ACNE

Acne has a characteristic appearance and is not difficult to diagnose. Healthcare providers can treat most individuals with mild and moderate forms of acne. People with more severe cases of acne however, are often referred to a dermatologist or a skin disease specialist.

Under the concepts of naturopathic medicine, assessment is oriented toward determining what is impeding your body's ability to function normally.

At our naturopathic clinic, diagnosis is based on finding out the root cause of acne. This would include appropriate laboratory tests and a detailed intake at your initial naturopathic consultation. Our naturopathic doctor conducts a complete medical history intake that includes questions about skin care, cosmetic use, and diet; factors that trigger flare-ups; medication use; occupational and environmental exposures; and prior treatment and an examination of the face, chest, back, and other areas for blemishes, lesions and scars.

The Naturopath may then recommend various specialized tests provided at the naturopathic clinic in order to diagnose the underlying root cause correctly. Some of these tests include, and are not limited to:

Hormonal Health Assessments, which include testing for female and male reproductive hormones and stress hormones. This test provides a focused overview of hormonal balance in both men and women.

Estrogen Metabolism Assessments to evaluate how estrogen is being processed in the body. The tests yield clinical insight into many estrogen-dependent conditions and provide important tools for monitoring dietary, lifestyle and hormone therapies.

Comprehensive Thyroid Assessment, which provides a comprehensive analysis of thyroid hormone secretion and metabolism, including central thyroid regulation and activity, peripheral thyroid function, and thyroid autoimmunity. This serum test allows the practitioner to pinpoint commonly occurring imbalances that underlie a broad spectrum of chronic illness.

Adrenocortex Stress Profile, which provides detailed information about the individual’s stress response. It measures cortisol and DHEA, imbalances of which are associated with ailments ranging from obesity and menstrual disorders to immune deficiency and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Comprehensive Digestive Stool Analysis (CDSA), a test for non–invasive evaluation of gastrointestinal function that includes analyses of digestion, absorption, bacterial balance, yeast and parasites. This profile is recommended for patients with diffuse and non–specific GI–related symptoms, such as indigestion, dysbiosis, constipation, and diarrhea. If digestion and absorption of food and nutrients is incomplete, the body does not benefit from all the vitamins and minerals, along with essential fatty acids that may be present in the foods. This may lead to immune system Dysfunction, which may lead to skin disorders including acne, psoriasis and eczema.

Food intolerance / sensitivity and allergy testing. The Food and Environmental Antibody Assessment is a test that checks for intolerances / sensitivities to various food groups ranging from various seeds, milks, fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts and spices. Acne and other skin conditions are very much affected by diet and lifestyle factors. This particular test allows us to narrow down foods that may be working against your health and skin.

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