SUMMER SKIN
Published: 27/01/2012 by CLANCY NANKERVIS
» HEALTH
SUMMER SKIN
URTICARIA
Urticaria is often seen in the summer months. This is due to many of its exacerbating factors being increased in this season.
It is a common allergic reaction, when formed appears ‘raised, itchy, with red welts on the surface of the skin’ (www.ncbi.nim.gov).
Most cases of urticaria are acute, lasting a few hours or a day at the most. The formation of the rash occurs as histamine is released into the circulation, resulting in vasodilation (widening of blood vessels).
This results in the leaking intravascular fluid to the tissue surface producing swelling and rash formation (Xu, p229).
TRIGGERS
Triggers for urticaria are varied, certain foods, medicines or illnesses being a few.
Chinese Medicine divides the triggers into internal and external factors.
INTERNAL FACTORS
- Poor or weak constitution or energy reserves/defence
- Emotional factors
EXTERNAL FACTORS
- Climatic factors
- Parasites
- Substances such as cosmetics or fragrances
- Foods which are ‘hot’ in nature such as spicy or greasy foods.
Internal influences usually result in chronic cases, whilst external influences result in acute and are more easily resolved.
FACTORS THAT TRIGGER URTICARIA FORMATION
CLIMATIC
The climatic triggers involved in the formation of urticaria always involved ‘wind’ and usually ‘heat’. When an effected persons energy or defence is low, they are easily ‘invaded’ by these climatic influences.
EMOTIONAL
Any emotional disturbance, especially for an extended period of time, will shift the body’s innate equilibrium, yin and yang become unbalanced, and disharmony ensures. Emotional disturbances often ‘block’ or ‘heat’ the body’s interior, leaving it increasingly vulnerable.
DIGESTION AND FOOD
Poor dietary etiquette and food choices weaken the digestive system. Foods such as fish, seafood, spicy or sweet food, alcohol, or coffee taken in excess inhibit the digestion and creating detrimental internal environment. This can also lead to infestation of parasites and worms.
POOR CONSTITUTION, ENERGY OR RESERVES
These leave the body’s natural defense lowered and vulnerable to any of the above factors.
While western medicine may prescribe antihistamines, Chinese medicine is very skilled at treating not only the presenting ailment but also the underlying causes. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs obtain the fastest relief and results.
SOME HOME REMEDIES FOR ACUTE URTICARIA
Empirical remedy
Mash a whole unpeeled grapefruit, decoct for 10 minutes, wash skin with mixture three times daily. Eating grapefruit also helps reduce urticaria.
Decoct chrysanthemum or green tea
Put in spray bottle and use as mist to cool the skin
Summer foods that will cool the skin include:
Cucumber, asparagus, celery, lettuce, watermelon, dandelion, chrysanthemum or peppermint tea
Please note; this article is intended for general use only. Severe cases of urticaria can be life threatening if there is an anaphylactic response. If this situation occurs, emergency aid should be sought immediately. Dial 000 for emergency care in Australia.
www.ncbi.nim.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001848/
Xu You, Dermatology in Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2004, United Kingdom, Donica Publishing.
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