Natural vs. Synthetic: A Matter of Safety and Effectiveness

Many people today are looking for "natural substances" as alternative remedies instead

of synthetic prescription medicines for the treatment and management of eczema and psoriasis. The term "natural substance" is used very loosely in the world of alternative medicine but probably could be defined as any substance whose basic structure found in nature and observed activity or reactivity has not been adulterated by chemical or process means.

Some natural substances like carrot oil, evening primrose oil, hemp oil, and Shea Butter have all been used in recent years to relieve the cracking and itching experienced by eczema suffers. Companies that market these products present many testimonials of success with these oils. Yet there exist very little scientific data available on any of these natural substances that suggest that eczema or psoriasis can be effectively managed on a long-term basis by the use of these oils. The positive claim for the use of such substances is that they exhibit none of the negative side effects observed with the prolong use of synthetic steroids and other drugs. Although the use of natural oils as moisturizers appear to exhibit no known side effects to man, the use of these substances for the long-term management of eczema or psoriasis appears to be at best marginal.

The fact that an alternative remedy is classified as a natural substance does not suggest that the remedy should be considered safe for human use. There are many natural substances that are known to be dangerous and too toxic for human consumption or exposure. The well-known substance "strychnine" taken in its natural state as found in the Nux Vomica trees of Southeast Asia has been used in the past as a medicinal treatment. However, excessive human exposure to strychnine in most cases will be fatal. Humans are also known to exhibit very strong allergenic reactions when exposed to the natural oils found in the plant poison ivy. For obvious reasons it should be clear that natural substances safety should be investigated before proceeding to develop such materials into products for health related purposes.

However, this by no means makes "synthetic products" any more safe for human use than natural products and this is would be true in spite of FDA approval. Synthetic steroids such as Mometasome furoate, Methylprednisolone aceponate, and Tiamcinolone acetonide all FDA approved drugs are used by many eczema and psoriasis sufferers. We now know that prolong use of these drugs have serious side effects such as are adrenal gland suppression, Cushing Syndrome, and skin thinning (atrophy). The use of Pimecrolimus (1%), with the trade name ElidelTM another FDA approved drug, has shown some success in the management of eczema but the use of this product also carries the risk of unwanted side-effects like herpes and viral infection. Recently, new long-term studies suggest this product may be linked to some forms of cancers and the FDA has issued a warning about this product limiting its use. Although many synthetic drugs have shown significant success for the management of eczema and psoriasis the long term health risk associated with these drugs appear to out weigh their short-term effectiveness. Thus, for many obvious health reasons people continue to seek other alternative and safer solutions for the management of eczema and psoriasis.

Thus, in order to better manage eczema and psoriasis sporadic flare-ups a clearer scientific understanding must be first acquired. Such as commonly believed itching and dry cracking skin is not the cause of eczema but are merely symptoms of a much bigger problem. Eczema associated inflammation (an exacerbated immune response) is probably the result of prostaglandin signal malfunctions which is regulated by the bodies production of cytokines released during microbiological or toxin intrusions. Damage to skin tissue is the result of a exacerbated build up of neutrophils (phagocytes) at the site of infection or intrusion (toxins), which release proteases and powerful oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, super oxygen radical anion, and possibly peroxy (organic homologues)/chloroperoxy radical anions. Thus, only using so-called natural oils, moisturizers, natural and synthetic cortisones to relive the type of itching and cracking skin observed in eczema and psoriasis suffers can only have a mediocre and temporary effect.

Natural vs. Synthetic: A Matter of Safety and Effectiveness

By: Muslim Shahid

POST COMMENT

Nearby Safety Program Supervising Vs Country wide Keeping tabs on - Is There A Crystal clear Winner? Electroluminescent night light and air freshener unit Marine Radios DSC and GPS By the PLC-controlled thyristor AC electronic switch-PLC, electronic switches - Electrical industry Accurate and Error-free Radiology Transcription Service Aeris Dive Computer For Safety Diving How Site Safety Plans Will Impact Your Opportunities Of Bid Proposals What Makes The Installation Of Steel Pool Fences An Ideal Option For Swimming Pool Safety? Safety Tips For Childrens Halloween Masks So They Can Enjoy A Great Halloween This Season Media Monitoring: Broadcast Monitoring for TV and Radio Fish Oil for Kids – Why Safety is Not an Issue Booster Seat Ensures Comfort And Safety For Your Kids Digital Book World Conference And The Consumer Electronics Show