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Exfoliative Keratolysis. Is There A Natural Cure For This?
Question: is there a natural cure for Exfoliative Keratolysis
Hello and thanks for the query.
Exfoliative keratolysis (EK) means exfoliation of the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. The epidermis, while being the outermost layer of skin, is itself made up of multiple layers. These layers are made of keratin, a protein that gives skin its strength and flexibility, and makes skin waterproof. When the keratin breaks down, the skin loses its strength and begins to shed, or exfoliate.
There is no known cure for EK, though there are seasons where the condition is dormant.
While the exact cause of EK is unknown, a variety of factors are known to contribute to an outbreak. In some cases people are predisposed to EK because of family genetics. Young adults are more prone to develop EK than any other age group.
The response to EK treatments varies from person to person. However, some general rules and natural ways of treatment are
1. Avoid all soaps, detergents, or solvents that could irritate the skin.
2. Choose a moisturizer that contains urea and it should be generously applied 4 to 6 times a day and may wear a cotton glove in the night.
A method useful for treating EK involves using compositions comprising topical administration of a therapeutically effective amount of
1. black walnut, wormwood, tumeric, garlic.
2. two or more antibacterial/anti-inflammatory herbs selected from the group consisting of St. Johns wort, licorice, chamomile, clove, nutmeg, ginger, frankincense and myrrh.
3. Aloe vera locally.
If the over-the-counter treatments don’t work, a prescription may be in order. Doctors can prescribe a number of medications, including topical steroids and cortisone cream.
The good news is that EK is not in any way contagious.
The important thing to relay to clients with EK is that only a consistent treatment strategy will produce positive results. Occasional application of moisturizer will do little to heal the skin. Aggressive, proactive attention is required to treat EK successfully.
I hope to have answered your query.
Any follow up query is welcome.
Best of luck.
Thanks
Exfoliative keratolysis (EK) means exfoliation of the top layer of the skin, the epidermis. The epidermis, while being the outermost layer of skin, is itself made up of multiple layers. These layers are made of keratin, a protein that gives skin its strength and flexibility, and makes skin waterproof. When the keratin breaks down, the skin loses its strength and begins to shed, or exfoliate.
There is no known cure for EK, though there are seasons where the condition is dormant.
While the exact cause of EK is unknown, a variety of factors are known to contribute to an outbreak. In some cases people are predisposed to EK because of family genetics. Young adults are more prone to develop EK than any other age group.
The response to EK treatments varies from person to person. However, some general rules and natural ways of treatment are
1. Avoid all soaps, detergents, or solvents that could irritate the skin.
2. Choose a moisturizer that contains urea and it should be generously applied 4 to 6 times a day and may wear a cotton glove in the night.
A method useful for treating EK involves using compositions comprising topical administration of a therapeutically effective amount of
1. black walnut, wormwood, tumeric, garlic.
2. two or more antibacterial/anti-inflammatory herbs selected from the group consisting of St. Johns wort, licorice, chamomile, clove, nutmeg, ginger, frankincense and myrrh.
3. Aloe vera locally.
If the over-the-counter treatments don’t work, a prescription may be in order. Doctors can prescribe a number of medications, including topical steroids and cortisone cream.
The good news is that EK is not in any way contagious.
The important thing to relay to clients with EK is that only a consistent treatment strategy will produce positive results. Occasional application of moisturizer will do little to heal the skin. Aggressive, proactive attention is required to treat EK successfully.
I hope to have answered your query.
Any follow up query is welcome.
Best of luck.
Thanks
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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