Eczema has many contributing factors that can trigger flare-ups and worsen symptoms. While many people are under the impression that some of these factors are the root causes of their flares, often we're still talking about symptoms. For lasting relief, it’s essential to address the underlying causes of eczema.
1. Nutrient Deficiencies
Deficiencies in essential nutrients can contribute to eczema severity and prolong flare-ups. Lower levels of certain nutrients also reduce the skin’s ability to heal, weaken the immune system, and more. But what’s actually causing these nutrient levels to be sub-optimal?
Simply supplementing these nutrients may temporarily boost levels, but they’ll drop again if we don’t address the underlying reason. Here are a few possible causes of nutrient deficiencies:
Poor dietary intake: Are you consuming enough of these nutrients through food?
Poor absorption: Even if you’re eating a nutrient-rich diet, are you digesting and absorbing nutrients efficiently?
High nutrient requirements: During stress, illness, growth, or other demands, the body may need more nutrients. If intake doesn’t increase to meet these demands, deficiencies can develop.
Medications: Some medications deplete specific nutrients. For example, steroids used for eczema and asthma can reduce vitamin D levels, which are crucial for managing these conditions.
As you can see, nutrient deficiencies aren’t necessarily the cause but a symptom. Why are nutrient deficiencies happening, and how might they be contributing to eczema flares? Supplementing can help, but addressing the root cause of these deficiencies is essential for long-term relief.
2. Immune Dysfunction
Eczema and dermatitis fall under the category of atopic (or allergic) health conditions, meaning the immune system overreacts to certain triggers, causing a skin response. Common triggers include foods, environmental factors (like dust and pets), and personal care or cleaning products.
Avoiding some triggers might be possible short-term, but for many with eczema, it’s a whole range of things triggering the reaction. Constant avoidance is stressful and impractical.
But why is the immune system so reactive? Addressing the underlying cause of immune dysfunction can reduce flare frequency and severity. Here are some common contributors to immune overactivity:
Nutrient deficiencies
Poor gut health (such as leaky gut or gut bacteria imbalances)
Infections (acute or chronic)
Exposure to environmental toxins (like mould or heavy metals)
3. Poor Gut Health
Leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability, describes a digestive tract that resembles fishnet stockings more than tights. Gaps in the gut lining allow particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation. Imbalances between beneficial and harmful gut bacteria can also contribute to eczema.
While supplements and certain foods can support gut health, we also need to address what’s causing gut issues in the first place. Some potential causes include:
Antibiotic use
C-section birth
Bottle feeding
Chronic stress
Highly processed diets
Limited exposure to the outdoors
Poor sleep
Frequent use of antibacterial products
Some of these factors are unavoidable, but rebuilding a healthy gut environment can support long-term skin health and reduce eczema symptoms. Adjusting what we can and supporting the body when avoidance isn’t possible, is the key to robust digestive health.
Finding Long-Term Relief
Reading this, you might feel more confused than ever! How do you determine what’s affecting you (or your child), and where do you start?
If you’d like guidance to uncover the root causes of your eczema, consider booking a Free Naturopathic Assessment. Together, we can explore your next best steps toward long-term relief, so you’re not just managing symptoms temporarily but addressing the causes and seeing lasting improvements.
Belinda x
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