Understanding eczema and the gut-skin connection

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common and often frustrating skin condition that affects millions worldwide. As a natural health care practitioner, I see firsthand how deeply eczema can impact not just the skin, but a person’s quality of life. While conventional approaches often focus on symptom management using steriod creams, understanding the causes of eczema can help to create significant lasting change and a pathway to healing.

In this blog, I will briefly touch on some of these causes and natural approaches to healing eczema.

The Foundation of Healthy Skin: Our Genes and the Skin Barrier

One of the most exciting areas of research has been the discovery of the filaggrin gene (FLG) and its role in eczema. Filaggrin is a crucial protein that helps maintain a strong, resilient skin barrier. However, some individuals carry mutations in the FLG gene, leaving their skin more vulnerable to irritants, allergens, and infections.

When the skin barrier is compromised, it’s much easier for moisture to escape and for irritants to get in — setting the stage for the inflammation we see in eczema. It's important to note that even though someone may have an FLG mutation, genes are not destiny. With daily barrier support, anti-inflammatory nutrition and the correct herbal therapies many people can still achieve beautiful, resilient skin!

The Overactive Immune System

Another piece of the puzzle lies within our immune system. Eczema is now understood to be driven by an overactive immune response, particularly involving what’s called the Th2 immune pathway. This causes a surge of inflammatory chemicals like IL-4 and IL-13, which lead to the redness, itchiness, and swelling characteristic of eczema flare-ups.

Addressing this immune dysregulation can be a real game changer for eczema sufferers and starts by addressing the health of the gut epithelium. Many food interolerances will dissapear once the gut epithelium is restored. I love using the GEMM protocol for addressing this immune dysregulation.

The Microbiome Connection: Not Just Gut Health, but Skin Health Too

Our skin is home to a vast ecosystem of microbes, known as the skin microbiome. In people with eczema, the balance of these microbes is often disrupted — with an overgrowth of a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.

Recent research shows that S. aureus doesn’t just sit passively on the skin — it can actually trigger nerve cells directly, causing intense itching and further inflammation.

Supporting a healthy skin microbiome is now a key part of modern eczema care.

Diet Matters: Surprising Links Between Salt and Eczema

New evidence suggests that high dietary salt intake may worsen eczema. A large study found that adding just 1 gram of extra sodium daily could increase eczema risk by up to 22%!

This highlights how important it is to look at nutrition not just for overall health, but for skin-specific healing. Where does this extract salt come from? Processed foods. Therefore a diet rich in fresh whole foods including vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and adequate hydration — while minimising processed, high-sodium foods — can be incredibly supportive. I love helping families learn new and easy ways to consume more wholefoods and drop out more of the processed junk.

The Role of Stress in Flare-Ups

We often think of stress as something that affects our mood, but it’s important to recognize its impact on our skin as well. Stress triggers a rise in cortisol levels, which can weaken the skin barrier and ramp up inflammation, leading to eczema flare-ups, even in our children.

Mind-body practices such as mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercises, and herbal adaptogens can be beautiful allies in a holistic eczema program. Some of my favourite herbal adaptogens to help include Withania, Tulsi and Gotu kola.

An Approach to Healing

Modern research is validating what traditional medicine has long observed: that eczema is multifactorial. It’s not just a “skin problem” — it’s a signal from within.

A truly holistic approach to eczema may include:

• Supporting skin barrier function with natural emollients and herbal barrier repair creams

• Balancing the immune system with anti-inflammatory herbs and nutrients to help support the gut epithelium

• Nurturing the microbiome, both gut and skin

• Addressing dietary triggers, including high-salt intake and food sensitivities

• Managing stress through lifestyle practices and herbal support

• Correcting nutrient deficiencies (like essential fatty acids, zinc, and vitamin D)

  
  

So if you or a loved one struggles with eczema, know that you don’t have to simply “live with it.” With the right support, it’s possible to calm the inflammation and restore skin health.

🌿 If you'd like to learn more about natural strategies for eczema, feel free to reach out or book a consultation. I'm here to help!