Eczema: Getting To The Root Cause

Eczema, often presenting as a dry, inflamed, itchy rash, is a form of dermatitis commonly seen in children under 5. It is associated with a higher risk of developing food allergies, asthma, and hay fever. While eczema might resolve naturally, about half of those affected in childhood may experience persistent symptoms into adulthood.

Traditional Management vs. Root Cause Approach

Traditional eczema management often involves steroid-based creams that temporarily heal the rash but do not address the root cause. Eczema is an internal issue that manifests externally, so addressing underlying internal factors is crucial for effective management.

Eczema and the Immune System

Eczema mirrors the body's response to a food allergy, where the immune system reacts excessively to a perceived threat. When the body faces internal stressors, like a compromised intestinal barrier triggering immune responses to food particles or toxins, it can manifest through skin cells. Patches may appear persistently or recur, sometimes appearing in different areas even as other areas clear up.

Importance of Gut Health

Given that 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, supporting gut health is important in addressing food sensitivities and eczema. When food isn't properly broken down due to compromised digestion, undigested food particles can trigger the immune system, making it challenging to pinpoint trigger foods as reactions might stem from various sources, and these triggers can change over time.

A healthier gut in babies enhances digestion and immune system functions, improving their tolerance to occasional or accidental food exposures. Strengthening a baby's digestive capabilities aids in breaking down food into smaller particles, reducing potential harm to the gut lining and immune system. Moreover, it enhances their ability to absorb essential nutrients from food.

Nurturing a baby's gut health stands as one of the best defences against food sensitivities and eczema. In this blog we will discuss both, internal and external approaches to supporting eczema.

Internal Support:

As discussed, eczema is an internal dysfunction that presents externally. Below we will look at ways of supporting your little one internally.

1. Elimination Diet:

Identifying food sensitivities and eczema triggers through an elimination diet can be challenging without the guidance from a health professional. Elimination diets remain the most accurate method for pinpointing a child's specific food sensitivities. Dairy is a common culprit and is often one of the first foods recommended to eliminate. Other potential foods for testing include gluten, eggs, peanuts, soy, corn, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and sesame seeds. It typically takes about 3 weeks for a specific food protein to fully leave the body, so a comprehensive 3-4 week elimination period is suggested before evaluating results or re-introducing the food.

Choose a potential trigger food (we will use dairy as an example) to remove from your little one’s diet entirely for 4 weeks. During this time is is important to closely monitor their eczema patches.

After 4 Weeks of Elimination:

• If there's no improvement: Dairy might not be the trigger food. Reintroduce dairy and select another potential trigger (e.g., gluten) for elimination over the next 4 weeks while monitoring eczema symptoms.
• If there's some improvement: Dairy is likely one of the triggers, but there could be others. Continue eliminating dairy and choose another potential trigger food to eliminate for 4 weeks while monitoring symptoms.
• If there's significant improvement: Dairy is likely a trigger. Continue supporting gut health until eczema rashes clear, which varies for each individual.

A trigger food can be reintroduced every 4 weeks. Continue monitoring for symptoms and flare-ups, and support the gut accordingly. Flare-ups should become less severe, and symptoms should start to resolve more rapidly.

2. Supporting & Strengthening the Gut Microbiome:

Having a diverse community of beneficial bacteria is crucial for a baby's digestive and immune systems. Infants dealing with food sensitivities and eczema often need extra support in nurturing their microbiome.

• Breastfeeding: Breast milk plays an important role in seeding and nurturing the microbiome with beneficial bacteria until it reaches full maturity. These beneficial gut bacteria help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as asthma, obesity, allergies, dermatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and neuro-developmental disorders.
• Probiotics: Reduced levels of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli have been linked to the onset of allergic diseases within the initial 5 years of a child's life. Introducing strains like Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium longum can offer advantageous effects.
• Prebiotics: Prebiotics, found in abundance in human breast milk, are the third most prevalent component after lactose and fat. They offer nourishment to the beneficial bacteria in a baby’s gut, fostering the growth and proliferation of these microbes. Research from the Cochrane report, found that Fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and Galactooligosaccharide (GOS) supplementation has shown protective effects against the development of certain conditions such as, eczema and conjunctivitis.
• Bone Broths & Collagen: Bone broth serves as a significant source of gelatin, which contains collagen—the primary structural protein in connective tissue. Collagen is a key component in supporting tissue repair and sealing the intestinal wall, which greatly reduces the risk of food sensitivities. Studies have highlighted diminished collagen production in individuals experiencing inflammatory digestive issues. Gelatinous meats, collagen, bone broth and gummies made from gelatin, are all beneficial to incorporate into your little ones diet if eczema is an issue. A piece of advice though- be mindful of sodium content.
• Glutamine: A particularly supportive amino acid, aiding in both digestion and immunity. Glutamine is found in sauerkraut, organic meats (pate, liver), cabbage, beetroot and spinach.
• Incorporate Omega 3: Omega 3 foods minimise inflammation in the body, while supporting immune and gut health. An omega 3 supplement is highly recommended for children with food sensitivities and eczema. You can find my recommendations in the supplement section of this course.
• Increasing Anti-Inflammatory Foods: When the intestinal wall is compromised, particles of food and toxins entering the bloodstream can trigger widespread inflammation throughout the body. Anti-inflammatory foods, abundant in antioxidants, aid in rebalancing the immune system and reducing the inflammation associated with eczema. Examples of anti-inflammatory foods include, colourful vegetables, blueberries, dark leafy greens, pineapple, papaya, beetroot, celery, and more.
• Decreasing Inflammatory Foods: Reducing intake of inflammatory foods is crucial, which involves minimising consumption of vegetable oils, artificial trans-fats, sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and refined carbohydrates.
• Easing Digestion: This allows the body more time for healing and strengthens a baby’s digestive abilities. Strategies for aiding digestion include: Balancing meals (protein, healthy fats, fibre and whole carbohydrates), thoroughly cooking vegetables (food sensitivities occur from undigested food particles entering the blood stream), consider blended foods (easier on digestion), encouraging your child to chew food completely.

3. Histamines:

Healthy levels of histamine are crucial for proper digestion and a healthy immune response. Nonetheless, certain individuals may encounter histamine intolerance due to a deficiency/dysfunction of the enzyme, diamine oxidase, responsible for breaking down histamine.

Histamine intolerance doesn't resemble an allergy, but resembles similar symptoms, as allergic reactions usually involve histamine release. This resemblance can complicate the identification of histamine intolerance. Consulting a healthcare professional, such as a naturopath or nutritionist is advisable for comprehensive support and specialised testing.

Addressing Histamine Intolerance in a Child May Involve:

• Minimising High Histamine Foods: Certain items like cinnamon, eggplants, avocados, citrus fruits, and tomatoes tend to be high in histamine. In persistent cases of eczema, reducing salicylates, amines, or glutamates could also be beneficial.
• Limiting Fermented Foods: Although these support digestion and immunity, they can elevate histamine levels in individuals with intolerance. Examples include sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, and pickled vegetables.
• Incorporating Vitamin C: This vitamin serves as a potent natural anti-histamine, aiding in the breakdown of excess histamine. For supplementation, opting for whole food sources such as camu camu, which can be mixed into baby food, is recommended. A dosage of 50 mg is advised for babies aged 6-12 months but be sure to consult their health professional for individualised advice.
• Introducing Probiotics: Strains like Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium longum can be beneficial. However, certain strains like Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei and Streptococcus thermophiles may increase histamine levels. Please don't introduce supplementation without consulting a health care professional.

4. Beneficial Supplements for Eczema:

• Probiotics: Parents can try a probiotic specifically formulated to support the body’s healthy response to histamine, such as Bifidobacterium infantis and Bifidobacterium longum. It's recommended to avoid probiotic strains that may contribute to histamine overload in sensitive individuals (as mentioned above).
• Omega 3: Infants with food sensitivities and eczema may benefit from an omega-3 supplement. Fatty acids reduce inflammation and support gut and immune health. EPA and DHA, in particular, play a vital role in managing inflammation. Cod liver oil is a recommended supplement for this purpose.
• Vitamin D: For individuals with food sensitivities and eczema, supplementing with vitamin D3 is recommended. Vitamin D has the potential to regulate the immune system and reduce inflammatory responses. Its ability to enhance antimicrobial activity and support the skin's barrier integrity makes it a potential therapeutic intervention for various skin disorders, including eczema.
• Vitamin C: If a child is identified with histamine intolerance, incorporating vitamin C can be highly effective as a natural anti-histamine, aiding in the metabolism of excess histamine. My preference for whole-food supplementation is, camu camu, which is rich in vitamin C and can be easily mixed with the baby’s food.
• Collagen: Some research suggests that collagen may potentially reduce the residual risk of inflammatory diseases which may be beneficial in reducing symptoms of eczema. You can shop our range here.

You can find all my baby supplement recommendations in my supplement database here.

External Support:

Although work must be be done to address the root cause internally, there are ways we can support our little one externally too.

• Topical Cream/Oil to Include: When supporting your baby internally to address the root cause of eczema, using topical creams/oils can alleviate discomfort. Consider incorporating options with jojoba oil. You can find this in our baby oil with certified organic ingredients. You can shop our range here.
• Topical Creams to Minimise: Supporting and nurturing the skin's microbiome is crucial when addressing eczema. Many topical creams on the market contain chemicals and additives that can disrupt a child's microbiome and skin health. I recommend avoiding products with, mineral oil, or paraffin, as they contain compounds potentially harmful to a child's health and can compromise the skin's integrity and collagen formation. Hydrocortisone (steroid) creams, often prescribed for eczema, can offer temporary relief, but do not address the root cause and may have adverse effects on the skin barrier. I would recommend using them sparingly and only when necessary due to potential side effects.
• Limit Bathing: Frequent baths can exacerbate eczema by stripping the skin of its natural protective oils. Opt for short, lukewarm baths instead of hot ones, as lengthy baths remove too much of the body’s natural oils. Avoid bubble baths as they often contain chemicals that can irritate the skin (such as SLS and SLES), which is counterproductive for eczema. When drying your child's skin, pat gently instead of rubbing to prevent irritation. Consider using natural, unscented bath products and skin care to support your child's delicate skin. You can shop our baby wash here which contains a blend of natural and certified organic ingredients and is low-tox, minus the allergens. 
• Nail Care: I would recommend keeping your baby's nails short so less damage is likely to occur when they scratch (which is inevitable).
• Clothing: Avoid irritating fabrics such as wools, nylon, polyester or other heavy/synthetic fabrics. I would recommend dressing your baby in organic cotton which is loose.
• Humidifier/Air Filter: Consider a humidifier and/or air filter in your baby's room if you live in a dry climate and if finance permits (this is not always an affordable option for every family). Otherwise specific indoor plants are great at reducing indoor air pollutants, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Some of these plants include: Spider plants, snake plants and peace lilies.
• Swapping to Low-Tox Products: You can learn more about this in my low-tox course, but switching from plastic to glass, and choosing high quality soap, shampoo, body products, laundry detergent, and cleaning supplies can make the world of difference. You can shop our baby wash and oil here. Our baby skincare range is low-tox, free from common food allergens, free from nut oils, uses natural and certified organic ingredients and are stored in a glass bottle.
• Be Mindful of Exaggerating Factors: Mindfulness about environmental factors that can exacerbate eczema is essential. Dry climates, particularly those with low humidity levels, tend to intensify skin dryness, aggravating eczema symptoms. Pollen, pet dander, and dust mites are common allergens that can trigger eczema flare-ups, causing itching and skin irritation. Additionally, down feathers, often found in bedding or pillows, can also contribute to skin sensitivity and worsen eczema symptoms. Being aware of these environmental factors and taking steps to minimise exposure can help in managing and reducing eczema discomfort for your child.

There are no quick fixes when it comes to eczema, and recovery is often not linear. It's crucial to acknowledge and celebrate the small wins achieved along the way while being prepared for occasional setbacks or flare-ups in symptoms. The recovery time varies based on several factors, including the severity of the child’s eczema, their medical history, and the commitment of parents to implement dietary and lifestyle changes. While noticeable improvements might be seen within a month, achieving results often takes time, typically ranging between 3 to 9 months to significantly reduce, or eliminate the majority of a child’s eczema. Patience, consistency, and continuous effort in supporting your child's health are key elements in this ongoing journey.

- All the best