Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of people in the UK. In fact, it is estimated that around 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults suffer from eczema in the UK (National Eczema Society, 2023). If you’re struggling with persistent eczema that hasn’t responded well to conventional treatments, you’re not alone. While standard therapies like topical steroids and antihistamines can offer some relief, they often don’t address the underlying causes of the condition. That’s where a nutritional therapy approach can make a significant difference. In this blog, i’ll explore how you can manage eczema by understanding its root causes and making targeted dietary and lifestyle changes.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is more than just dry, itchy skin. It’s a multifactorial condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. The inflammation and irritation associated with eczema are often a result of an overactive immune response, which can be triggered by a variety of factors including allergens, environmental toxins, and even stress (National Eczema Society, 2023).
Common Symptoms of Eczema Include:
- Redness and Inflammation: Patches of skin that are red, inflamed, and itchy.
- Dryness: The skin can become extremely dry, leading to cracking and peeling.
- Blisters: In more severe cases, small fluid-filled blisters can form.
- Thickened Skin: Chronic scratching can cause the skin to thicken and become leathery.
The Nutritional Therapy Approach to Eczema
While conventional treatments focus on managing symptoms, nutritional therapy aims to identify and address the root causes of eczema. By taking a closer look at factors such as diet, nutrient levels, gut health, and environmental exposures, we can develop a comprehensive plan to support your skin health from the inside out.
1. Identifying and Eliminating Food Triggers
One of the first steps in managing eczema through nutritional therapy is to identify and eliminate potential food triggers. Food sensitivities can play a significant role in exacerbating eczema symptoms, and identifying these can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health (Sicherer and Sampson, 2018).
Common Food Triggers Include:
- Gluten: Found in wheat, barley, and rye, gluten can trigger immune responses in sensitive individuals.
- Dairy: Milk, cheese, and other dairy products are common allergens that may worsen eczema.
- Soy and Corn: These are often hidden in processed foods and can be problematic for some people.
- Nightshades: Vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers may aggravate eczema in certain individuals.
The Paleo Autoimmune Protocol (AIP):
The Paleo Autoimmune Protocol is a dietary approach that involves eliminating potential inflammatory foods for a period of 30 to 60 days. This can help identify which foods may be contributing to your eczema. After this elimination phase, foods are reintroduced one at a time to determine which ones trigger symptoms.
2. Nourishing Your Skin with Essential Nutrients
Your skin needs a variety of nutrients to stay healthy and resilient. By ensuring you get enough of these key nutrients, you can support your skin’s natural ability to heal and protect itself (Pizzorno, 2018). I’ve listed the key nutrients below but there are others
- Vitamin A: Essential for skin repair and immune function. Found in foods like liver, egg yolks, and cod liver oil.
- Zinc: Supports wound healing and immune response. Rich sources include shellfish, beef, and pumpkin seeds.
- Vitamin C: Important for collagen production and skin integrity. Found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Anti-inflammatory fats that can reduce skin redness and itching. Sources include fatty fish like salmon and mackerel.
- Vitamin D: Supports immune regulation and skin health. Found in fatty fish, eggs, and through sun exposure (Aranow, 2011). In the UK, vitamin D deficiency is particularly common during the winter months, affecting nearly 1 in 5 adults (Public Health England, 2017).
3. Restoring Gut Health
There’s a strong connection between gut health and skin conditions like eczema. An imbalance in your gut microbiota can lead to systemic inflammation, which may manifest as skin issues. Restoring gut health is, therefore, a crucial component of managing eczema.
Key Strategies for Gut Health:
- Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria can help balance your gut microbiota and reduce inflammation. Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut in your diet
- Prebiotics: Non-digestible fibres that feed beneficial gut bacteria. Sources include onions, garlic, and bananas.
- Addressing Gut Pathologies: Conditions like small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or leaky gut can contribute to eczema. It’s important to identify and treat these issues as part of your overall strategy.
- Managing Stress and Supporting the HPA Axis
Chronic stress can have a profound impact on your skin. Stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, which can lead to inflammation and exacerbate eczema symptoms. Managing stress is, therefore, a key aspect of any comprehensive eczema treatment plan (Arck et al., 2006).
Effective Stress Management Techniques:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular practice can help reduce stress and improve your overall sense of well-being.
- Exercise: Physical activity is a great way to manage stress and improve circulation, which benefits your skin.
- Adequate Sleep: Prioritising sleep can help regulate your stress hormones and support skin healing.
5. Addressing Heavy Metal Toxicity
Heavy metals like mercury and lead can contribute to chronic inflammation and skin issues.
Steps to Address Heavy Metal Toxicity:
- Testing: Work with a healthcare professional to test for heavy metal exposure.
- Detoxification Support: Nutrients like selenium and antioxidants can support your body’s natural detoxification processes (Rayman, 2012).
6. Avoiding Topical Irritants
Many skincare products contain chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin and worsen eczema. Choosing natural, gentle products is essential for protecting your skin barrier and preventing flare-ups.
Recommended Natural Skincare Products:
- Coconut Oil: Has natural anti-inflammatory properties and can moisturise the skin (Verallo-Rowell et al., 2008).
- Aloe Vera: Soothes irritation and supports skin healing.
7. Considering Histamine Intolerance
Histamine intolerance can sometimes be a hidden contributor to eczema. High-histamine foods, poor methylation, or enzyme deficiencies can lead to symptoms that mimic or worsen eczema.
Low-Histamine Diet:
If you suspect histamine intolerance, consider a low-histamine diet to see if it improves your symptoms. This diet involves avoiding foods like aged cheeses, fermented products, and certain fruits (Maintz and Novak, 2007).
Functional Testing for Eczema: Identifying Root Causes Quicker
Functional testing offers a comprehensive approach to understanding the underlying causes of eczema, allowing for quicker identification and more targeted interventions. Unlike conventional testing, which often focuses on treating symptoms, functional tests delve deeper into the body’s biochemistry, revealing imbalances and dysfunctions that may be contributing to the condition. For example, tests such as food sensitivity panels can identify specific foods that trigger immune responses and exacerbate eczema, while comprehensive gut health assessments can uncover issues like dysbiosis, leaky gut, or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) that might be driving inflammation. Hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and toxic load are also areas that functional testing can explore. By identifying these root causes early on, a more personalised and effective treatment plan can be developed, helping patients achieve relief faster and with more sustainable results.
Conclusion
While I’ve provided an overview of eczema and its potential triggers, it’s important to recognise that everyone’s experience with eczema is unique. Symptoms, triggers, and underlying causes can vary greatly from person to person. That’s why nutritional therapy goes beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, delving deeper into your individual circumstances to uncover the specific factors contributing to your condition. By addressing these root causes through a personalised plan that focuses on diet, lifestyle, and targeted interventions, you can achieve meaningful relief and work towards long-term skin health.
If you’re interested in exploring how nutritional therapy can support your journey to managing eczema, I invite you to book a free 30-minute consultation. This session is an opportunity to discuss your unique health concerns and determine if nutritional therapy is the right approach for you. Together, we can develop a tailored plan to help you achieve clearer, healthier skin and a better quality of life.
References
Aranow, C., 2011. Vitamin D and the immune system. Journal of Investigative Medicine, 59(6), pp.881-886.
Arck, P., Slominski, A., Theoharides, T.C., Peters, E.M., and Paus, R., 2006. Neuroimmunology of stress: skin takes center stage. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 126(8), pp.1697-1704.
Huang, R., Ning, H., Shen, M., et al., 2017. Probiotics for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Microbiology, 8, p.1782.
National Eczema Society, 2023. Eczema and Dermatitis. [online] Available at: https://eczema.org/
Pizzorno, J., 2018. The Toxin Solution: How Hidden Poisons in the Air, Water, Food, and Products We Use Are Destroying Our Health–And What We Can Do to Fix It. New York: HarperOne.
Public Health England, 2017. Vitamin D: advice on supplements for at risk groups. [online] Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vitamin-d-advice-on-supplements-for-at-risk-groups
Rayman, M.P., 2012. Selenium and human health. The Lancet, 379(9822), pp.1256-1268.
Sicherer, S.H., and Sampson, H.A., 2018. Food allergy: a review and update on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and management. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 141(1), pp.41-58. Verallo-Rowell, V.M., Dillague, K.M., and Syah-Tjundawan, B.S., 2008. Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis. Dermatitis, 19(6), pp.308-315