Established in 1998, the Clinic was a culmination of my own personal struggles with all of the above skin conditions at different times of my life. My story is fairly typical, having been passed between doctors, specialists and dermatology units with countless creams and medication throughout. Along the way, particularly in conventional medicine, I often encountered a lack of understanding and, in most cases empathy, of exactly how debilitating, on both a physical and mental level, skin disorders can actually be. Eroding self-esteem is often compounded by a seemingly ‘life sentence’ of having to apply creams which, while providing welcome relief, are ultimately a short-term fix to a problem that requires a more long-term approach.
The Aim of the Clinic
For over a decade, the basic aim has remained the same – to reach and help as many sufferers as possible, providing treatment that is simple, lasting and geared towards self-management. As a result of my research and experience (both personal and through working with others), I am able to formulate a treatment plan, based on natural remedies and life style changes that have in many cases brought lasting relief or an improved ability to manage the condition. Through this specialised knowledge and experience I can work with you to help you understand the process of change that you, as an individual, need to bring about in your life.
The Skin
Skin is our body’s outermost layer; a tough, self-repairing and flexible covering that performs many vital functions- intrinsically linked to our overall health and well-being. Psoriasis, Eczema and Dermatitis (the latter often considered under the umbrella term ‘Eczema’) are amongst the most common of ailments compromising the appearance and functioning of the skin. Yet they still remain notoriously difficult to treat effectively, despite the rapid advances in modern medicine.
I specialise in natural treatments for the effective relief of these conditions, offering individually prepared treatment plans that address core issues such life style issues and dietary deficiencies. I also provide, natural skin treatments which are personally prepared for you, using top quality herbal remedies to support the healing process. E.g. As these are generally hot conditions, cooling cream such as Chickweed or Calendula (often called Marigold) are very soothing. I’ve found Chickweed to be better for the hot and dryness of Dermatitis and Calendula better for the weeping, itchy symptoms of Eczema, whilst Psoriasis seems to respond well to either.
What is Psoriasis?
In Britain, 2% of population have some form of Psoriasis, that is over a million people. In fact, it is estimated that 2% of the entire population of the world suffer with this condition.
Typically, the skin lesions are bright red, have clearly defined edges and a silvery scale on top that may bleed if removed. The patches may also be itchy in many cases.
Psoriasis can occur anywhere on the body but is most often seen on the elbows, knees and scalp. It can appear at any age but more typically between the ages of 15 and 25.
What is Eczema?
The word ‘eczema’ means to boil out (Greek) and the weepy, sometimes rough, red and itchy, rash looks as though something is boiling out of the skin. As skin rashes are so similar, the terms Eczema and Dermatitis are often used interchangeably - it is the cause of the rash that makes them different. Eczema is usually hereditary, though external factors can make it worse. Dermatitis is caused by factors outside the body, for example contact certain detergents. The rash most often occurs on the flexures of the arms, legs, ankles and buttocks.
What is Dermatitis?
Though 'Dermatitis' and 'Eczema' are normally used interchangeably. Dermatitis is more often applied to those skin rashes that are caused by external factors and their prefix often indicates the suspected source - eg. solar dermatitis or sebhorroeic (grease) dermatitis. From personal experience, I have found Eczema to be weepy and itchy, whereas Dermatitis is generally very hot, like a burning sensation, and rarely itchy.
About the Therapist - Michael Shortt, BSc (Hons)
A little bit about myself…
At various stages of my life, I have struggled with Psoriasis, Eczema and Dermatitis. Having exhausted all of the conventional options, I was forced to take control of my own treatment, leading to various qualifications and periods of research over the last two decades.
My aim has always been to provide alternative options for anyone with skin problems; a form of treatment that is simple, effective and flexible enough to adapt to individual needs.
Skin conditions place many demands on different levels and as someone who has suffered, I try to make use of that experience to be of help to those who phone or come to see me. There is a range of services at Bark of the Willow to suit all circumstances ranging from private consultations through to a free Clinic.
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