Let's Talk About Eczema

Eczema, sometimes referred to as dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause dry, itchy, red and scaly skin. It can affect people of all ages but it is very common in children. The pathogenesis of this condition can be complex and is often involving multiple systems. Some main factors to consider includes exposure to allergens/irritants, stress, intestinal permeability, nutritional deficiencies, microbiome dysbiosis, high blood sugar, poor digestion and dysregulated IgE. Exposure to food intolerances and poor gut health are common contributing factors for the development of this skin condition.

Some Naturopathic Therapeutic Aims for an Eczema Case

• Reduce tissue levels of pro-inflammatory compounds, support skin integrity and reduce mast cell activity by increasing levels of omega 3’s, fatty acids, zinc, bioflavonoids, vitamin C/D/E and selenium. Herbals to consider include turmeric, albizia, gotu kola, skullcap, astragalus, echinacea, licorice, chamomile.

• Support beneficial intestinal flora with strain-specific probiotics such as Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG/HN001, Lactobacillus fermentum, Bifidobacterium lactis.

• Reduce intestinal permeability with herbals: Slippery elm, marshmallow, licorice, chamomile, turmeric, goldenseal, calendula and nutritionals: glutamine, collagen, omega 3, zinc carnosine, vitamin D, antioxidant/bioflavonoids.

• Support nervous system, reduce stress levels.

• Enhance digestion, support optimal levels of stomach acid with bitter herbs.

• Support removal of toxins and irritants with depuratives such as burdock, galium, smilax, oregano grape, blue flag