Autoimmune Guide: What is your skin telling you?

I have the most vivid memory of being in 7th grade, a ruthless time no matter how you dice it, and being taunted and teased for the “snake skin” on the backs of my legs and arms. It was itchy and scaly and would bleed anytime I scratched myself. I would wear long sleeves and try to cover the severe eczema with bracelets and watches. I saw countless dermatologists and allergists and tried every topical and oral treatment on the market. I would slather myself in Aquaphor nightly, particularly on my eyelids which were cracked and raw. I avoided nickel, after being told this was a simple nickel allergy being prompted by cheap jewelry. I tried expensive creams, oatmeal baths, and bleach baths and yet not a single provider of mine considered autoimmunity as the source.

It is quite common to suffer from skin conditions as a result of an underlying, untreated autoimmune disease. Many common autoimmune diseases present themselves with skin flares such as psoriasis, celiac disease (dermatitis herpetiformis), scleroderma, lupus, and many others. When we treat the underlying overactive immune response, oftentimes the skin irritations will dissipate. Nourishing your body with nutrient-dense foods, ensuring you are getting the vitamins and minerals that are needed for your skin, and ridding your body of toxins all help encourage the skin to heal. With autoimmune rashes and conditions, your skin is screaming out to you– but are you listening?

I no longer have to cover my body in Aquaphor, utilize topical steroids, or feel embarrassed by my rashes. My skin is no longer plagued with painful rashes and sores. Before finding the Wahls Protocol, I tried nearly everything to treat my raging eczema and dermatitis herpetiformis. I urge you to consider healing yourself through the Wahls Protocol.