Eczema: A Root Cause Approach

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by red, itchy, and inflamed skin. Traditional treatments often focus on managing symptoms through topical steroids and moisturisers, but these approaches do not address the underlying causes of eczema. Functional medicine offers a holistic and personalised approach to managing eczema by identifying and treating the root causes of the condition.

How can functional medicine help people with eczema:

  1. Individualised Care:

    Functional medicine recognises that each person’s experience with eczema is unique. We take a detailed medical history and carry out a comprehensive assessment to understand the specific triggers and underlying imbalances contributing to an individual’s eczema presentation.

  2. Holistic Approach:

    Instead of focusing solely on the skin, functional medicine considers the whole person, including diet, lifestyle, gut health, and emotional well-being. This holistic perspective helps identify factors that may be contributing to eczema flare-ups.

  3. Root Cause Analysis:

    Functional medicine seeks to identify and address the root causes of eczema, such as food sensitivities, nutrient deficiencies, immune imbalances, gut dysbiosis or infections, chronic stress, and environmental toxins. By addressing these underlying issues, it aims to provide long-term relief from eczema.

Key Strategies in Functional Medicine for Eczema

  1. Diet and Nutrition:

    Nutrition plays a crucial role in managing eczema. The recommendation for managing eczema is an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. We may also identify and eliminate food sensitivities or allergens that can trigger eczema flare-ups.  Common triggers include dairy, gluten, eggs, soy, and processed foods.

  2. Gut Health:

    The gut-skin connection is a vital area of focus in functional medicine. Imbalances in the gut microbiome can contribute to systemic inflammation and exacerbate eczema. To manage eczema, I may recommend probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary changes to support a healthy gut microbiome. We may also need to address issues like leaky gut syndrome, which can play a role in chronic inflammation.

  3. Nutrient Supplementation:

    Specific nutrients are essential for skin health and immune function. I may recommend supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, zinc, and probiotics to support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation.

  4. Stress Management:

    Chronic stress can weaken the immune system and trigger eczema flare-ups. We may also consider stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and regular exercise to help reduce stress and improve overall health.

  5. Detoxification:

    Environmental toxins can contribute to eczema by disrupting hormonal balance and immune function. We may need to support the body’s natural detoxification processes, such as drinking plenty of water, eating a nutrient-dense diet, and using specific supplements to aid liver function.  Environmental triggers can exacerbate eczema and these may include mould, dust, tap water, synthetic fibres, or others.

  6. Topical Treatments:

    While we as functional medicine practitioners focus on internal health, we also acknowledges the importance of topical treatments. Natural and gentle skincare products, such as those containing aloe vera, calendula, chamomile, and liquorice can soothe and protect the skin without the side effects associated with conventional treatments.

Case Study: Functional Medicine Approach to Eczema

A case study of a 40-year-old woman with chronic eczema illustrates the functional medicine approach. After a detailed assessment, we identified several contributing factors, including a diet high in processed foods, nutrient deficiencies, food sensitivities, immune imbalances, and an overgrowth of candida. Her personalised treatment plan included:

  • Further comprehensive testing to identify food sensitivities which identified wheat and gluten containing products to be one of the main triggers.
  • Vitamin A, Zinc and probiotic supplementation to restore gut health.
  • Herbal medicine such as Gallium to help support the lymphatic system.
  • Micro-immunotherapy to address the imbalances in the immune system.
  • Natural skincare products to soothe her skin.

Within three months, her eczema symptoms significantly improved, and she experienced fewer flare-ups.

Functional medicine offers a comprehensive and personalised approach to managing eczema by addressing the root causes and promoting overall health. By focusing on diet, gut health, nutrient supplementation, stress management, immune modulation and detoxification, functional medicine can help individuals achieve long-term relief from eczema symptoms. If you’re struggling with eczema, please reach out to me to explore a holistic approach tailored to your unique needs.