Skin dryness is a common problem that may be caused by numerous factors, including the use of certain cosmetic products and exposure to cold, dry environmental conditions. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that dry skin may be accompanied by skin scaling, itching and cracking, and that dry skin most commonly occurs on your extremities. If you are considering using nutritional supplements to help treat your dry skin, always review important supplement-related topics with your doctor first.
Dryness of the Skin
Dry skin -- a temporary condition for some, a long-term condition for others -- commonly occurs in conjunction with other signs and symptoms, including skin tightness after bathing or showering, skin that is rough to the touch, itching that ranges from mild to marked, peeling skin, skin redness, cracks or fine lines and deep fissures that may bleed, notes MayoClinic.com. If your dry skin is not properly cared for, you may develop several health complications, including bacterial infections or eczema.
Commonly Used Supplements
Many types of dietary supplements have been used in treating dry skin, although some supplements may be more effective than others. Some supplements may require more rigorous examination to validate their purported health benefits. Expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," reports that several dietary supplements, including burdock seed, sarsaparilla root, nettle seed, yellow dock root, spilanthes and ginger, may be especially helpful in treating skin problems such as dry skin, eczema and psoriasis.
Powerful Supplement
The roots of the sarsaparilla plant contain many powerful medicinal ingredients that are incorporated into dietary supplements. Smith notes that sarsaparilla has historically been used in treating chronic skin maladies, including eczema and psoriasis, as well as boils, low kidney function, arthritis and gout. Sarsaparilla, notes Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," has healing action and possess the ability to induce perspiration.
Warning
Dry skin, though a common problem among Americans, is often easily treated with appropriate lifestyle changes and other natural therapies. In some cases, however, your dry skin may best be treated using more conventional therapeutic approaches. If you develop dry skin, schedule a visit with your primary care provider to discuss the benefits and risks of common treatments used for this health problem. Some dietary supplements may be contraindicated, or should not be used, if you have certain allergies or medical conditions.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Dry Skin
- MayoClinic.com: Dry Skin
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
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