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Protecting your skin is important in the high desert of Arizona.
That which we are wrapped in. That which holds us together. That which is our first line of defense. The epidermis is an organ of first impressions. It is a reflection of our heritage. A reflection of our health. A roadmap of our lives. It displays the scars and strains and joys of experience.
Skin, with its billions of sensors, often provides us with some of our most intimate interactions with the world around us. There are hot and cold sensors, pressure sensors, and fine touch sensors. There are blood vessels that betray emotions through blushing, as well as signal allergic exposures. There are oil glands and hair follicles for warmth and protection. There are specialized cells with melanin that adjust to the variations of the environment. In the high Sonoran Desert, our skin can be subjected to some fairly harsh conditions that warrant extra care.
If we were not fortunate enough to have been born with protective dark skin, then we must consider using sun blocking agents to avoid potential cancer causing damage. The more that skin cells are irritated by harsh environmental conditions, the more likely they are to become cancerous.
Blemishes that appear on the skin are usually benign, in other words considered non-threatening and non-cancerous. Some of these blemishes include warts, moles, dry patches, and discolorations. And, though these are considered benign, it is best to watch them for any changes in color, shape, size and feeling. As with any cell that has altered from its normal appearance, these skin cells can mutate further and become cancerous. Malignant melanoma can turn very deadly once it travels just a few cell layers below the surface. Therefore, any suspicious looking marks on the skin, especially those that are changing, should be evaluated by an expert. Many blemishes can be removed quickly and easily through various methods including freezing, burning or cutting and even, on occasion, diet changes.
On a microscopic level, the skin has structures very similar to kidneys. It processes out unneeded products in sweat much like the kidneys process out unneeded products. Over time some of these products can accumulate and form what are called liver spots. These spots, also, are considered benign and are of little concern other than cosmetic.
Acne is usually more of a cosmetic concern than a health concern as well. However, it can be a little red flag that signals a hormonal shift that might be rebalanced and resolve the acne.
The skin is considered to be the outermost layer of a person. As such, illnesses that manifest on the skin are sometimes considered to be moving outward, away from the vital organs inside. This can be viewed as a good sign. Often the skin can signal changes taking place deep inside. All changes to the skin are worth evaluating.
Any time the skin surface is opened, such as with a cut or ulceration or burn, it breaks the natural barrier to infection. There are many bacteria that normally live on the surface of the skin. If these bacteria find their way inside, serious infections can occur. It is, therefore, wise to treat open wounds with thorough cleaning and topical antibiotic creams.
The skin is the largest organ of our bodies and it is the most accessible. Protect it and it will protect you.
Dr. Michael Miles is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in psychology and pre-med, he completed his studies in medicine at the highly regarded Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Miles offers a holistic, integrative general practice, which focuses on treating chronic and degenerative diseases, digestive disorders and hormonal imbalances, as well as allergies and infections of all kinds. He holds a special interest in chelation therapy used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. He is also very active in cancer research. He prefers non-toxic treatment techniques that include botanical medicine, clinical nutrition and homeopathy, but will offer pharmaceutical remedies when appropriate. You will find Dr. Miles to be compassionate, sincere and a strong advocate for your health. He is opening a new office in Catalina in June of 2014 which will feature hyperbaric oxygen therapy in addition to his normal services. www.catalinaclinic.com
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