Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by red, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. It often manifests as dry, scaly, and sometimes oozing or crusting areas, typically on the face, neck, hands, elbows, knees, and other areas of the body. Eczema can vary in severity and may flare up periodically, often in response to specific triggers.
Symptoms
Eczema manifests with symptoms like intense itching, red or brownish grey patches, thickened or cracked skin, and in some cases, small raised bumps that can leak fluid and crust over when scratched.
Common Areas
It often affects the face, inside the elbows, behind the knees, and on the hands and feet, hough it can appear anywhere on the body.
Cycle
The condition tends to follow a cycle of flare-ups, where symptoms worsen, followed by periods of remission.
Eczema is a manifestation of underlying systemic imbalances rather than just a skin condition.
The contributing factors
Immune System Dysregulation: Eczema is often associated with an overactive immune response. The immune system mistakenly reacts to substances (like allergens or irritants) as if they were harmful, leading to inflammation in the skin.
Gut Health and Dysbiosis: The gut-skin axis is a significant focus in eczema. Imbalances in the gut microbiome (dysbiosis), intestinal permeability, or food sensitivities can contribute to systemic inflammation and skin conditions like eczema.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Deficiencies in essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, zinc, can impair skin health and immune function, potentially contributing to eczema.
Toxins and Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental toxins, chemicals, and pollutants can trigger or exacerbate eczema by overwhelming the body’s detoxification pathways and contributing to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Stress and Hormonal Imbalances: Chronic stress and imbalances in hormones like cortisol can weaken the skin barrier and exacerbate inflammatory conditions like eczema.
Genetics: While genetics can predispose individuals to eczema, genetic predispositions are viewed as modifiable through lifestyle and environmental changes.
Risk Factors
Family History: A family history of eczema, asthma, or other allergic conditions increases the risk.
Allergies: Those with a history of allergies, including food allergies, are more prone to eczema.
Asthma or Hay Fever: Eczema is commonly seen in individuals with asthma or hay fever.
Environmental Exposure: Exposure to harsh soaps, detergents, certain fabrics, pollutants, and chemicals can trigger eczema flare-ups.
Diet: A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and low in anti- inflammatory nutrients, can exacerbate eczema.
Stress: High stress levels can weaken the immune system and skin barrier, leading to or worsening eczema.
Management
Identify and Remove Triggers
Allergy Testing: Food sensitivity or allergy tests can be used to identify triggers that exacerbate eczema. Common triggers include dairy, gluten, soy, and eggs.
Elimination Diet: An elimination diet may be recommended to remove potential food triggers and then gradually reintroduce them to identify specific culprits.
Environmental Modifications: Reducing exposure to environmental toxins, such as harsh cleaning products, synthetic fragrances, and pollutants, can help manage eczema.
Nutritional Support
Anti-inflammatory Diet: Emphasising a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and berries, helps reduce systemic inflammation and supports skin health.
Essential Fatty Acids: Increasing omega-3 fatty acids (from small oily fish oil or flaxseed oil) can help reduce inflammation and improve skin barrier function.
Vitamin D: Adequate levels of vitamin D are crucial for immune regulation and skin health. Supplementation may be recommended if levels are low.
Gut Health Support
Probiotics and Prebiotics: Supporting gut health with probiotics and prebiotic rich foods can help restore balance to the gut microbiome, reducing systemic inflammation that may contribute to eczema.
Detoxification Support
Liver Support: The liver plays a key role in detoxification. Supporting liver health with herbs like milk thistle, dandelion, and NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) can support the body’s ability to eliminate toxins that may contribute to eczema.
Reduce Toxin Exposure: Minimise exposure to environmental toxins by choosing natural, nontoxic personal care products, and reducing exposure to pollutants.
Stress Management
Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and mindfulness can help manage stress, which in turn may reduce eczema flare-ups.
Topical Treatments
Herbal Remedies: Herbs like calendula and chamomile may be used topically to reduce inflammation and irritation.
Testing at Body Fabulous
Histamine Intolerance DNA Test - This test analyses the genes and nutrients needed to breakdown and remove histamine. Poor histamine clearavce may impact eczema as a result
Food Allergy & Food Intolerance Test - This test can help identify triggers that may be exacerbating eczema such as dairy, gluten, soy, eggs and more.
Allergy Blood Test - This test can help identify environmental allergens which may be exacerbating eczema such as grass, mould, dust and trees.
Book a General Advice Call - Speak with our clinical team who can advise on the right testing or supplements based on your symptoms and needs.
