How to Treat Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Inside & Out

How to Treat Inflammatory Skin Conditions: Inside & Out

Skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea are often driven by inflammation. Successful treatment means addressing both the surface of the skin (topical therapies) and the internal environment (diet, supplements, and medications).

Topical Approaches

  1. Corticosteroids

    • Common first-line for eczema, psoriasis flares.

    • Example: Hydrocortisone 1% cream (OTC, mild inflammation).

    • Prescription: Triamcinolone 0.1% cream (medium strength), applied BID for 1–2 weeks.

  2. Calcineurin Inhibitors (for sensitive areas/long-term use)

    • Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment or Pimecrolimus 1% cream — safe for face, eyelids, skin folds.

    • Apply BID.

  3. Topical Antimicrobials (useful in acne, rosacea)

    • Metronidazole 0.75% cream/gel (rosacea), clindamycin 1% gel (acne).

  4. Barrier Repair & Moisturizers

    • Fragrance-free, ceramide-rich creams (e.g., CeraVe, Eucerin).

    • Apply immediately after bathing to lock in moisture.

Internal Approaches

Dietary Strategies

  • Anti-inflammatory diet:

    • Increase: fatty fish (salmon, sardines, 2–3x/week), olive oil (1–2 tbsp/day), leafy greens, berries.

    • Decrease: refined sugar, fried foods, processed meats, alcohol.

  • Dairy and gluten: trial elimination (can worsen acne, eczema in some individuals).

Supplements

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Fish oil providing 1–3 g/day of EPA + DHA.

  • Vitamin D3: 1000–2000 IU/day (higher if deficient).

  • Zinc picolinate: 30 mg/day (helpful for acne, wound healing).

  • Probiotics: Lactobacillus + Bifidobacterium strains, 10–20 billion CFU/day.

  • Turmeric/curcumin: 500–1000 mg/day with black pepper for absorption.

Systemic Medications (prescription only)

  • Antihistamines: Cetirizine 10 mg daily (eczema, urticaria with itch).

  • Doxycycline: 100 mg once or twice daily (anti-inflammatory for acne/rosacea).

  • Methotrexate: 7.5–25 mg weekly (for severe psoriasis/eczema; specialist prescribed).

  • Biologics: e.g., Dupilumab (eczema), Adalimumab (psoriasis).

 

psoriasis

So overall, Managing inflammatory skin conditions works best with a dual approach:

Topicals calm the skin barrier.

Diet, supplements, and systemic meds address the root inflammation.

Always work with a professional and ensure they tailor treatment to the condition and severity — and involve a trained professional for long-term management.

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