Skin Conditions

Skin Conditions

Chronic skin conditions are rarely just skin deep. Eczema, hives, rosacea, acne, hidradenitis suppurativa and other conditions are almost always a signal that there is some deeper dysregulation. This dysregulation can be due to gut health, immune function, chronic inflammation, histamine and mast cell activity, hormonal shifts or environmental triggers.

This is why topical treatments are helpful for symptom management but rarely produce lasting changes on their own. If you’re consistently using steroids, antihistamines, antibiotics without a clear explanation of why your skin is reacting that way, the root cause has not been treated as yet.

My approach to skin conditions is to identify and treat the root cause, while supporting your symptoms.

Conditions I Commonly Support

  • Eczema and atopic dermatitis

  • Chronic hives (urticaria)

  • Rosacea

  • Acne (hormonal or inflammatory)

  • Psoriasis

  • Perioral dermatitis

  • Hidradenitis suppurativa

  • Chronic rashes or inflammation without a clear diagnosis

  • Other skin manifestations or mast cell activity

Common Underlying Causes of Skin Conditions

  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), large intestinal dysbiosis and issues with intestinal permeability

  • Histamine intolerance and mast cell activation

  • Food intolerances

  • Immune reactivity

  • Hormonal shifts

  • Environmental triggers and irritants

  • Nutrient deficiencies

How I Assess Skin Conditions

I start with a thorough history or your overall symptoms. We discuss your skin symptoms in detail (onset, triggers, what’s helped, what didn’t) to understand the cause.

Where indicated, testing may include:

  • Food sensitivity testing

  • Stool testing

  • Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) testing

  • Hormonal assessment

  • Mold and mycotoxin testing

My Approach to Treatment

  • Identifying and addressing root causes e.g. gut, hormonal, environmental

  • Diet changes specific to your case

  • Gut healing

  • Correct nutrient deficiencies

  • Targeted supplementation

  • Topical support

  • Stress management

    • Stress is a huge driver in immune and inflammatory skin conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to eliminate a lot of foods?

Broad elimination diets are often difficult to stick to. My approach is to identify specific triggers rather than broad restrictions.

Are my eczema or hives related to MCAS?

Mast cell disorders can be a common cause of chronic inflammatory conditions. if your skin reactions are unpredictable, or accompanied by other symptoms like digestive issues or brain fog, mast cell activity is worth investigating.

Can you work alongside my dermatologist or family MD?

If you’re other care, I work alongside it to address the root factors in your skin health. Some patients use naturopathic care to reduce their reliance on steroids or other medications over time. This is a conversation that we have based on the severity of your symptoms and in coordination with your prescribers.

Do you treat skin conditions virtually?

I see patients with chronic skin conditions virtually across Alberta, Nova Scotia and Ontario, as well as in-person in Toronto.

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