Functional Medicine For Eczema

Atopic eczema can affect children and adults. It is a long-term inflammatory skin condition; treatment helps control it, but finding a trigger does not guarantee a cure. [1]

Trigger Factors

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can affect millions of people, and can be quite serious. It causes dry, itchy and cracked areas that could become infected if scratched too frequently. Eczema also increases the risk of bleeding or other skin infections when scratching is frequent.

Emollients support the skin barrier and topical corticosteroids reduce inflammation. They are standard eczema treatments. Correct strength, site and duration matter; the risk of side effects should be discussed without discouraging appropriate use. [1]

Functional Medicine takes a different approach. It views eczema as an entire-body issue that could indicate imbalances in one or more body systems and is often linked to other health conditions.

Skin care and avoiding personal triggers can help reduce flares. This does not establish that improving digestion, fatty-acid metabolism or “fortifying” immunity treats eczema. [1]

A balanced diet supports general health. Omega-3 or vitamin supplements should not be promoted as established eczema treatment, and a suspected deficiency needs individual advice. [1]

Do not routinely exclude eggs, fish, nuts, soya or dairy to treat eczema. A suspected food allergy needs assessment; unnecessary restriction can cause nutritional problems. [1]

Stress can worsen eczema, and support with stress may help coping. A particular relaxation technique should not be promised to control the skin disease. [1]

Sunbathing is not a substitute for prescribed phototherapy. Ultraviolet exposure can damage skin; discuss light-based treatment with a dermatologist. [1]

Evidence for herbal remedies and acupuncture is limited. Products can irritate skin or cause allergy and interactions, so they should not replace established eczema care. [2]

Digestive Issues

If your eczema flares are accompanied by digestive issues like constipation, diarrhoea or gas and bloating, you could have a functional or organic GI disease. Depending on the underlying cause of these disorders, they may improve with at-home care or require more serious medical intervention.

Gastrointestinal disorders affect the digestive tract, including the stomach and intestines. IBS, inflammatory bowel disease and reflux are different conditions and should not be treated as one diagnosis. [3]

Structural digestive disease needs assessment on its own merits. It should not be attributed generally to low fibre, saturated fat or medicines weakening the bowel. [3]

The GI tract plays an integral role in digestion, breaking down food into nutrients for absorption into the bloodstream and excreting waste. Furthermore, it produces hormones and neurotransmitters essential for brain health.

The gut microbiome and eczema are being studied, but coexistence of gut symptoms and eczema does not establish a single gut cause. [1]

Intestinal permeability describes how substances cross the gut lining. “Leaky gut” is not an established routine explanation for an individual’s eczema. [1]

Eczema should not be described here as a dangerous whole-body autoimmune reaction caused by gut leakage. It has several interacting skin-barrier and immune mechanisms. [1]

Research associations between gut features and eczema cannot show that a particular commercial gut test will identify a treatable cause. [1]

Probiotics, prebiotics and fibre should not be presented as a proven way to repair “leaky gut” or cure eczema. Any dietary change should have a clear purpose and preserve adequate nutrition. [1]

Fatty Acid Metabolism

Lipids help form the skin barrier. Eczema involves more than fatty-acid intake or metabolism, so eating more fat is not a stand-alone treatment. [1]

Beta-oxidation is one route by which cells use fatty acids for energy. This biochemical process does not establish a clinical eczema test or supplement treatment. [1]

A Cochrane review found that oral evening primrose oil and borage oil did not improve eczema more than placebo. They should not be promoted as effective eczema treatments. [4]

Vitamin C supports normal nutrition and collagen formation. This does not show that extra vitamin C heals eczema or protects skin from ultraviolet harm. [1]

Vitamin D deficiency should be addressed when indicated. Research in selected groups does not justify a universal eczema supplement dose or replacement of prescribed treatment. [1]

A low-histamine diet or “liver methylation” programme is not a standard eczema treatment. Seek advice before restricting a child’s or adult’s diet. [1]

Herbal remedies such as Cardiospermum have also been utilized in the treatment of eczema; however, further research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness.

Inflammation

When you suffer an infection or injury, your body responds by producing inflammatory cells and hormones to help your immune system fight off germs. This process is known as inflammation and it can take both acute and chronic forms.

Signs of inflammation include itching, redness and swelling. Pain may also present as well as the inability to move or walk normally.

Inflammation is a significant immune response, activated by various events; however, not all infections lead to inflammation.

A review of diet and lifestyle may complement eczema care. Functional medicine should not be presented as proven to prevent eczema or remove its underlying cause. [1]

Avoiding a confirmed trigger may help, but diet changes alone do not reliably control eczema. Continue the skin-care and treatment plan agreed with your clinician. [1]

Your doctor will assess the severity of your eczema and formulate a treatment plan. They can prescribe creams and oral medications, as well as suggest other possible solutions.

Eczema is most often observed on the face, hands and feet but can develop anywhere on the body. Typically, it begins during a child's first year of life and typically improves or clears up by mid-teens; however, some cases may persist into adulthood.

Inflammation is a natural defence mechanism, but it can also have harmful consequences, leading to conditions like arthritis and heart disease. When your body experiences an inflammatory reaction, hormones are released that dilate blood vessels and increase circulation around an area. This increased circulation brings more immune cells to help speed up healing from damaged tissue and promotes overall wellness.

Neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes are the immune cells involved in the inflammatory response. This is a complex mechanism involving various cellular mechanisms like phagocytosis, release of inflammatory mediators, cell-mediated destruction of invading bacteria or toxins and more; some cells play a more prominent role than others but all play an integral role in initiating and maintaining inflammation.

For more information or if you would like to discuss treatment and management with Dr Stavy then please contact us via email:info@drstavy.com