A Naturopath’s Pie Chart to Healing Eczema
A Naturopath's Pie Chart to Healing Eczema
If you’re still relying solely on moisturisers and steroid creams to manage your eczema, you may only be addressing a small slice of a much bigger picture.
As a naturopath, I view eczema as an inside-out condition. While topical creams can help soothe the symptoms temporarily, they often miss the deeper, root causes driving the condition. True healing involves addressing multiple aspects of health that all contribute to skin inflammation and barrier dysfunction. Think of it like a pie chart—every slice matters.
The Key Slices of the Eczema Healing Pie:
1. Gut Health & the Microbiome
This is the foundation of eczema healing. An imbalanced gut microbiome can affect immune responses, trigger inflammation, and contribute to skin flares. Many eczema sufferers have issues like leaky gut, low microbial diversity, or bacterial overgrowths that need targeted support.
2. Liver & Detox Pathways
When the liver is overwhelmed or sluggish, toxins can build up and push through the skin—leading to rashes, flares, and irritation. Supporting your liver with the right foods, herbs, and hydration can lighten the load on your skin.
3. Nervous System & Stress
Have you ever noticed your eczema flaring during times of emotional stress? The skin and nervous system are closely linked. Chronic stress can weaken the skin barrier and activate the immune system in ways that worsen eczema. Supporting your nervous system with calming therapies, sleep, and stress reduction is essential.
4. Nutritional Support
Your skin needs key nutrients to heal, repair, and defend. Zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, vitamin D, and antioxidants all play powerful roles in restoring skin health. Many people with eczema have underlying deficiencies that need addressing.
5. Topical Care
While not the whole picture, topical care does matter. Choosing non-irritating, natural products that help support the skin barrier without disrupting the microbiome can provide comfort and prevent further damage.
6. Allergies & Histamine Sensitivity
Some eczema sufferers have underlying allergies or histamine intolerance. This heightened immune response can make the skin more reactive. Identifying and addressing these sensitivities can calm inflammation and improve tolerance.
Holistic Healing Means Addressing It All
Healing eczema isn’t about perfection or removing every possible trigger. It’s about understanding the unique ways your body communicates and responding with targeted, whole-body support.
If you’re ready to stop chasing symptoms and start healing from the inside out, it’s time to explore what your full pie chart looks like.
Naturopath’s Pie Chart to Healing Eczema