Frequently Asked Questions

What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a noncontagious common skin condition that causes rapid skin cell reproduction resulting in red, dry patches of thickened skin. The dry flakes and skin scales are thought to result from the rapid build up of skin cells. Psoriasis commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp.

Some people have such mild psoriasis (small, faint dry skin patches) that they may not even suspect that they have a medical skin condition. Others have very severe psoriasis where virtually their entire body is fully covered with thick, red, scaly skin.

What is Eczema ?
Eczema is a common, non-infectious skin disease, that is exacerbated by internal or external factors.

Dermatitis is a much broader term used to describe “inflammation of the skin”, in general.

The terms eczema & dermatitis are used interchangeably. Demarcation between the conditions is difficult at times, however similar treatment protocols are used for both conditions.

There are many forms or subtypes of dermatitis/eczema. These include atopic eczema/dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis/eczema and contact dermatitis/eczema.  The different types occur in pattern according to age.

There are three basic stages of Eczema/Dermatitis- Acute, Subacute and Chronic.

External Factors
o Climate – heat, cold, dryness
o Environmental – animal fur, synthetic fibres, plants, chemicals & cleaners
o Sunlight/ultraviolet light
o Cosmetics – make up, soaps and shampoos, facial creams
o Foods

Internal Factors
o Chronic gastrointestinal disorders
o Stress/overexertion/emotional
o Disturbed sleep patterns/insomnia
o Infections
o Metabolic disturbances
o Endocrine dysfunction


What is Acne ?
Acne is common in adolescents and young adults. It usually occurs in early adolescence and decreases after the age of 25. However, some people, particularly women, develop acne for the first time in their late twenties or thirties. Severe acne tends to run in families and is presents more often in males.

Acne may also develop in people who suffer from any of several endocrine disorders. In particular, acne may develop in people who have abnormalities in circulating androgens. Some drugs can also cause or make acne worse.

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous (oil) glands and hair follicles. The scattered lesions caused by acne can manifest as single or multiple bumps generally called nodules or papules. Acne generally appears on the face (especially the chin, cheeks, forehead and around the nose), the chest, back, buttocks, nape, and scalp. Involvement is often symmetrical. Increased sebaceous activity on the face and scalp also leads to an oily complexion and greasy hair.

Acne is most likely caused by a combination of factors. First, there is an increase in sebum production and a blockage of the hair follicle. With the follicle blocked the population of normal bacteria in the follicle increases dramatically. The bacteria produce inflammatory chemicals, which leak into the surrounding dermis (skin).

Although acne usually disappears once adolescence and growth are over, it can persist into adulthood. Women often present with acne during their menstrual cycle. It can also reappear in later years, especially in women who have received hormone treatment for other conditions.

In some cases, mostly males, papules can develop into red or dark red nodules or cysts which are located deeper within the skin than the normal presentation of papules. The surface area of the cysts are larger and malleable upon palpitation with the fingers. This form of acne usually leads to deep pitted scarring.


 

---

What is the best treatment for eczema ?
We have found that for treating eczema, natural treatments are the best. Natural treatments work better, and have none of the many side effects of traditional medications.
Most eczema treatments offer some short-term relief. But in the long term, natural treatments are far superior. Also, most traditional medications like hydrocortisone cream contain toxins that build up in the body, and cannot be used long term.
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin usually caused by an allergic reaction. The skin becomes very red, itchy and dry. The appearance of eczema varies depending upon the type of eczema and the body site affected. Eczema can occur in any age group from infants to elderly persons. It is very important not to scratch it, as this can make the condition worse.
When treating eczema, it is important to understand the two different treatment methods. You must treat eczema from the inside, and from the outside. Eczema treatment from the outside with creams and lotions will temporarily help. Treating from within will help build up your immune system, and offer long-term relief.

There are two steps to relieving and preventing eczema:

STEP ONE

The first step in eczema treatment is to hydrate the skin and reduce inflammation. Because people that suffer from eczema frequently have bad reactions to chemicals, its important to use natural treatments. Natural medicines also provide a more soothing effect to the skin. The best eczema treatments for hydrating the skin contain the following key ingredients:
Vitamin E Oil - Vitamin E Oil is well known for promoting skin healing and for helping to hydrate the skin. Vitamin E has anti-oxidant properties and also functions to protect cell membranes and helps the body to use selenium and Vitamin K.

Hydrocotyle - Hydrocotyl is an herb which has been used for many centuries for its wound healing and skin rejuvenating properties. It is used to assist in the treatment of eczema, burns and skin ulcers.
Curcuma Tr - contains powerful antioxidant nutrients known as curcuminoids. The active constituent is curcumin, an antioxidant that reduces inflammation by reducing histamine levels and possibly increasing natural adrenal corticoids. It is well known for treating eczema, fungus, itching, psoriasis, rash, warts, and athlete's foot.
Vinca Minor – is a homeopathic remedy that is helpful for skin that is very sensitive, red and sore, with intense itching. It has soothing and healing properties that are especially beneficial for eczema patients.
Graphites 3X – is a homeopathic remedy which is often used to treat skin conditions including eczema and psoriasis. It helps to heal cracked and dry skin or skin with an oozing discharge which easily becomes infected.
The best eczema cream on the market contains all these important natural ingredients.


STEP TWO

The second step of eczema treatment is to build up your immune system so that you are less likely to suffer from eczema in the future. Building up your immune system will also benefit you in other ways:
-Help you recover faster from illness. -You will have more energy and feel less run down. -Your immune system will fight off illnesses helping you get sick less often. -Prevent premature degeneration of body cells.
The best way to build up your immune system is to use natural products that contain the following key natural ingredients:

Hypoxis Rooperi (extract of African Potato). Hypoxis contains phytosterols and Sterolins, which help to modulate the effect of the immune system and enhance its performance. It is traditionally used as a convalescent and as a strengthening tonic.
Olea europea (extract of olive leaf) contains oleuropein acid, which is effective against numerous viruses, bacteria and fungi. It has been well known for thousands of years to have positive effects to the skin. It is essential for eczema treatment.
This is the best system of eczema treatment we have seen. By following this simple two step process, you will improve your overall health and your immune system. The healthier you are, the healthier your skin will be.


Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common problem in infants and children. It usually begins between two and six months of age with very dry and sensitive skin that will then become red and extremely itchy. It often starts on the forehead, cheeks and scalp and spreads to the trunk, creases of the elbows, knees, and wrists. With scratching the rash may become raw, crusted and weepy.
It is not yet known what causes it, but it does seem to run in families that have a history of asthma, allergies or atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic disease, but only about a third of children with infantile atopic dermatitis will continue to have problems with it as they get older.
There is no cure for this common condition. The main treatments are aimed at controlling and preventing inflammation and itching and include avoiding triggers, frequent bathing and hydrating of the skin, liberal use of moisturizers and lubricants.
To help with dryness, Anti Bacterial Cream, such as Apollo Healing Cream, should be used every day, even when the eczema isn't flaring-up!



TREATING DOG ECZEMA WITH ANTI BACTERIAL CREAMS / OINTMENTS

Canine eczema is a common problem for dogs and can lead to skin lesions. Hot weather can lead to summer sores or hot spots. Summer sores, another name for canine eczema resulting from hot weather, can make a dog lick and bite the area. Skin lesions result from the moist eczema. Antiseptic, anti-bacterial ointments can greatly improve the condition.
Preparing the Affected Area
If the fur over the canine eczema is shaved, it allows for better airflow and easier cleaning and treatment. Moist eczema is exacerbated and will heal very slowly if wet fur continues to aggravate the skin. It is then important to scrub and clean the area with antiseptic to reduce the presence of the bacteria causing the eczema. If skin lesions are present, the cleaning may need to be more gentle to avoid bleeding and pain.
The Benefits of Apollo Anti-Bacterial Cream

When a dog develops canine eczema, the skin is being attacked by bacteria as well as the aggravation from the licking and gnawing the dog does on the area. An inflammation and skin lesions can develop. Bacteria are always present on the dog's skin. Canine eczema develops when this bacteria grows too rapidly on the dog's skin, often because of moisture. The dog's immune system cannot handle the amount and speed of the bacteria growth and the skin becomes inflamed and irritated. Consistently reducing the presence of the bacteria is the best way to rid the dog of summer sores and moist eczema. Applying an anti-bacterial ointment or cream will provide immediate relief for the dog as well as treating the canine eczema. Cream is the better choice for a dog's skin as an ointment adds to the moisture causing the eczema. The cream needs to be applied regularly, usually 2 to 5 times daily, on a consistent basis. An anti-bacterial soap can also aid in relieving the hot spots.

Additional Treatments

While anti-bacterial ointment is essential in the treatment of canine eczema, other treatments can provide additional relief and healing. If the infection is severe and skin lesions are in advanced stages, a course of antibiotics may also be indicated. In the case of moist eczema, drying out the area with a powder containing an anti-histamine will provide immediate relief. It also discourages the dog from biting and chewing. Vitamin E oil is a natural healer when applied directly to the skin when used in very small amounts and alternated with a powder or anti-bacterial cream.
The best way to treat canine eczema is to prevent it. Keeping the dog's fur brushed and clean keeps bacteria at bay. Many foods can cause problems in the skin for some dogs. If your dog is prone to developing canine eczema, reducing poultry, grains, and processed foods may keep the dog's digestion healthier with a stronger immune system.