Eczema Guide

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What is eczema?

Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition that affects as many as one in four children. It typically shows up as patches of dry, red, itchy, and sometimes painful skin. 

Eczema occurs when the immune system becomes overactive, triggering inflammation that weakens the skin barrier. This damage causes moisture loss, leading to dryness, itchiness, and increased sensitivity. There are several forms of eczema, for the purpose of this guide we will focus on the most widespread: atopic dermatitis.

When it comes to eczema, topical treatments will only work for so long. It’s important to NAIL DOWN THE ROOT CAUSE, so you can properly treat what is causing the imbalance. 

Investigative Questions to Explore the Root Cause of Eczema

Birth and Early Life Factors

• Was your baby delivered vaginally or via C-section?

• Was your baby breastfed, formula-fed, or both?

• Were antibiotics given during pregnancy, delivery, or early infancy?

Vaccinations and Medications

• Has your child received any recent vaccines or medications? Acetaminophen is a common one.

• Were there any noticeable skin changes following a vaccination, illness, or antibiotic course?

Environmental Triggers

• Do flare-ups seem to occur in certain locations, such as your home, daycare, or relative’s house?

• Does your skin improve when traveling or spending time away from your primary home?

• Have you tested your home for mold, dust mites, or chemical irritants (cleaning products, detergents, fragrances)?

• Are there pets in the home, and if so, does exposure to them seem to affect symptoms?

Diet and Gut Health

• Have you noticed any correlation between specific foods and flare-ups?

• Does your child have known food allergies or intolerances?

• Are there digestive symptoms present (gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea)?

• Has there been a history of antibiotic use that could have altered gut flora?

• Are there signs of leaky gut or nutrient deficiencies (iron, zinc, vitamin D)?

Infections and Imbalances

• Has your child had frequent yeast infections, UTIs, cradle cap, or oral thrush? Could be candida

• Any history of parasitic infections or exposure to untreated water or contaminated food?

• Has your child experienced skin or scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis?

Hormonal and Stress-Related Factors

• Do flare-ups seem to worsen during times of emotional stress, lack of sleep, or major life changes?

• Has your child had any recent illnesses or vaccinations that may have affected immune balance?

• Are you noticing symptoms that could suggest high cortisol levels or adrenal stress, such as fatigue or irregular sleep patterns? Mouth breathing?

Lifestyle and Product Use

• What kind of laundry detergents, soaps, or lotions are used on the skin?

• Are there any fragrances, dyes, or synthetic ingredients in personal care products?

• Does bathing frequency or water hardness (soft vs. hard water) seem to influence flare-ups?

Family and Genetic History

• Is there a family history of eczema, asthma, allergies, or autoimmune conditions?

• Have any relatives experienced similar patterns of flare-ups linked to environment or diet?

• Have any genetic variations been tested or discovered?

Muscle Testing

We have never struggled with eczema, but making this guide alone overwhelmed me - so I cannot even imagine the emotions of a mom who is actively going through this. My heart goes out to you! 

However, in our home whenever we are struggling with health stuff and are having issues nailing down the root cause, we typically go and see our muscle testing doctor. Long story, but I was having bizarre symptoms, and this is how we discovered my parasite that MANY doctors missed. One even wanted to put me on anxiety meds🤦‍♀️

If we were to ever struggle with eczema this would probably be one of the first things I would do. We have seen our doctor for years and years and years, so I have no advice on how to go about searching for one who’s qualified (there’s a lot of quacks out there). However, @becca.naturally is very passionate about this topic (check out her highlights), and recommends any provider trained under Dr. Noah Lebowitz. I would start by messaging him and asking if there’s any providers near you.

What Causes an Overactive Immune System?

We talked about how eczema occurs when the immune system becomes overactive. What casues this? Dr. Green Mom does a great job breaking down one possible aspect: TH2 cells. 

TH2 cells, or T-helper cells, help regulate the immune system by releasing cytokines (signals that trigger inflammation and activate other immune cells). Normally, they protect against bacteria and parasites, but when overactive, they can mistake harmless substances like pollen or food for threats, leading to allergies, asthma, and eczema.

The exact reason some individuals develop an overactive TH2 response remains unclear, but it’s likely influenced by multiple factors. Some proposed explanations include:

The Hygiene Hypothesis

“...reduced exposure to bacteria and parasites due to our overly sanitized world leads to an under-stimulated and hyper-responsive immune system.”

I distinctly remember being at the park during the COVID shutdown, watching a mom sanitize every inch of the playground before her toddler played on it. I looked at my husband and wondered if there might be consequences for young children growing up without the usual exposure to germs and bacteria.

While most findings are observational, these are interesting:

A study from The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) found that infants born during the pandemic had a 46% higher incidence of atopic diseases (including eczema) compared with infants born before the pandemic.

In Denmark a questionnaire-based study of children in daycare found that the prevalence of hand eczema jumped from about 12% pre-reopening to 38% after reopening with intensive hygiene measures during the pandemic. 

In other words, LET YOUR KIDS EAT DIRT!!!!!

Glutathione Depletion

Studies have shown that when glutathione levels are low, the balance of the immune system can shift toward a TH2-dominant response, favoring allergic and inflammatory reactions. This imbalance may contribute to increased sensitivity to environmental triggers, chronic inflammation, and a reduced ability to regulate immune responses effectively.

Glutathione depletion can result from factors such genetic variations that reduce the body’s ability to produce glutathione like MTHFR, and/or oxidative stress from things like:

• poor diet

• inactivity

• certain infections

• medication like ACETAMINOPHEN

• exposure to mercury or thimerosal 

• chronic illnesses

View my fevers guide

Immune Support

Our bodies are incredibly smart and naturally know how to function when we eat well, move regularly, stay hydrated, sleep, breathe properly, and manage stress.

But with depleted soils, nutrient-poor foods, and higher toxin exposure today, even healthy bodies may need extra support, and what that looks like will vary for each person. A functional medicine provider can run simple tests to identify your individual needs.

Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have deficiencies, since every “expert” has different opinions on what’s most important for immunity. After reviewing numerous sources, these 10 nutrients are most often recommended:

Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Zinc, Magnesium, Selenium, Probiotics, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Iron

View my immune support guide

Aluminum Exposure

Research indicates that exposure to aluminum can stimulate a TH2-dominant immune response, promoting the production of antibodies associated with allergic and inflammatory reactions. This shift may contribute to immune system imbalances and heightened sensitivity.

Detoxing aluminum-vaccines with silica

It is shown that taking Silica during the time of aluminum exposure can prevent the absorption of aluminum into the body.

"Most vaccines contain aluminum, and aluminum is a proven neurotoxin. Even the aluminum in a single vaccine can be harmful because the aluminum is in a form that is more dangerous than ingested aluminum. Specifically, vaccine aluminum is in nanoparticulate form, which is harder for the body to eliminate, and is transported around the body differently than ingested aluminum. 

Silica naturally has a high affinity for aluminum. Silica naturally reacts with aluminum, forming aluminosilicate: Silica + aluminum = aluminosilicate.

Aluminosilicates are nontoxic and almost biologically inert. So silica effectively detoxifies aluminum by converting it into aluminosilicate, which is eliminated by the kidneys. This reaction between silica and aluminum can occur inside the body, and is believed to be an important mechanism for aluminum detoxification." See my full vaccine detox guide for dosing

Microbiome Imbalance

The beneficial bacteria in our gut, skin, and lungs help keep the immune system in balance. When this microbiome is disrupted, the risk of allergies increases. 

This may help explain why children born via cesarean section have a higher likelihood of developing eczema compared to those born vaginally. Look into vaginal seeding if you are planning a c-section. 

And why research suggests that antibiotic use, especially early in life, is associated with a higher risk of developing eczema and other atopic conditions

This large cohort study reported that children exposed to antibiotics during the first year of life had a 52% higher risk of developing eczema!!!

Struggling with Eczema? What Can You Do?

Clean Up Your Diet

I have heard countless stories from mom’s who removed any and all inflammatory foods from their child’s diet, and saw tremendous benefits.

My good friend’s daughter struggled with eczema for years. They tried countless things, and as soon as they switched her to a carnivore diet with a few vegetables her eczema cleared up, and only flares up whenever she has a “cheat” snack at Church. 

Eliminating all things dairy, sugar, gluten, processed, and sticking to a whole-food, raw, organic diet is key. In addition, consuming probiotic rich foods like kefir and sauerkraut are great for the gut microbiome.  Additonally, food sensitivity testing can be beneficial.

Avoid Isothiazolinones

According to an NIH study, “Isothiazolinones, used as preservatives, are known to be skin sensitizers. Although cosmetics represent their main source, occupational exposure may also be a significant origin of eczema.”

Isothiazolinones are a type of preservative used in household and personal care/beauty products. You want to espeavoid methylisothiazolinone (MI), methylchlorosiothiazolinone (MCI), and benzisothiazolinone.

Ingredients to Avoid

• Cocamidoropyl Betaine 

• Diazolidinyl Urea 

• DMDM Hydantoin 

• Ethanolamine Benzophenones

• Fragrance / Parfum

• Formaldehyde

• Imidazolidinyl Urea 

• Lanolin

• Methylisothiazolinone (MI)*

• Methylchlorosiothiazolinone (MCI)*

• Parabens 

• Propylene Glycol

• Phenoxyethanol 

• Tocopherol 

• Tocopherol Acetate 

• Quaternium 15

The European Union for Consumer Safety has banned MI and MCI use in leave-on products!!!

Chlorine Removal

An AAP study of over 800 children showed that chlorine exposure can have increased effects on children with allergies or asthma; and children without allergies or asthma were also effected by prolonged and regular chlorine exposure. Prolonged chlorine exposure can also exacerbate eczema or cause atopic dermatitis, dry hair/skin, dental erosion, bladder cancer, rectal cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

When Swimming:

Vitamin C Spray: Vitamin C helps neutralize and undo the damage of chlorine exposure. You can make a topical spray using Vitamin C powder to use after chlorine exposure (or Rowe Casa makes a swim spray with Vitamin C; discount code ALEX20). 1tsp Vitamin C to 8oz of water in a spray bottle. *Vitamin C degrades quickly in water, so the solution will only last 24 hours. 

Apply an Oil Barrier: To further protect the skin, you can apply an oil barrier (like coconut) with a mixture of the above Vitamin C spray before chlorine exposure.

Add Vitamin C Powder to Sunscreen: You can also add Vitamin C powder to your sunscreen of choice before application (2tsp powder for every 1c sunscreen).

When Bathing:

If your city water contains chlorine, you can use the Vitamin C spray above as well as a bath/shower filter. 

How to prevent eczema in babies and children

These are not guarantees, but they are great places to start if you are expecting.

AT BIRTH, BABYHOOD, AND BEYOND 

• Make sure mom’s gut is in check and in balance pre-pregnancy and throughout pregnancy

• Aim for a vaginal birth, if this is not possible look into vaginal seeding, and consider adding in a baby probiotic 

• When baby is born KEEP THE VERNIX ON. There is flora living in the vernix, and absorbed into the skin.

• Immediate skin-to-skin to help regulate the nervous system. 

• Immediate breast-feeding (colostrum is gold!!!), and breast-feeding as long as possible throughout babyhood. 

• Decline Hep B vaccine. Or at the very least delay it as long as possible. While not yeast-containing, it is yeast-derived. 

• Use clean, isothiazolinone-free skincare products from the get-go and don’t over bathe. 

• Minimize harsh chemicals throughout the home

• Minimize exposure to tobacco smoke

• Baby’s first solids should consist of foods that support the gut flora like raw milk, kefir, sauerkraut, and foods that are whole and organic. 

• Do not give antibiotics willy-nilly 

• Limit sugar and maintain gut health

• Let them get dirty! Let them eat dirt. Don’t over sanitize. 

• Really consider vaccinations. If forgoing vaccines entirely is not on the table, consider an alternative schedule that can lessen the load.