Section 2
Skin

SKIN DISORDERS (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)

CHILBLAINS—Alternate Foot Bath; Revulsive Douche to feet; Alternate Douche; Hot Foot Bath, followed by Foot Bath under flowing (cold) water; foot pack.

BURNS—The evaporating compress; the cool irrigating compress (cool, wet cloth over it to reduce heat or sprinkle water over it ["irrigate"] to intensify the cooling effect); if very extensive, the prolonged or continuous Neutral Bath.

ERYTHEMA—Cool evaporating compress or irrigating compress (explained just above); neutral compress.

PRURITUS—Prolonged Neutral Bath; copious water drinking; large enema; daily aseptic dietary.

ERUPTIONS—If dry, not irritable, give prolonged Neutral Bath. If scaly, alkaline bath (soda bath or Oatmeal Bath). If moist and irritable, cool evaporating compress moistened with soda solution (1 oz. to 1 gal.). If skin is thickened, as in chronic eczema, Hot or Alternate (hot and cold) spray Douche or Compress, for 10-15 minutes, 3 times a day. If extensively damaged skin (as in pemphigus, confluent smallpox, bad burns), the Continuous Neutral Full Bath until the skin is healed. [Editor's note: One of Jethro Kloss's workers personally told me that when his son was injured in an automobile accident, he gave him a Continuous Bath (of water with goldenseal in it) for several days.]

JAUNDICE—Copious water drinking; large Enema twice daily; sweating hot bath for 15 minutes: such as Radiant Heat Bath; Steam Bath; Hot Full Bath; Wet Sheet Pack, followed by prolonged Neutral Bath. Give the sweating bath once daily, or even twice, if he is not too weak. For general tonic effects, apply Cold Mitten Friction or Cold Towel Rub twice daily. Alternate Hot and Cold Compress over the liver twice daily, with Heating Compress over the liver or flannel-covered Hot Abdominal Pack during intervals between.

DRY SKIN—Short sweating bath, such as Radiant Heat Bath, Steam Bath, hot-air bath, Hot Full Bath, Hot Blanket Pack, Dry Pack, sweating Wet Sheet Pack, followed by a cold bath suited to his general condition, and this followed by massage with friction.

HYPERHIDROSIS—Steam Bath, sweating Radiant Heat Bath, followed by Revulsive Douche to spine and general Cold Douche.

SWEATING FEET—Revulsive Douche to feet, with extremes in temperature as great as possible; alternate hot and cold Foot Bath, Heating Compress to feet during the night, with Cold Mitten Friction to the feet, in the morning on rising.

ECZEMA (Dermatitis)

SYMPTOMS—Dermatitis, also called eczema, is a skin problem indicated by reddened skin, thickening, itching when touched, the formation of dry, patchy scales, and flaking,

CAUSES AND TREATMENT—

• Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition that generally keeps reoccurring. Its primary symptom is eczema. Dermatitis is actually an allergy which may be caused by contact with perfumes, cosmetics, rubber, medicated creams and ointments, poison ivy, or contact with metal alloys (including nickel, silver, and gold). Some type of food could be the problem. If the irritant continues to be in constant contact with the skin, the dermatitis will spread and get worse. Obviously, if you have this problem you want to solve it!

• The condition can be intensified by emotional stress and fatigue. Deficiency of any of the B complex vitamins can cause dermatitis. Another important item is unsaturated fatty acids. If you are not getting enough, you can begin itching wherever you rub on your skin. Adequate vitamin A and enough protein are also essential.

• Oddly enough, hair loss (alopecia) is commonly associated with dermatitis, especially if a concurrent unsaturated fatty acid deficiency in the diet exists.

• If the dermatitis is not terminated, it can so weaken the system, so that more serious infections occur. This is because, at the same time that you are having skin problems, your intestines are developing lesions which can greatly weaken your ability to digest and absorb nutrients!

• It is a fact that 13% of those with severe dermatitis later develop cataracts.

• Here are some of the allergies which the experts have found to especially cause dermatitis:

1 - Cow's milk. Either stop drinking cow's milk or try switching to goat's milk.

2 - Wheat gluten (wheat protein). There are other grains you can eat instead.

3 - Nickel. The experts call this "nickel rash." Women who have their ears pierced and the nickel post placed in them can produce various rashes on the body—especially where any other metal jewelry touches the skin. By the way, any gold jewelry less than 24-karats has some nickel in it.

• Beware of the bubble bath and similar soapy tub baths.

• Children's rashes: A skin rash in children may be caused by eating eggs, peanuts, milk, wheat, fish, chicken, pork, or beef. Eggs, peanuts, and milk account for 75 percent of the skin rashes in children.

• Regardless of what may be the cause, omit wheat, rye, oats, and barley for six weeks. Then slowly add one back at a time—and see how all this effects the dermatitis.

• If you know how to do so, you may wish to do a pulse test after each meal, in an attempt to ascertain which foods increase heart beat. Those which do are the problematic ones.

• Avoid dairy products, white flour, fried foods, other processed fats, and sugar. Avoid antiperspirants, for they have metal in them. Use cotton undergarments. Fake fingernails cause skin rashes. Always use white bathroom tissue only. The dyes irritate the skin. Be sure and rinse the soap out of your clothes which have just been washed.

• Mix goldenseal root powder with vitamin E oil and put some on the affected area. This will reduce the itching.

• Primrose oil and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) have helped infants with dermatitis.

• An oatmeal bath is another helpful measure, to reduce the itching during the time required to solve the underlying cause. Use 2 cups of colloidal (powdered) oatmeal per tubful. Colloidal oatmeal can be obtained at a pharmacy.

• Herbs that may help include comfrey, dandelion, red clover, and pau d'arco.

• Steep a tbsp. each of burdock root, yarrow, and yellow dock root in a pint of boiling water for half an hour. Strain, add a pound of cocoa fat, and keep boiling and stirring until it is a salve. Use this for eczema.

• Other useful herbs are plantain, chickweed, burdock root, yarrow, and strawberry leaves. One can either drink the tea made from any of them or apply it to the affected area.

—Also see "Drug Rash," "Skin Disorders."

ENCOURAGEMENT—Christ, having redeemed man from the condemnation of the law, could enable man to fulfill its requirements. Rejoice that, in Christ, you can stand an overcomer over the temptations which have oppressed you.

HIVES (Urticaria)

SYMPTOMS—Strong itching (pruritus) may suddenly occur. Elevated wheals result, along with swollen eyes. The subsequent scratching makes you appear swollen and scratchy. The intense itchy wheals which may result may disappear in minutes, hours, or several days. Hives are generally gone within 1-7 days, except in cases of severe hypersensitivity, when death may result. Occasionally a fatal anaphylactic reaction occurs. At such times, edema of the breathing passages produces respiratory difficulty similar to severe asthma.

CAUSES—The skin is reacting to allergies, physical irritation, stress, or emotions. Special dermal cells begin releasing histamine, which causes internal blood vessels to leak fluid into the deepest layers of the skin.

Meat; dairy; and poultry products, especially in frozen or fast foods, are frequent causes of hives. This is due to the chemicals, antibiotics, and hormones given to farm animals.

Here is a list of special things known to cause hives in some people:

Aspirin, antimony or bismuth (in various metal alloys), anti-pyrine or phenacetin (pain relievers), barbiturates, BHA and BHT (preservatives), phenobarbital or chloral hydrate (sedatives), chlorpromazine and meprobamate (tranquilizers), fluoride (dental products and fluoridated drinking water), food colorings, griseofulvin (antifungal), insulin, liver extract, menthol (in perfumes, candy, cigarettes), mercury (dental fillings), morphine, penicillin, pilocarpine (glaucoma medication), preservatives, procaine (anesthetic, known as novocaine), quinine, (quinine water and malaria medication), reserpine (heart medication), saccharin (artificial sweetener), salicylates (flavoring and preservative), sulfites (preservative in dried fruit), and thiamine hydrochloride (cough medications).

TREATMENT—

Immediate help:

• Anything that is alkaline generally helps the itching. Place a calcium gluconate paste on the skin or apply milk, calamine, or milk of magnesia.

• Cold compresses or cool baths will immediately help also.

• An oatmeal or bran bath will help relieve the itching. Place 2 lbs. of ether in a muslin bag and set in a hot bath (104^o-106^o F.).

• A paste of cream of tartar and water can be applied to the area.

Longer term solutions:

• Try to find the cause or causes of this problem. Here are some of the things which result in hives in others:

• Stress, food allergy (milk, wheat, eggs, shellfish, pork, onions, some fruits), chlorine in drinking water, adrenal exhaustion and/or liver congestion resulting from an allergy, hydrochloric acid deficiency, food dyes, preservatives, drug allergy, acid conditions, insect stings, chronic infection, penicillin in the milk you drink, aspirin, coffee, alcohol, and tobacco.

• Secondary factors will be spinal lesions, stoppage of lymph flow, imbalance between deep and surface blood circulation, and adrenal exhaustion.

• Another factor is improperly (too hurriedly) weaning a child from breast milk.

• Reading over the above lists, it appears that the primary cause is frequently a physical reaction to a substance which the body cannot tolerate to have put into it. We live in a chemical age. One cannot even drive down the highway without breathing dangerous fumes.

• Do not use steroids, alcohol, or processed foods.

• Lymph stasis and poor circulation may result from poor skin function, lack of exercise, fresh air, and poor elimination; but ingesting poisonous substances top the list.

• Aside from trying to find the chemical offenders, prolonged fasting is generally considered the best method of terminating recurrent hives. This cleans out the body and enables it to better deal with the chemicals it is daily confronted with. Fasting will help the intestines and other organs to heal. It will eliminate toxins and help the bowels begin working properly again. Trunk packs will help induce sweating. Moderate sunbaths will help also.

• As a rule, fasting should not be over 1-3 days in length. If you are overweight, longer fasts might be considered. If you are thin, never go over 3 days; indeed, one meal or 1 day fasts are best for frail individuals. A carrot, beet, and green vegetable juice fast is better than a straight water fast.

• Use enemas during the fast, and even afterward, until the hives do not return. Maintain good bowel action thereafter.

• Also important are dietary changes: Be sure and get nutritional supplements, including vitamins A, B complex, B⁶, B¹², C, and calcium. You may need to take hydrochloric acid with meals.

• There is one other cause which we have not yet mentioned: a lack of unsaturated fatty acids. The best is wheat germ oil. Flaxseed oil is also outstanding. But corn oil would be acceptable. In addition to including only such oils in your diet, you would do well to rub wheat germ oil on the affected area.

• When the problem exists for weeks or months, it is vital that you identify the cause, so you can eliminate the hives.

• Chronic hives can be linked to candida.

• When severe anaphylactic reactions occur, immediately take the person to the hospital. It is best not to let situations come to such a crisis. Solve the problem before hives produces such an emergency.

—Also see "Skin Disorders."

ENCOURAGEMENT—In the work of redemption, God has revealed His love in sacrifice, a sacrifice so broad and deep and high that it is immeasurable. For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son—that you and I could have eternal life!

IMPETIGO (Impetigo Contagiosa; Echthyma)

SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES—Impetigo is not something to ignore. Neglected, it can produce boils, ulcers, or other skin complications.

Untreated, it can result in deep infections of the tissue beneath the skin. Impetigo is a skin disease caused by a streptococcal bacteria. It occurs primarily in children, especially in undernourished ones, and in the summer months. Lower economic groups living in crowded conditions are the most likely to contract it. It is more frequently found on the face, hands, and arms next and feet and legs third.

Cuts, abrasions, insect bites, and stings allow entry of the bacteria. An area of redness is seen, followed by blister-like swellings. The fluid is straw colored. If not scratched, the lesions break down in 4-6 days and form a honey-colored crust which heals slowly. The skin beneath may lose its color, not to be regained for months. The scratching generally results in more skin injury and a spread of the infection.

TREATMENT—

• Impetigo is actually an early sign of immune depression, which allows organisms normally on everyone's skin to produce disease. The body needs to be built up.

• Proper nutrition is needed, along with sanitary living conditions.

• In some individuals, a food allergy (such as milk, wheat, or soy) or a contact dermatitis (such as detergents in the clothes) weakens the immune system—permitting the impetigo to gain a foothold.

• Strict hygiene is necessary to prevent the spread of the infection to other parts of the body—or to other people.

• Vitamin A is necessary for good skin health. Give the child a good multivitamin supplement. Give vitamin C, to bowel tolerance.

• Put a wash of boric acid and herbs such as comfrey, golden seal, or echinacea on the affected area.

• Place garlic oil, squeezed from capsules, on the area.

• Removal of the crusts results in a more rapid cure. Bathing in soapy water every 4 hours during the day is helpful. Severe cases may require a slightly salty or hydrogen peroxide application (3 parts water to 1 part 3% peroxide). Apply soaks or warm compresses to the attached crusts. Hot and cold compresses may be applied after the crusts are gone. At night, charcoal poultices can be attached and left overnight.

• Use disposable tissues instead of cloth handkerchiefs. Each person should be given his own towel and washcloth. Wash the hands frequently; and, while the infection lasts, keep the fingernails short and clean. Change pillowcases and bed sheets daily, and boil all linens for 10 minutes. If possible, isolate the child.

• Exposure to the air and sunlight will help, but do not swim.

• If impetigo is on the scalp, cut the hair so you can treat it.

—Also see "Skin Disorders."

ENCOURAGEMENT—God gave His Son to become bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh. The gift of God to man is beyond all computation. Nothing was withheld. God has done, and is doing, everything possible to save us from sin.

SHINGLES (Herpes Zoster)

SYMPTOMS—Sharp, burning pain along a nerve route somewhere in your body for 3-4 days. There are angry red blisters at that pain site several days later. These are very painful and itchy. Later the bumps blister, turn cloudy, and form scabs. It usually lasts 7-14 days from the time the blisters appear before the scabs drop off. This is no ordinary rash; it is shingles, which is a viral infection of a nerve. It most often occurs on the skin of the abdomen, under the ribs and above the navel. But it can appear anywhere on the body. It most frequently occurs after the age of 50.

If shingles starts near an eye, beware! The cornea can become infected and blindness may result. You would then do well to consult an eye specialist.

CAUSES—This staphylococcal infection consists of small round bacteria growing in clusters. The virus in the chickenpox you had as a child never really left your body; and, when you are an adult, it comes back in the form of shingles. The virus may lie dormant in the spinal cord and nerve ganglia for years until triggered. It normally lives on the nostrils and skin of everybody.

What triggers the attack? It is known that poisonous substances in food, metals, drugs, and other toxic substances can do it. For example, risk of shingles increases with the use of anti-cancer drugs. Anything that weakens the immune system can bring on an attack of shingles. Once it occurs, the pain can continue on for months or years. So it is better to prevent an attack.

TREATMENT—

• Massive doses of vitamins C (1,000 mg 3 times a day and 200 mg 5-6 times a day), rutin, and B complex. In addition, take vitamin F, calcium, and lecithin. The amino acid, lysine, can help inhibit the spread of the herpes virus. The diet must include raw fruits and vegetables, brewer's yeast, brown rice, and whole grains. Be sure and eat enough protein.

• Some suggest leaving the blisters alone if they are not too bothersome. Other suggestions include placing one or more of the following on them: calamine or other calcium preparation on them. Calcium is always soothing to skin rash conditions. Apply vitamin E oil from a capsule to the area.

• Put cold water on a cloth and place it over the area. The cooler it is, the better it feels. Avoid anything that will make your blistered skin hotter.

• Put apple cider vinegar on it daily. Take hot baths 2-3 times a week. Take a starch bath (one cup of cornstarch or colloidal oatmeal) into a hot tub. Colloidal oatmeal is powdered, and is at the pharmacy. Do not slip in the tub!

• Clean out the bowels frequently. Light fruit and vegetable fasts will also help clean out, and strengthen, the body. Wear only cotton clothing while the condition exists.

• Dab the infection with hydrogen peroxide to purify it. If pain exists after the blisters are gone, put ice on the area.

• Avoid drafts. Allow sunlight on the area for short intervals. Gently wash the blisters when bathing and avoid touching or scratching them.

• If the shingles appear on the forehead, tip of the nose, or near the eyes, contact an ophthalmologist. Such cases can lead to blindness.

—Also see "Skin Disorders."

ENCOURAGEMENT—As John thought of the love of Christ, he was led to exclaim, "Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God." Oh, may we praise Him every day for the overcoming strength He imparts, so we can resist temptation and fulfill His will.

PSORIASIS

SYMPTOMS—It appears like patches of silvery scales or red areas, and is found on the scalp, arms, legs, knees, elbows, ears, and back. There are cycles of flare-ups and remission. Sometimes it disappears for months or years, and especially occurs in winter months. In some, aging makes it better; in others, worse. It is most common between 15 and 25, and is not infectious.

Do not use steroids, alcohol, or processed foods.

CAUSES—The skin cells seem to run out of control. Instead of skin renewing itself in 30 days, the new cells reach the top layer in 3 days. This produces raised areas of skin, called plaques, which are red and often itchy. Because so many cells are rising and dying (as they normally do), they have a raised, silvery, patchy appearance.

Psoriasis may be linked to faulty fat utilization. Attacks are related to times of stress, illness, surgery, cuts, certain viral and bacterial infections, sunburn, poison ivy, or poison oak. The drugs such as chloroquine, lithium, and beta-blockers also cause it to flare up.

There appears to be a hereditary factor involved.

Previous immunizations seem to be a causative factor for some people.

TREATMENT—

• There is no certainty that one can totally eliminate psoriasis. Do not spend time worrying over the matter, for the resultant stress may only aggravate it.

• Only the scales and skin debris can be removed. Because psoriatic skin is dry, it is well to put petroleum jelly or vegetable oil on the area. Researchers have found that covering lesions with tape or plastic wrap for days or weeks can sometimes help clear it up. This seems to work only for small areas, no larger than half a dollar. But do not let the area become gooey and infected.

• Lose weight if you are overweight. Weight loss helps many who have psoriasis.

• Heavy stress can make it worse; try to retain a calm, cheerful outlook on life. Existing psoriasis tends to get worse when you come down with some other infection.

• Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet light reduces the scaling and redness. With regular amounts of intense sunlight, 95% of psoriasis sufferers improve. But keep in mind that too much ultraviolet light also produces skin cancer.

• You may wish to consider moving to a warmer climate, since the problem becomes much worse in the winter.

• An increased intake of animal protein can make it spread outward; conversely, a reduction tends to shrink it. Citrus juices may also be a problem.

• Since psoriasis is a metabolic disease, a cleansing juice fast, 2-3 times for the first week, is a good way to begin working toward its recession. Four weeks later, the fast can be carried out again. But in the meantime, an extremely nourishing diet should have been started. All junk food should have been discarded. Search out, and eliminate, allergy foods. Beware of milk and wheat. It may be well to exclude them for 6 months, even if they may appear harmless.

• Avoid fats (butter, milk, cream, eggs, meat), processed food, white flour, sugar, and citrus fruit. Red meat and dairy products contain arachidonic acid, which makes the lesions turn red and swell. Get your oils from natural foods, such as flaxseed, sesame seed, and soybeans.

• Vitamins A, B complex, C, and D all help the skin and appear to be of help in reducing psoriasis.

• Swimming in the ocean is good for reducing psoriasis. Bathing in heated baths is also helpful, but it also tends to increase the itching. Put seawater, several times a day, on the area.

• The various medicinal drugs recommended for psoriasis all have potentially dangerous side effects.

• To reduce the itching, a cold-water bath, perhaps with a cup or so of vinegar added, is very helpful. Another help is ice. Put some in a plastic sack and hold on the area.

—Also see "Skin Disorders."

ENCOURAGEMENT—What greater privilege could be ours than to enter the family of God. Trust God and, by the enabling grace of Christ, obey His Ten Commandment law, even though many around you may despise it.

ERYSIPELAS—1

SYMPTOMS—Redness, discoloration, blisters, and swelling that most commonly attack the face and is accompanied by high fever and other indications of acute illness. The skin is deep red or pink and appears glazed. It has a combined itching and burning sensation. There is a definite edge or margin to the affected area. Blisters may develop. The swollen area feels firm and hot. The condition tends to spread in all directions from where it first began. Even in cases moderately severe, generally the face is swollen; eyes are closed; and the lips and ears are thickened and feverish.

CAUSES—Erysipelas is serious; and, in babies, the aged, and women who have recently given birth, it may prove fatal. It is likely to cause abortion in pregnant women. This is obviously a very serious condition. You will want to contact a physician. If you have contacted a physician, apply ice bags or ice-cold compresses (20 minutes on and 10 minutes off) to the affected area until he arrives. Cold compresses to the head, to help reduce the headaches.

Erysipelas is contagious. Wear rubber gloves. Never simultaneously care for children or other sick persons. Disinfect clothes placed on his skin. Soak 10 minutes in a Lysol solution (1 tbsp. per pint water) before putting in laundry.

TREATMENT—

• Go on a thorough cleansing program, with fruit and vegetable juice fasting, followed by a careful nutritious diet.

• In addition to the liquid diet, he must drink at least 3 quarts of water every day.

• Avoid constipation. When eating, there should be 3 movements a day, or use an enema.

• Do not wash with soap and water; only use a saturated solution of boric acid.

• Helpful herbs include plantain, yellow dock, chickweed, burdock root, chamomile, mullein, and yarrow. Dissolve herbs in a quart of boiling water, dip a cloth in, cool, and lightly touch the affected areas. Do not wipe the skin. Chickweed tea is excellent for this purpose. Add 1 tbsp. per pint of boiling water.

• A raw cranberry poultice, applied cold, will help remove the burning. Dilute lemon juice 50-50 with water and apply gently.

• Cover the area with grated potatoes, about a fourth inch thick. When dry, remove, and do it again.

—Also see "Erysipelas—2," "Skin Disorders."

ENCOURAGEMENT—In the gift of Christ, God gave all heaven, that the moral image of God might be restored in man. His enabling grace, in all its vastness, is offered to us—so that we might live clean, good lives.

ERYSIPELAS—2 (J.H. Kellogg, M.D., Formulas)

GENERAL—Cold Mitten Friction or Towel Rub every 3 hours.

COMBAT LOCAL INFLAMMATION AND EXTENSION OF THE DISEASE—Cold Compress during the early stage of the disease, renewing before it becomes warm. Later, give it less frequently. Avoid Ice Bags or Ice Compresses, which involve risk of sloughing. Fomentations for 2-5 minutes every 2 hours. Ice Collar when the skin of the head or face is affected.

FEVER—Graduated Bath, Prolonged Neutral Bath, Cooling Enema, Cooling Wet Sheet Pack.

RECURRING CHILLS—Dry Pack and hot water drinking.

VOMITING—Ice Bag over stomach, Hot and Cold Trunk Pack.

PERICARDITIS, ENDOCARDITIS—See "Pericarditis and Endocarditis." Fomentation over heart for 30 seconds, followed by Compress above heart at 60⁰ F.; change every half hour.

ACUTE NEPHRITIS—See "Acute Nephritis."

GENERAL METHOD—During the early stage of the disease, while the surface is bright red and the inflammation is extending, apply cooling measures, changing every few minutes (3-5 minutes), as often as the fomentation is warm. Prevent extreme depression by a Fomentation that is not too hot, every hour or two. When the parts become a dull red color or the rapid extension is checked, employ the Heating Compress, changing it at intervals of 15-30 minutes, prolonging the interval as the fever and inflammation subside.

If any of the following related problems exist, see under their respective headings: Myocarditis, Arthritis, Acute Nephritis, Delirium.

—Also see "Skin Disorders—1."

KERATOSIS (Sharkskin)

SYMPTOMS—This is the rough "goose bump" skin you will find on your elbows, and also on the backs of your arms, thighs, and buttocks. It feels like a sandpaper surface.

CAUSES—This is a sebaceous and keratinized build up of hard granular plugs in the openings of hair follicles. Many physicians claim that this is a normal condition, but it is actually a deficiency of vitamin A and zinc.

TREATMENT—

• Take vitamin A supplementation. This should be 25,000 units per day, for children, or 30,000 units per day, for adults. However, keep in mind that vitamin A can be dangerous; since it is an oil-soluble vitamin, it is normally stored quite well by the body. Many experts recommend never taking over 50,000 units a day, and only for a limited period of time.

• Increase zinc to 50 mg, three times a day, and essential fatty acids to 5 gm, three times a day.

ENCOURAGEMENT—Give God the most precious offering that it is possible for you to give: Give Him your heart. He offers to make you a member of His family, a child of the heavenly King. What earthly inheritance can equal this!

LEUKODERMA (Vitiligo)

SYMPTOMS—This is a loss of skin color, especially in black or dark-skinned people. When occurring in Europeans, it is less likely to be noticed. It is most commonly seen as white patches, surrounded by a dark border.

CAUSES—The skin is no longer producing melanin, the dark coloring pigment. It most frequently occurs to someone who has thyroid problems. Premature gray or white hair may also occur. All this points to a deficiency of certain B complex vitamins.

When treatment is effective, small spots of pigment will appear in the white patches, and then gradually fill in. But only a few experience a complete return to the original color.

TREATMENT—

• B complex supplementation, plus emphasis on two special B vitamins: Para-amino benzoic acid (PABA, 100 mg four times a day) and pantothenic acid. PABA injections may be needed. Also be sure and take hydrochloric acid if it is needed.

• Other helpful nutrients include vitamins A, B complex, B12, zinc, and copper.

ENCOURAGEMENT—We need a living faith. We must know that Jesus is indeed ours; that His Spirit is purifying and refining our hearts, and enabling us to keep the Ten Commandments. May we press closer to our God, so He can fulfill His will more fully in our lives.