s gut health is directly attributed to the health of their mother’s micro biome when carrying the child.
I have used Bio-Kult probiotics with great success – the capsules do not need to be refrigerated and is a lot stronger than generic strains you will find in a pharmacy.
As a side note, trying to have him drink organic bone broths will be amazingly healing for his gut lining (you can hide in soups etc)…here is a great article that might be useful… http://wellnessmama.com/12065/natural-eczema-remedies/
I hope that helps! Best of luck. It can be a long journey but it is well worth it I promise you.
i have leaky gut, SIBO and seborrheic dermatitis. I am working on healing the gut. Xxx
I just started taking minocycline this week for my cycstic acne that has been flaring up. I thought it was caused by stress. However, I noticed an immediate improvement in my ibs. The last two days my ibs has completely cleared up. I cross my fingers it will go away 🙂
I had the same skin condition as yourself , I could not get rid of the condition tried everything .I went wheat , barley oats and rye free , so no gluten at all , and it’s cleared ALL up , also have a digestive issue . Give it a go.
I’ve had psoriasis for 40 years. I take lots of probiotic yogurt (17 bacterial strains), the hormones hydrocortisone, DHEA & T3 (for energy problems), stomach enzymes, betaine hydrochloride, & lots of zinc. Plus quite a few support supps, & the paleo diet + rice & yogurt.
The psoriasis is still there.
You should take “Herpanacine” by Diamond. Have been managing health food store for 30 years and have never seen anything work better for ANY skin problem, including psoriasis, than Herpanacine. Google it and go to the website for many many testimonials. I have no financial interest in the company, I just know it works.
What about Herpanacine for rosacea — have your customers reported any improvements with it?
Perhaps you should research the FODMAP diet. I follow it, dietician supervised, after stomach surgery for serious reflux and vile problems post op. I have tried probiotics, can’t honestly say they help but mostly take them daily, and recently gave up white wine which I drank almost daily limiting myself to one or two standard drinks (small). I can’t say my IBS is cured but it is better, and instead of every 2nd or 3rd day spent in agony, I can go a bit longer up to a week before being struck again. This is a joy, but I still have swallowing problems and cannot dare to eat away from home without risk. I will be thrilled if my rosacea improves.
Hi try ground flax seed for skin problems. It healed my psoriasis. ????
Hi Tonya, how did you use the flaxseed to cure your skin problems? I have noticed a bit of sebbhoric dermatitis on my face. I am worried it might worsen.
About 3 years ago I strted having stomach issues and noticed white patches on my hands. I think they are related. I was tested for crohn’s bc it runs in my family but not diagnosed. They just called it ibs. They did diagnose me with vitiligo and I am miserable. I follow a FODMAP diet mostly. However, I have started introducing some gluten back into my diet. I feel if I could heal my stomach the skin issues would get better. But I’m very depressed over both.
I recently diagnosed myself with IBS (which as you know is a very vague diagnosis). Within a week of following the FODMAP diet I was 100% better. Looking back I’ve probably had IBS since I was a child (I’m now 33). I’ve been eating probiotics like tic-tacs and following the FODMAP diet for about 6 months…and losing my mind. I’m also vegan. So basically I eat brown rice and bok choy everyday. Finally, 2 weeks ago I decided to try healing my gut with Traditional Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and Chinese herbs). I’d read about it months ago, and TOTALLY believe in its healing power. But I’d been putting it off because it’s so expensive. Three weeks ago I ran into a friend who actually HEALED the same tummy troubles with TCM. I couldn’t believe it! It was a sign! As of now, all I can say is: so far so good. During the first week I felt like I was detoxing: lingering headache (which I never get) and sluggish. This week I’m breaking out (acne) like crazy. But I’ve noticed much less bloating and gas if I accidentally eat or drink something high FODMAP. Where before I’d be miserable and wearing baggy shirts due to my tummy bloat. My friend said she noticed a difference in 4 weeks and was all better in 8 weeks. Can’t wait to be able to eat garlic again!!
Hi Crystal, I’m curious to know how your treatment is coming along. Thanks for sharing your experience.
It’s actually going GREAT!! My tummy hardly gets bloated or gassy. I can have a little garlic here and there. Same with beans, only a small amount here and there. Onions are still a no-go! Haha! I’d say I’m probably 80-85% better. I think my job will prevent me from ever getting 100% better unfortunately. But I’m VERY happy with my current status. Thanks for asking ??
I got a bottle of Ultimate Flora to try. Just finished the 30 capsules. About the third week my ears became so dry and itchy, it’s driving me nuts. There are hard bits and flaky pieces in there. My tongue feels like I burned it, like on hot coffee. Nothing else has changed that I can think of.
I have had flakey dry extreamly itchy ears for years now I have ringing and loss of hearing. I also experience the sensation of burnt tongue or bumps. I don’t eat wheat ever or any other grains , milk products, stevia or carageen no one has been able to help me in 10 years or more. I have digestive issues to the point where I rarely eat out and NEVER eat fast food.
Although I have been almost dairy, sugar and grain free for over a year, I have a condition called granuloma annulare which is not all that common and yet it continues to get worse. I am also on candida supplements and probiotics. I wish I could figure out the gut-skin connection and rid myself of this disfiguration that is taking over my extremities.Doesn’t seem so easy. My daughter’;s acne responded to this diet changes but not my granuloma. I don’t see any articles related to this condition anywhere on your site. Wish someone would tackle this problem. I am on a FB group with over 1,000 other sufferers and everyone is desperate for some help. any ideas?
Probiotic supplements can be expensive. I am working to improve my digestion health. I get outbreaks on my skin if I have milk products and I am thinking sugar also is the culprit.
I have nasal polyps and take regular medication of singular and claritin, this is a daily thing. it has helped me pretty well. I started to take Align (probiotic pills) $50/9week supply. in the beginning it was good sinuses were quite better than just the singular and claritin. but lately sinuses and skin conditions have not been good, but summer and icecream go hand in hand, so trying to avoid it now.
I also brewed my very first Water Kefir probiotic drink at home and will be switching to the water kefir instead of the supplement pills. Let see how this goes.
For those who get relief from probiotics I wanted to mention water kefir as another option to expensive store probiotics. It take a little effort but saves you a lot.
Thx