Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition, often beginning in childhood and continuing into adulthood. Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is characterized by redness, flakey and itchy skin. Since it is a chronic condition, living with eczema can be frustrating as flare-ups can occur. That’s why determining triggers is important to prevent flare-ups and help keep the inflammation down. Just like all skin conditions, assessing what is happening inside the body is most important. Let’s discuss common areas of the human body which, when neglected, can cause eczema or be a trigger.

Decreased Immune Function

Genetically, children with eczema are more immune-compromised, which can lead to subsequent conditions like asthma and allergies. Research has shown that children with eczema have genetic differences which decrease the protective barrier of the skin, making the skin more susceptible to environmental triggers leading to itchiness and redness, –  the hallmark signs & symptoms of eczema. That’s why calming the immune system is one way of managing eczema.

Digestion

When it comes to eczema, digestion is another piece of the puzzle that needs to be properly assessed. The outer layer of our skin, epithelium, is a protective barrier that also extends internally and also protects the digestive tract too. The epithelium in the digestive tract prevents large food particles from entering the bloodstream, stopping an immune reaction from occurring. However, people with eczema are more prone to having gaps in the epithelium creating a “leaky gut”. Often time, certain foods can escape the digestive system, go into the bloodstream and trigger an auto-immune reaction and ultimately causing an eczema flare. Therefore, another important factor of eczema treatment is to determine what foods are triggers, via food sensitivity testing, and then strengthening the gut.

Barrier protection

The first place I like to start in my treatment plan for eczema is by restoring the skin’s barrier.  The skin acts as an external barrier to pathogens, allergens, bacteria, and viruses. And as mentioned before, individuals with eczema have compromised epithelial function, meaning that their skin’s defensive mechanism is not that great. Supporting this barrier can happen internally, by determining food sensitivity, maintaining an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, and balancing the immune system, and also externally, my incorporating dermatologically recommended moisturizers.

Eczema is a skin condition that can be very frustrating, but it’s important to know that flare-ups can be managed and even prevented. To learn more about what you’re personal triggers are and other ways to manage eczema, book a free consultation!