Find And Treat The Root Cause Of Itchy Skin With Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI) Hong Kong

Itchy skin is more than just skin-deep. It can prevent you, or your child from getting a good night’s rest, and affect mental health and body image. It’s also a sign that underneath the skin’s surface, something is out of balance, say Integrated Medicine Institute (IMI) Hong Kong.

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Studies suggest that one in five children has eczema, but eczema can rear its head during other life phases and is affected by hormonal changes like puberty, pregnancy, and the menstrual cycle.

Itchy skin problems often have more than one contributing factor. They are usually driven by a combination of internal and external factors, and often gut health, immune function, inflammation, and genetics are at play.

Environmental triggers

Hong Kong’s sticky humidity provides the perfect breeding ground for mould, which loves to set up home in our city apartments. “When your body comes into contact with mould, your immune system overreacts, releasing antibodies which trigger allergy symptoms like itchy skin,” says naturopathic doctor, Benita Perch.

Toxins like microscopic air pollutants cause itchy skin by passing through the skin barrier and studies demonstrate the connection between levels of air pollution, itching, and sleep disturbances.

Environmental allergens like dust mites, pets, pollen and fragranced soaps or laundry detergents can also cause irritation.

Gut-skin connection

“Illness often begins in the gut,” says IMI’s naturopath and homeopath Graeme Bradshaw. As an expert in digestive health and its mutual relationship with many of the body’s organs, he’s witnessed the impact of poor gut health.

“Unknown food intolerances and allergies often contribute, alongside dysbiosis and leaky gut,” he explains.

These issues cause inflammation and stimulate your immune system. When your immune cells respond to inflammation, they produce chemical messengers like histamines and cytokines, which stimulate nerve endings in the skin and cause itching.

Other factors

Dry, itchy skin may also be a sign of nutritional deficiencies in vitamin D, omega 3, iron, B12, vitamin A, and calcium.

Stress can also play a significant role. It causes inflammation, weakens the skin barrier and causes sensitivity. It also prompts the release of histamine which contributes to itchy skin. Stress is widely recognised as a major trigger for eczema flare ups.

Treatments

IMI practitioners recommend removing external irritants from your home as soon as possible. Switching fragranced laundry detergents and soaps for gentle, hypoallergenic alternatives.

Naturopathic treatment begins with testing. “We work on the principle of ‘Don’t guess, test.’ Then we can curate a treatment plan using the information uncovered during the testing phase,” says Graeme.

Once the root cause has been identified, practitioners work to remove triggers and work on repairing the damage, reducing inflammation and rebuilding strength so the body can return to balance. Patients report that their kids sleep better at night, and are consequently are brighter, happier and free from itching throughout the day.

Homeopathy may also provide therapeutic support. IMI homeopath Manisha Khiani personalises remedies based on symptoms and individual constitution. Many of her clients report a full resolution to allergies and eczema, with one Google reviewer expressing their gratitude that “The eczema that had persisted for years is completely gone.”

IMI’s practitioners conduct a thorough investigation of itchy skin to diagnose and treat the root cause. Book your appointment  today to support healthier, more comfortable skin.