Many people swear by alternative acne treatments. But the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says that "all-natural supplements" have not been shown to be effective, and some may even be harmful. For example, the group cites an over-the-counter (OTC) acne supplement that contained more than 200 times the amount of selenium stated on the label. It caused a wide range of toxic reactions. The AAD also states that there is no evidence that any dietary regimen has an effect on acne.
“Dermatologists can treat warts through prescription medications or in-office procedures,” said Dr. Friedman. “However, it’s important to remember that there is no cure for the wart virus, so new warts can appear in a new spot at any time.”
A rise in insulin—caused by refined carbohydrate intake—can cause oil production, so reducing things like white bread, processed cereals, and sugar will help. There is also some evidence that decreasing animal products like dairy can alleviate black heads and white heads, says Schultz. (Did you know where your acne is could be telling you something? See How to Get Rid of Acne with Face Mapping.)
Alternative medicine often embraces treatment that not only presages but also may ultimately be incorporated into conventional practice. Good CAM practice is rooted in basic science, clinical experience and good medicine, but it often lacks the sanctioned level of proof we have come to demand for scientific, allopathic dermatology. Further, CAM practices arise and are developed differently from conventional practices. For example, when a growing body of anecdotal experience is supported by the understanding of underlying mechanisms of pathology, particular CAM approaches to illness are employed, even before the methods are validated in the usual ways. Many of these methods are difficult to study or assess using conventional research methods because they relate to the individual rather than to the disease or condition itself.
Psorizide®According to its official website, Psorizide® Forte is a prescription homeopathic medication designed to improve the symptoms of contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and psoriasis.6 According to the medication's package insert, this product contains nickel sulfate, potassium bromide, and fumaric acid as active ingredients.6 The product has not been evaluated by the FDA, but according to one source, one 650-mg capsule contains 1 mg of nickel sulfate, 15 mg of potassium bromide, and 30 mg of fumaric acid.7Several studies have reported the effectiveness of a similar formulation or one of its components in skin disease. An early randomized crossover study of nickel dibromide showed statistically significant change in the patients' psoriasis after 12 weeks of use.8 One randomized controlled trial of a formulation similar to this product in seborrheic dermatitis showed improvement in the treatment group after 10 weeks compared with placebo, based on severity and area affected.9 This study further used a crossover design, which showed improvement in the control group upon transitioning to the experimental therapy.9 The manufacturer notes no known contraindications other than allergy to one of the medication components and reports no known drug interactions, but it has provided information on metal toxicity syndromes.6Nevertheless, examination of each component individually in the literature shows several potential adverse effects with this treatment. Nickel is a well-known allergen, particularly in contact dermatitis, but systemic nickel allergy syndrome has also been studied in the literature, and results in gastrointestinal or widespread cutaneous reaction.10 Also of concern is potential acute metal toxicity. One study revealed a median lethal dose for acute toxicity of 362 mg/kg body weight for nickel sulfate hexahydrate, the second lowest of the 11 distinct nickel compounds tested. Nickel sulfate is therefore one of the most concerning nickel compounds for acute toxicity, although even this toxicity risk is thought to be very low.11 Of perhaps more concern than acute toxicity is the observation that nickel sulfate exposure, as in nickel refiners, has been correlated with an elevated risk of cancer, particularly nasal, stomach, and lung cancers.12 Earlier animal studies also showed bone marrow–suppressive effects of systemic nickel sulfate in mice models, with nickel accumulation in the kidneys.13 Another component of this medication, potassium bromide, has meanwhile been noted to result in bromoderma, characterized by severe papular and pustular eruptions, in children taking it for epilepsy.14 Finally, fumaric acid has been described in the literature as causing a cutaneous flushing reaction.15Thus, although some limited trials suggest efficacy in treatment of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, the individual components of this homeopathic medication cannot be described as innocuous, particularly in large doses or over the long term. It is worth noting that it is uncertain exactly how much of each component is in this medication; therefore, the degree to which these adverse effects should be expected is unclear. On the basis of its homeopathic nature, each component is probably quite diluted; thus, these adverse effects are expected to be quite rare.
“Dermatologists can treat warts through prescription medications or in-office procedures,” said Dr. Friedman. “However, it’s important to remember that there is no cure for the wart virus, so new warts can appear in a new spot at any time.”
A rise in insulin—caused by refined carbohydrate intake—can cause oil production, so reducing things like white bread, processed cereals, and sugar will help. There is also some evidence that decreasing animal products like dairy can alleviate black heads and white heads, says Schultz. (Did you know where your acne is could be telling you something? See How to Get Rid of Acne with Face Mapping.)
Alternative medicine often embraces treatment that not only presages but also may ultimately be incorporated into conventional practice. Good CAM practice is rooted in basic science, clinical experience and good medicine, but it often lacks the sanctioned level of proof we have come to demand for scientific, allopathic dermatology. Further, CAM practices arise and are developed differently from conventional practices. For example, when a growing body of anecdotal experience is supported by the understanding of underlying mechanisms of pathology, particular CAM approaches to illness are employed, even before the methods are validated in the usual ways. Many of these methods are difficult to study or assess using conventional research methods because they relate to the individual rather than to the disease or condition itself.
Psorizide®According to its official website, Psorizide® Forte is a prescription homeopathic medication designed to improve the symptoms of contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and psoriasis.6 According to the medication's package insert, this product contains nickel sulfate, potassium bromide, and fumaric acid as active ingredients.6 The product has not been evaluated by the FDA, but according to one source, one 650-mg capsule contains 1 mg of nickel sulfate, 15 mg of potassium bromide, and 30 mg of fumaric acid.7Several studies have reported the effectiveness of a similar formulation or one of its components in skin disease. An early randomized crossover study of nickel dibromide showed statistically significant change in the patients' psoriasis after 12 weeks of use.8 One randomized controlled trial of a formulation similar to this product in seborrheic dermatitis showed improvement in the treatment group after 10 weeks compared with placebo, based on severity and area affected.9 This study further used a crossover design, which showed improvement in the control group upon transitioning to the experimental therapy.9 The manufacturer notes no known contraindications other than allergy to one of the medication components and reports no known drug interactions, but it has provided information on metal toxicity syndromes.6Nevertheless, examination of each component individually in the literature shows several potential adverse effects with this treatment. Nickel is a well-known allergen, particularly in contact dermatitis, but systemic nickel allergy syndrome has also been studied in the literature, and results in gastrointestinal or widespread cutaneous reaction.10 Also of concern is potential acute metal toxicity. One study revealed a median lethal dose for acute toxicity of 362 mg/kg body weight for nickel sulfate hexahydrate, the second lowest of the 11 distinct nickel compounds tested. Nickel sulfate is therefore one of the most concerning nickel compounds for acute toxicity, although even this toxicity risk is thought to be very low.11 Of perhaps more concern than acute toxicity is the observation that nickel sulfate exposure, as in nickel refiners, has been correlated with an elevated risk of cancer, particularly nasal, stomach, and lung cancers.12 Earlier animal studies also showed bone marrow–suppressive effects of systemic nickel sulfate in mice models, with nickel accumulation in the kidneys.13 Another component of this medication, potassium bromide, has meanwhile been noted to result in bromoderma, characterized by severe papular and pustular eruptions, in children taking it for epilepsy.14 Finally, fumaric acid has been described in the literature as causing a cutaneous flushing reaction.15Thus, although some limited trials suggest efficacy in treatment of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis, the individual components of this homeopathic medication cannot be described as innocuous, particularly in large doses or over the long term. It is worth noting that it is uncertain exactly how much of each component is in this medication; therefore, the degree to which these adverse effects should be expected is unclear. On the basis of its homeopathic nature, each component is probably quite diluted; thus, these adverse effects are expected to be quite rare.