FAQ

Conventional dermatology typically focuses on symptom control through suppressive medications such as steroids, antibiotics, or immunosuppressive medications.

Naturopathic approaches to dermatology attempts to look into the underlying reasons behind the condition – whether from immune imbalance, diet, stress, digestion, environmental triggers, or hormonal shifts—and addressing those underlying issues. Natural treatments for skin conditions often results in reducing or completely eliminating the need for pharmaceutical medications.  

A naturopathic physician can treat a wide range of conditions, including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, skin infections, hives, autoimmune skin diseases, pigment changes, hair loss, nail disorders, warts, and chronic unexplained rashes.
Care is tailored to each patient and often helps individuals who haven’t found relief through conventional treatments alone.

Yes. Naturopathic doctors use research-supported therapies such as nutritional medicine, lifestyle medicine, botanical medicine, homeopathy, and targeted supplementation. They also order standard lab tests, imaging, and specialty tests when needed. Many patients find that combining evidence-based natural care with conventional options results in the most effective long-term outcomes.

Often, yes. Many patients seek naturopathic dermatology precisely because they’ve tried multiple conventional or natural treatments without success. By performing comprehensive assessments and exploring root causes—such as gut health, chronic inflammation, allergies, stress, or metabolic issues—naturopathic care can uncover overlooked contributors and offer new treatment paths.

Your first visit is typically a detailed, 90-minute consultation. Your doctor will review your full health history, skin concerns, diet, lifestyle, stress levels, and family history. A physical exam is performed, and lab tests may be recommended. You’ll receive an individualized treatment plan that may include diet guidance, supplements, topical therapies, natural medicines, and lifestyle strategies.

Yes. Conditions like psoriasis, lupus rashes, dermatitis herpetiformis, bullous pemphigoid, and vitiligo often have systemic or immune-related causes. Naturopathic care focuses on calming inflammation, balancing the immune system, supporting gut health, reducing triggers, and optimizing the body’s healing capacity.

Absolutely. Acne and rosacea often have underlying triggers such as hormonal imbalances, diet sensitivities, inflammation, microbiome imbalances, or stress. Naturopathic doctors create personalized plans that may include nutritional changes, gut support, herbal therapies, hormonal assessments, and gentle topical treatments.

Naturopathic doctors use both conventional and specialized tests depending on your needs. These may include bloodwork, hormone panels, allergy testing, gut microbiome tests, nutritional assessments, or imaging. Testing helps clarify the root causes of your skin condition and allows for highly personalized treatment plans.

While some conditions cannot be “cured,” many can be significantly improved or well-managed through naturopathic care. Patients often experience reductions in flare-ups, better symptom control, improved skin appearance, and enhanced overall health.

Yes, naturopathic dermatology is often very helpful for children with eczema, rashes, acne, or recurrent infections. Treatments focus on gentle, non-toxic, age-appropriate solutions and help address underlying issues such as nutrition, allergies, gut health, and environmental triggers.

Many patients notice improvements within weeks, though chronic or complex skin conditions may require several months of consistent care. Your doctor will adjust your plan over time as your skin heals and your health changes.

Definitely. Naturopathic care can complement conventional treatments. Many patients use a combined approach—reducing side effects, improving long-term outcomes, and addressing root contributors while still benefiting from prescribed medications when needed.

Insurance coverage can vary greatly, especially for naturopathic treatments. As a result, we do not accept insurance coverage at our office. However, your insurance company may provide some coverage so it’s best to work with them directly to try to get reimbursement, in full or in part, from your company. 

You can ask your insurance company about “out-of-network” coverage. 

Dr. Sharif combines over 20 years of clinical experience, a board-certified naturopathic background, specialized homeopathy training, and a unique engineering-based analytical approach. His visits are highly thorough, and his treatment plans are tailored to uncover root causes and promote long-term, whole-body healing—not just surface-level symptom relief.