Is Your Parkinson’s Causing Itchy Skin?

I have seen some of my clients with raw, damaged skin from itching uncontrollably. With winter coming, the dry air and people feeling like they aren’t as thirsty, can cause skin to really flare up.

People with Parkinson’s are particularly prone to skin problems. It can range from oily hair and skin which is caused by over oil production from the seborrheic glands creating seborrheic dermatitis (oily itchy inflamed skin), to extremely dry itchy skin (atopic dermatitis).

There are plenty of creams out there that claim to provide relief. However, if you’re interested in more natural options, there are a few things you can safely start out with.

Natural Remedy Suggestions for Oily Skin:

Wash skin twice a day with warm water and rinse with cold water.
Always use “fragrance-free” lotions, soaps, and detergents to minimize irritation. Be wary of products labeled “unscented,” as they might still have chemicals that can irritate your skin.
Apple cider vinegar is an effective antiseptic, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial agent. White vinegar works wonders too.
For dandruff, try an over-the-counter coal tar shampoo.
In severe cases you should see a dermatologist.

Natural Remedy Suggestions for Dry, Itchy Skin:

Same as above with the apple cider and white vinegar. Put a few drops of it onto a cotton ball and dab it on to the affected area.
Coconut oil has antibacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can help soothe your skin when it is itchy during a flare-up. It can also help reduce inflammation. Apply it just after you shower in the morning, once during the day, and once before bed.
- Because coconut oil is a hefty oil, it can clog pores and aggravate acne. It has mixed reviews for use on the face. I personally would avoid using it on my face.
Some people have told me cutting out dietary triggers, like dairy and gluten, have helped clear up their skin.
In severe cases you should see a dermatologist.

The suggestions listed above are all relatively low-risk, holistic remedies to try out. Even if a remedy doesn’t work for you, there’s little chance of having a bad reaction or a harmful interaction with other medications. If you are concerned, try them out on a small patch of non-inflamed skin first.

Another interesting fact about Parkinson’s and the skin:

The skin may be useful in the diagnosis of PD. Early PD pathology is found not only in the brain but also in extra-neuronal tissues. The protein α-synuclein, which is genetically associated with PD and is present not only in the CNS (central nervous system), but also in the skin. Higher values of α-synuclein have been observed in the skin of patients with PD.