Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 6/21/2006

Question
I want to help my friend, but I need to do so through an expert. I have spent years with supplements, therapies and dietary interventions to help my son recover from autism, and it has helped me recognize when some persons, like friend V, may have internal imbalances.V is 40, had a hysterectomy, and takes meds for low thyroid. Her concern, however, is the chronic outbreak, quite visible and ongoing 2 yrs+, on her face/cheeks. I suspect she may have systemic yeast (she claims she is allergic to onions, has a hard time digesting dairy/cheese but still eats it and consumes a good deal of wheat and carbo/processed items.) She is about 30 lb overweight, mostly hips and buttocks. She has rejected my VERY subtle suggestion that she may be wheat INTOLERANT, to reduce or elim most of it from diet, and try good quality probiotics/good bugs. Am I totally off base? I really want to help her get her face cleared up, but I suspect a dermatologist and $$ topical applications are not the answer for her.  

Answer
Nance,
Thanks for your question.  Your friend is fortunate to have a caring and knowledgeable person on her side.  You are right in thinking that conventional dermatology will not be a lasting answer for her.  Skin outbreaks are often a reflection of what's occuring in the digestive tract, and so a trial elimination of wheat, dairy, and sugar is a good idea.  Probiotics, fiber, digestive enzymes, liver support herbs, and antifungal herbs may all help her restore proper digestive function and clear her skin.  It will likely help her lose weight, too.  
Hormonal imbalances can often contribute to skin issues, and even though she is on medications for low thyroid, that is an area to explore further.  Medications provide the hormone but the body still has to convert it to the active form, and needs the right nutrients (iodine, selenium, tyrosine) to do that.  Low conversion is very common and should be addressed.  
If you are in an area where there are naturopathic doctors (search for one at www.naturopathic.org), suggesting she make an appointment is a good idea.  An ND will be able to guide her from any stage of health to a better one, and help motivate and educate her.  This is a way to help her without straining your relationship.  Even though you have experience in the area, often it helps for a person to hear it from a more objective source.  And by being a good role model, as you are doing, you are helping also.  Eventually, she will be able to get ot the point where she is motivated to help herself, which is when the real healing begins.  Your support is valuable in helping her get to that point.  
Good luck to you both.  
In Health,
Dr. Conner