Eczema - Not just skin deep.
Eczema is a skin condition that causes itchy, red, and swollen patches of skin. The most common type is called atopic dermatitis.
Many of those affected by eczema begin to show signs during childhood, often at the start of solid food (6 months) but usually before the age of 5 years old. This is when the digestive system is particularly vulnerable. This is also when the microbial ecosystems of the body are in early stages of development.
The gut is first barrier that protects you from the outside world—an outside world that you introduce to your body several times a day in the form of food and drink.
Communication between your body and the immune system happen within the digestive tract. These signals produced by the immune system move throughout the body.
Like many skin disorders, Eczema is not just skin deep.
What happens on the surface of the skin is important, however treating the skin alone is merely putting a bandaid on symptoms.
Much researcher has been done into eczema, for example- The National Cancer Institute found that the immune system (the gut) helps select which microbes make their home on the surface of the skin.
Researchers found that those with a weak immune system (gut health determined) harbored microbes that are not found on healthy individuals. According to the co-senior author of the study, Heidi Kong, "Our findings suggest that the human body, including our immune systems, constrains and potentially selects which bacteria and fungi can inhabit skin.”
A weak immune system also means less diversity, or a reduced number of species on the skin and within the digestive system. The study suggests that correcting gut diversity, rather than just targeting the skin itself may be the best way to treat eczema.
Eczema causes
Type of birth - C-section, Natural birth.
Parental predisposition.
Mothers gut flora diversity.
Toxicities and deficiencies.
Dietary factors, food intolerances.
What do I do about it?
Thankfully much can be done to improve the immune system (gut flora) and rectify skin conditions naturally.
In our clinic we use a combination of natural approaches including; natural topical creams to help sooth inflamed skin.
However our main aim is to balance gut flora and systemic Ph, remove any toxicities including heavy metals whiles optimising vitamin and minerals within the body.
By working with the whole body and not just the skin we can naturally see drastic improvements in eczema without restoring to harsh pharmaceutical creams.
Book a Naturopathic consultation via our online booking page, or call and ask Rebecca a question 0409 352 492.
