Eczema & The Gut-Skin Connection

Eczema is becoming more prevalent worldwide. In Singapore, data from a 2022 study found that 13.5% of people suffer from eczema. This is higher in children: 1 in 5 children have eczema! Furthermore, 35.5% of people with eczema report a chronic rash that is present for more than 12 months.

What causes eczema?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition where patches of skin become itchy, red, inflamed and rough. It is characterised by underlying skin barrier dysfunction and dryness, and a dysregulated immune system response. The highly itchy nature of these rashes often lead to scratching, bleeding, and secondary skin infections.

Genetics plays a role - if one or both parents have a history of eczema, allergic rhinitis, or asthma, their child is more likely to develop eczema. However, diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors are also important.

The same 2022 study found that alcohol drinkers had a higher risk of developing eczema. Sedentary lifestyle as determined by high TV or computer usage per day was also identified as a risk factor for eczema. The "hygiene hypothesis" postulates that early life exposure to various different non-pathogenic bacteria and environmental substances can train the immune system to react appropriately to them, thereby reducing the risk of allergies. In our modern world, however, overuse of antibacterial and antiseptic household chemicals may have inadvertently increased the prevalence of eczema and other allergies. The immune system is therefore more skewed towards an allergic response.

More and more evidence has also emerged regarding the connection between our gut microbiome and skin health. Probiotics have been shown to help with reducing the severity of eczema. This is not surprising, given that a large number of immune cells reside within our gut.

What can we do to treat eczema?

The conventional approach to eczema is to minimise flares by using suitable skincare products & avoiding common environmental triggers (e.g. dust and dust mites), protect the skin barrier by moisturising daily, and treating rashes by using corticosteroid creams and/or other medication.

Apart from these, there are two other root causes I find useful to focus on in holistic treatment for eczema.

Working on gut health

What we eat affects the level of inflammation in the body and often shows up on the skin. Many people have anecdotally noticed a correlation between specific food triggers that make their eczema worse.

Research has also found that people with eczema have a different balance of gut bacteria compared to those without eczema, and that using specific probiotics and other gut supporting supplements are helpful for eczema. Eating a whole foods diet reduces inflammation, which is also crucial for eczema.

Addressing inflammation & immune regulation

Our immune system is designed to protect us from bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. Another important function of the immune system is responsible for figuring out what to respond to. This part tends to be overactive in people with eczema and other allergy-related conditions.

For moderate to severe eczema, a food allergy and/or sensitivity test may be helpful to identify food and environmental allergens. Removing these triggers in the first instance helps to calm down an overactive immune system response. The next step would be working on immune system support.

Want more support for eczema?

Have you tried some of these methods and are looking for more specific support? I can journey together with you over a 6 month period to pave the way for calmer skin and confidence.

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