Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “I’m hoping that you can lead me in the direction of a possible solution to a skin problem I have. A year ago my doctor gave me a cream for poison ivy. When that didn’t work, he sent me to see a dermatologist who said the rash was due to allergies, not poison ivy. I went through several tests to pinpoint exactly what I was allergic to and I have stayed away from these things. The rash consists of very dry patches of red bumps that dissipate only to show up hours later in a new area. I have tried just about everything over the counter, including steroid creams, sprays, and Benadryl. Do you have any suggestions?” — Carol L., Green Bay, WI

A. Dear Carol, What a miserable experience. I am so sorry you are having this problem and have not been able to find relief. When it comes to natural treatment options for skin health, I would suggest sea buckthorn and black currant seed oils.

The sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) tree is a hardy plant naturally grown in Europe and Asia. The fruit of sea buckthorn has been called a “nutrient bomb” because it is so rich in flavonoids, vitamins, and other beneficial compounds. The seeds contain exceptionally high omega fatty acids, including the rare Omega-7 fatty acid (palmitoleic acid). Taken internally, sea buckthorn oil improves hydration of the skin and mucous membranes, helping to alleviate dryness and facilitate skin healing. I recommend taking 1,000 mg in the morning and another 1,000 mg in the afternoon/evening. When your skin is back to normal, you can decrease to 1,000 mg daily. If you notice skin issues beginning again, go back to the 2,000 mg daily dose.

Black currant (Ribes nigrum) seed oil is a rich source of gamma linolenic acid (GLA), as well as other essential fatty acids, vitamin C, and flavonoids. GLA, a powerful anti-inflammatory compound, works by stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory hormones. When taken orally, black currant seed oil’s anti-inflammatory properties are effective against skin irritations. Black currant seed oil also helps improve skin hydration – alleviating the itching and other symptoms associated with dry skin. I recommend taking 2,000-3,000 mg of this oil daily.

You may also want to try a topical spray product that combines very high quality boswellia and curcumin (the major players), along with some wintergreen and menthol (the minor players). Topical boswellia and curcumin have strong anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, while the wintergreen and menthol enhance circulation and aid in absorption through the skin. Just spray it on the affected areas and rub in. It goes to work very quickly, and even though it contains curcumin, it will not stain your clothes.

As always, I encourage you to speak with your doctor concerning incorporating dietary supplements into your daily regimen. My advice should never replace the advice of your health care professional. Keep in mind that it may take a couple of months to see full benefits, so please be patient.

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally