Effective Natural Approaches to Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis and Other Skin Disorders

We don't usually think of the skin as an organ in the same way we would the liver or kidneys, but the skin is an organ. In fact, it is the largest organ in the body, and as such, it performs many vital functions essential to health and well-being. For starters, the skin is part of your immune system, protecting you from infection and toxins. The skin also plays a critical role in regulating body temperature and is the body's largest eliminative organ, helping to rid the system of irritating substances.

With the exception of skin cancer, skin diseases aren't life-threatening health problems. Skin conditions can cause a great deal of physical discomfort, but the problems associated with skin disorders aren't limited to physical well-being. Our skin is part of how we present ourselves to the world and psychologists tell us that our body image accounts for about 30 percent of our self-esteem.

So, skin diseases like acne, rashes, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and vitiligo can make a person feel self-conscious, resulting in a loss of self-confidence and self-esteem. While ideally we should not be judging each other based on outward appearance, the fact remains that we tend to find healthy skin attractive and often shy away from people who have visible skin conditions, even if the skin condition isn't contagious.

As a result, people with skin disorders may experience social withdrawal, loneliness and a feeling of isolation. This can contribute to anger, anxiety, frustration and depression. So, helping people overcome these conditions isn't just important for their physical comfort, it can also aid their sense of mental, emotional and social well-being. There's nothing wrong with wanting to look good in our skin.

This issue of Sunshine Sharing explores natural approaches to common skin disorders like acne, eczema and psoriasis. Learn how to approach these problems holistically inside.