How to Soothe Eczema from the Inside Out

Skin Health, Skincare

This blog is aimed at eczema flare ups in adults and NOT in children.

Eczema (or atopic dermatits) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, dry, red, and inflamed patches, often flaring in response to triggers. While it’s commonly seen in children, many adults continue to experience eczema into midlife โ€” especially during perimenopause, periods of chronic stress, or after illness.

It’s more than “just dry skin” โ€” eczema reflects barrier dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and often, gut or hormonal imbalance beneath the surface.

๐Ÿงช Root Causes: What Fuels Eczema?

Eczema isn’t caused by just one thing. It’s usually the perfect storm of:

  • Impaired skin barrier (genetic or acquired)
  • Immune hyper-reactivity
  • Histamine intolerance or overload
  • Gut dysbiosis or leaky gut
  • Food sensitivities (e.g. dairy, gluten, soy)
  • Nutrient deficiencies (zinc, omega-3, vitamin D)
  • Environmental allergens or irritants
  • Hormonal fluctuations (perimenopause, pregnancy, thyroid imbalance)
  • Emotional stress and trauma

Step 1: Calm the Skin on the Outside

โœ… Gentle, Restorative Skincare

  • Cleanser: Use a non-foaming, fragrance-free emollient cleanser
    • Try: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, La Roche-Posay Lipikar Syndet, QV Gentle Wash
  • Barrier Repair Moisturisers:
    • Try: Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume, Aveeno Dermexa, Epionce Medical Barrier Cream, SOS Repair Cream by ph Formula, Ultra Dry Cream by The Organic Pharmacy
  • Occlusive layer (especially at night):
    • Try: QV Balm, Vaseline, or Cetraben Ointment for “slugging” on cracked or dry areas

๐Ÿ”ฅ Topical SOS During Flare-Ups

Prescription creams:

    • Mild hydrocortisone or stronger corticosteroids (short-term only)
    • Non-steroidal options: Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus

Natural anti-inflammatory soothers:

    • Colloidal oat cream or Aloe vera gel
    • Sudocream or zinc-based balm in irritated areas
    • Hypochlorous acid spray to reduce inflammation & prevent infection

๐Ÿงฌ Step 2: Heal from the Inside Out

๐Ÿง  1. Regulate the Immune Response

  • Reduce histamine-rich foods if experiencing flares:
    • Aged cheeses, wine, fermented foods, vinegars, tomatoes, shellfish
  • Support detox pathways and liver:
    • Leafy greens, dandelion tea, cruciferous veg
    • Avoid alcohol and reduce caffeine during flares

๐Ÿง˜ 2. Lower Stress & Cortisol

  • Daily rituals to calm your nervous system:
    • Box breathing, EFT tapping, gentle yoga
    • Magnesium glycinate (200-400mg) for sleep + calm
    • Adaptogens: Ashwagandha, Rhodiola (if tolerated)

๐Ÿฆ  3. Heal the Gut

  • Consider removing:
    • Dairy, gluten, processed sugar (common triggers)
  • Add in gut-healing foods:
    • Bone broth, slippery elm, aloe juice, flaxseed, prebiotic fibre
  • Include:
    • Probiotic strains
    • L-glutamine for gut repair (5g daily)
    • Zinc carnosine and quercetin (anti-inflammatory + antihistamine)

๐ŸŒž 4. Balance Hormones (If Relevant)

  • For women in perimenopause:
    • Low oestrogen can dry out skin and thin barrier
    • High histamine may worsen itch and sensitivity
    • Supporting progesterone (via HRT or herbs like chasteberry) may help
    • Evening primrose oil, vitex, or transderm oestradiol under supervision

๐Ÿ’Š Nutrients That Help Eczema Heal

  • Zinc (15-30mg/day): Anti-inflammatory, skin repair
  • Omega-3s (EPA/DHA 1-3g/day): Reduce inflammation
  • Vitamin D3 (2000-4000 IU): Low levels linked with eczema
  • B vitamins: Especially B6 and B12 for skin integrity
  • Vitamin A (low dose, from cod liver oil or retinyl palmitate)

๐ŸŒฟ Functional Testing (If Eczema Is Persistent)

  • GI360: Gut dysbiosis, parasites, candida
  • Food Sensitivity Panel (FIT test from KBMO Diagnostics)
  • DUTCH Test: If flares are cyclical or hormonal
  • Nutrient Panel: Vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, omega status
  • Histamine or DAO test (if unexplained reactions)

๐ŸŒ€ Summary: Soothe. Strengthen. Rebuild.

Eczema is more than skin deep. While topicals help manage symptoms, long-term relief comes from restoring balance inside the body. Treat your skin like a livin, breathing organ โ€” one that needs nourishment, rest, and respect.

With the right mix of soothing topicals, gut-hormone balance, nutrient support, and emotional regulation, it’s absolutely possible to reduce flare-ups and restore your skin’s resilience โ€” naturally and sustainably.

If you need extra support for your skin concerns in an integrative approach, get in touch by emailing [email protected].