The Naturopathic Co.
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Eczema can be frustrating, particularly when creams provide temporary relief but the skin continues to flare.
It’s therefore understandable that people begin looking for underlying causes, and the gut is frequently mentioned.
There is genuine scientific interest in the relationship between the gastrointestinal microbiome, immune system and atopic dermatitis. But the answer isn’t as simple as “eczema means your gut is unhealthy”.
Here’s what the gut-eczema connection actually means. For a broader overview, see our guide to the gut-skin connection.
Atopic dermatitis involves a complex interaction between genetics, impaired skin-barrier function, immune dysregulation and environmental factors.
The gut may represent one piece of this much larger puzzle.
The gastrointestinal microbiome plays an important role in immune development and regulation, which has led researchers to investigate whether differences in gut microbial composition may be associated with eczema.
This forms part of the broader gut-skin axis.
The gut microbiome is particularly influential during early life, when the immune system is developing.
Researchers have found associations between microbial patterns and allergic disease, including atopic dermatitis.
However, association doesn’t automatically mean causation.
It is too simplistic to conclude that someone developed eczema because they have the “wrong bacteria”.
Not automatically.
This is particularly important in children.
True food allergy can coexist with eczema, but eliminating multiple foods without an appropriate reason can unnecessarily restrict nutrition and make eating considerably more difficult.
Food reactions, food allergy and food intolerance are not interchangeable terms.
If a particular food repeatedly causes an immediate or significant reaction, appropriate medical or allergy assessment is important.
This changes the conversation.
Someone with eczema who also has persistent bloating, constipation, diarrhea or abdominal pain has gastrointestinal symptoms that deserve assessment in their own right.
We can then consider whether improving gastrointestinal function may also influence their overall inflammatory or symptom picture.
For people experiencing constipation specifically, see how bowel health may interact with skin health.
Research into probiotics and atopic dermatitis is ongoing.
One difficulty is that probiotic effects are strain-specific. A study involving one particular organism or combination cannot be used to claim that every probiotic will have the same effect.
This is why choosing the most expensive multi-strain probiotic isn’t necessarily the answer.
Read more about probiotics for eczema and skin health.
We take a whole-person approach rather than assuming eczema has one underlying cause.
When gastrointestinal symptoms are present, this can include assessment of diet, bowel function, digestive symptoms, medications, microbiome factors and whether further investigation is appropriate, alongside nutritional medicine and, where relevant, herbal medicine.
You can learn more about seeing a gut health naturopath in Melbourne for digestive support, available in-clinic or via Telehealth.
For clients outside Victoria, including NSW, we also offer Sydney naturopathic gut health consultations via Telehealth.
With 180+ verified five-star Google reviews, our naturopaths and nutritionists offer comprehensive 60-minute initial consultations, in person in South Yarra, Melbourne, or via telehealth across Australia. Book your consultation with The Naturopathic Co. today.
