Toxic heavy metals can be hiding behind your skin problems, causing inflammation, irritation and even chronic skin diseases. The most well-known toxic metals include arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium. These are just a few of the toxic metals we are exposed to, and which are linked to several internal diseases, affecting different systems and organs in the body. Here, I highlight the relationship between toxic metals and the health of our skin.
Toxic metal exposure and disease
Our exposure to toxic metals is unfortunately commonplace. We are exposed to arsenic through industrial sources, in water and our food supply via pesticides and other chemicals. Rice, poultry and chocolate are often contaminated with arsenic and lead. We can be exposed to arsenic indirectly or directly by ingestion and inhalation. Lead is the heavy metal most tested in conventional medicine. Like arsenic, lead can be ingested and inhaled. Lead is still common in some parts of the world, it is in old paint, plumbing, bullets and exhaust from leaded gasoline vehicles. Mercury is used in mining, where it runs off into rivers, streams and ultimately our oceans. A major source of environmental contamination from mercury is the burning of coal in power plants for electricity. The fallout ends up in oceans and lakes where it contaminates seafood, especially large predatory fish. Lastly, cadmium, a byproduct of zinc production is used in batteries. Cadmium often contaminates soil and therefore our food supply. Although there is more awareness of the link between heavy metal exposure and conditions such as hypertension, kidney disease, cancer, anemia, Alzheimer’s and peripheral artery disease, the link to skin diseases like psoriasis and allergic contact dermatitis is less appreciated.
Skin signs and conditions of heavy metal toxicity
Skin discoloration, in particular hyperpigmentation can result from the chronic exposure to mercury, arsenic or lead. Mercury for example, is known to discolor the hands and feet. Nail changes may reflect heavy metal exposure as well. White horizontal bands seen on the nail beds, known as Mees’ lines, can be a sign of arsenic toxicity. With lead exposure, a dark black-blue line along the gum line and teeth called a Burton’s line can occur. Another skin condition related to chronic toxic burden is psoriasis. Psoriasis has been linked to both cadmium and lead toxicity. Other metals may be linked to psoriasis as well. Allergic contact dermatitis in construction workers and others exposed to heavy metals like nickel and chromium is another manifestation of toxic metal exposure.
Conclusion
Heavy metal exposure from industrial pollution, contaminated water, pesticides and certain foods can have serious effects for not only our overall health but also our skin health. Toxic metals like arsenic, lead, mercury and cadmium are linked to conditions such as hyperpigmentation, nail discoloration, psoriasis and allergic contact dermatitis. Mercury can darken the hands and feet, arsenic toxicity may cause white nail bands, and lead exposure can lead to dark gum lines. With growing awareness of heavy metals’ impact on internal diseases, it is crucial to recognize their role in skin disorders while minimizing exposure for healthier skin. Heavy metals can be detected with careful assessment and testing. Because of our constant exposure to toxins in our environment, contamination has become part of the fabric of our lives. We should always consider metals as a disease factor and be ready to address contamination with detoxification and chelation therapy. Doing so can help address internal conditions as well as our skin health.
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Dr. Sasha Blissett
Dr. Sasha Blissett is a California State licensed Naturopathic Doctor who found her passion for naturopathic medicine while battling her own health and skin issues. She specializes in women’s health and takes the time to listen to her patient’s health concerns so she can understand and address the root cause of illnesses.
She is a member of the American Academy of Anti-aging Medicine, Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine, the Integrative Dermatology Learnskin and the California Association of Naturopathic Doctors.