Understanding Eczema and How to Heal Naturally

Unfortunately for many, eczema is a constant battle. The search for the most sensitive skin care products—even fabrics—that help relieve irritation can often be ongoing and frustrating, not to mention the discomfort and the diligence it takes to monitor triggers. It’s one of the most common skin issues, but it is not contagious. Focusing on the cause of eczema, which is actually inflammation in the digestive tract, one of the many things you may not have known. As you seek relief, let the real facts about eczema guide you.

What is Eczema

Eczema also knowns as atopic dermatitis (AD) is the name for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become itchy, inflamed, or have a rash-like appearance. It usually begins in childhood and can range from mild to severe symptoms.  Here is the issue, it is not really a problem with the function of the skin. In fact, the skin is actually acting as a detox organ, and the redness and flaking skin result from the skin pushing candida toxins out. It could also have a genetic link that can be passed on from parent to child (Filaggrin Mutations-found by genetic testing).

Eczema Signs & Symptoms

People with eczema have damage to the skin barrier function (the “glue” of your skin). This loss of barrier function makes your skin more sensitive and more prone to infection and dryness.

• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Red rashes
• Bumps on the skin
• Scaly, leathery patches of skin
• Crusting skin
• Usually in skin creases, elbows, hands, knees, or face

Possible Root Causes- While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, researchers do know the immune system is undeniably involved.

1. If it does not come out of your bowels, it will come out of your skin. Are you having normal bowel movements? How is your gut health?
2. Stealth pathogens -the biggest reason
3. CANDIDA- Your diet and excess exposure to antibiotics feeds fuel to the fire. Candida is a type of yeast that is found naturally in the gut. More than 90,000 people a year in the U.S. are affected by overgrowth of candida, which is called candidiasis (d’Enfert, Hube 2007). The main reasons for this epidemic include a diet heavy in sugar and excess exposure to hormones and antibiotics through meat and dairy products primarily, but also through frequent use of prescribed antibiotics and hormones. Infant eczema occurs before exposure to many of the sugars, antibiotics and hormones because it is passed on from the mother in utero. Child and adult eczema are usually related to the common causes mentioned. According to research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, gut imbalances like candida overgrowth share a potential connection with eczema.
4. MOLD- Did you know that 80% of children with eczema also suffer from allergies and asthma often caused by mold and allergens? This trio is commonly referred to as the atopic triad because they often occur simultaneously (Gardner 2016 WebMD).
5. PARASITES-they wreak havoc on your immune system and are like trojan horses that harbor other harmful toxins in your body. If you have a pulse, you have parasites! For more info see:  Parasite Guide 101
6. SIBO-Your diet and excess exposure to antibiotics feeds fuel to the fire. Candida is a type of yeast that is found naturally in the gut. More than 90,000 people a year in the U.S. are affected by overgrowth of candida, which is called candidiasis (d’Enfert, Hube 2007). The main reasons for this epidemic include a diet heavy in sugar and excess exposure to hormones and antibiotics through meat and dairy products primarily, but also through frequent use of prescribed antibiotics and hormones.
7. Food sensitivities like gluten, eggs or dairy (this includes eating it and then passing on to the baby) IgG or IgA immune response can be delayed up to 72 hours. Think parasites again, why are you reacting to these foods?
8. Vitamin D and A deficiencies
9. Omega 3 deficiency
10. Wiping out the healthy microbiome with household products that have been linked such as: Soaps, laundry detergents, cocamidopropyl betaine (in shampoos and lotions), fragranced products other than essential oils, any disinfectants containing formaldehyde, isothiazolinones or triclosan (antibacterial baby wipes)
11. Residuals from persistent organic pollutants like pesticides, DDT or glyphosate (think bug sprays and weed killers)
12. Stress or prolonged trauma
13. Low Filaggrin Levels

Solutions

2. Stress management! Yes, this is crucial.  Healing will be hindered without this most crucial part. Find a technique to practice de-stressing daily.
3. You need something to pull out things that should not be there like parasites, pesticides and heavy metals (toxicity is real and more often than you would think). CBO Protocol, Mold Detox Protocol, CellCore binders, BioRay, Chlorella, Cilantro. Testing, biofeedback and working with a practitioner is best when deciding on which binders to use. Using a specially formulated gut rebalancing protocol that contains specific enzymes and probiotic support can help reduce excess yeasts or bacterial overgrowth and restore a healthy gut environment.
4. Sweating, Epsom salt baths, enemas or colonics, lymph manipulation, etc. to open all drainage to help you dump what is stuck.
5. Cut out inflammatory foods (get an ALCAT or MRT food sensitivity test if you are unsure) and incorporate high fiber and water.
6. Nourish the body! with nutrients that support skin health and optimal immune function, whether in food or supplemental form. Increase Intake of Nutrients That Promote Skin Health. Vitamins, minerals, and other dietary nutrients significantly impact skin growth and immunity. There are several nutrients that are particularly important for skin health and optimal immune function.  Such as Vitamin A, Zinc, Vitamin C, Omega-3 fatty acids, Biotin, Selenium, Silica, Niacin, Vitamin K2, Sulfur, Vitamin E, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin D, L-Histidine.
7. Support gut health with probiotic and prebiotic foods. Supplements like L-glutamine, turmeric, DGL, marshmallow root, zinc, quercetin, ginger and chamomile help heal the gut but don’t forget the liver can be involved too! Check out the liver stagnation guide (coming soon).
8. Strict avoidance of detergents and other topical irritants that can cause skin barrier permeability and exacerbate inflammation.
9. Zinc Fiber Clothing, Organic & soft clothing (bamboo, linen)
10. Baths-Oatmeal, dead sea salt soaks
11. Cold plunges. See my guide for more information.
12. Consider Histaeze from DESIGNS FOR HEALTH until we can get to the root cause.
13. Keep house dusted and wiped to avoid triggers from dust mites or animal dander.
14. Increase filaggrin levels- a little explanation first. FLG is a protein that is important for maintaining healthy skin barrier function. FLG needs histidine to do its job in the body.  Histidine is an amino acid made by gut bacteria and has to obtained by diet.  In infants, this amino acid is essential because they have low levels.  Baby will get this from mom’s breastmilk through her diet. Start through diet first with protein rich foods.
15. Topical skin products with natural ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and salicylic acid can provide relief. Oatmeal works to calm the rash and itchy skin in general and helps to dry out the flare-up. Salicylic acid removes dead skin and destroys harmful bacteria. Aloe vera, shea butter, coconut oil, willow bark, chamomile and comfrey are also soothing, plant-derived ingredients to look for in natural, topical cream. You can also use CBD balms.

• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Zinc Oxide Cream
• Topical Probiotic (Microbiome Labs) FULLSCRIPT
• PurO3 Ozonated Olive Oil – Fully Ozonated https://amzn.to/3UbtH42
• Era Organics Healing Ointment for Babies https://amzn.to/47HB5qN
• Matys Baby Eczema Relief Cream https://amzn.to/42fAV9a
• Colloidal Oatmeal & Manuka Honey https://amzn.to/3HscOu7
• Bear Grease. Yes, I said that. It is very high in Oleic acid which nourishing the dry skin and restores the barrier. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02640159

Keep in mind that this PDF is general information for all ages. Babies and children have different needs at different age levels.  Sometimes, it can be more challenging to determine what’s causing eczema flare-ups. Working with a certified health practitioner can be immensely helpful in exploring the possible underlying reason behind your skin issue and then choosing the best support for the associated discomfort. Targeted at-home lab testing can help to identify inflammatory effects that can happen anywhere from a few hours up to a few days after eating certain foods you may not be aware you are reacting to.

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References:

https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1011040#:~:text=FLG%20mutation%20carriers%20have%20a%20greatly%20increased%20risk,and%20alopecia%20areata%20and%20susceptibility%20to%20herpetic%20infection.

https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/4/444/htm

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/j.1365-2133.2007.08430.x

https://www.skincarelab.org/linoleic-acid-vs-oleic-acid/

Disclaimer:  The information contained in this document is for general education purposes only and is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical conditions.  Check with your health practitioner before making diet and lifestyle changes.