The Naturopathic Co.
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Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, better known as SIBO, is primarily a gastrointestinal condition.
So why does it keep appearing in conversations about skin?
The strongest interest has surrounded rosacea, although researchers continue to investigate how the intestinal microbiome and gastrointestinal disorders may interact with systemic immune and inflammatory processes.
It’s important, however, not to turn SIBO into another catch-all explanation for every symptom. For a broader overview, see our guide to the gut-skin connection.
SIBO involves an excessive or inappropriate microbial population within the small intestine.
Common symptoms can include:
Symptoms overlap considerably with IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders, so symptoms alone cannot reliably diagnose SIBO.
The SIBO-rosacea relationship is one of the more interesting areas within gut-skin research.
Studies have reported a higher prevalence of SIBO in some groups with rosacea and have investigated changes in rosacea following treatment of confirmed SIBO.
However, that does not mean every case of rosacea is caused by SIBO.
For a deeper discussion, read SIBO, rosacea and gut health.
The relationship between acne and the gastrointestinal microbiome is being investigated, but evidence supporting SIBO as a direct cause of acne is much less clear.
If you have acne but no gastrointestinal symptoms, we wouldn’t automatically assume you have SIBO.
If you have acne and significant bloating, distension and altered bowel movements, then the gastrointestinal symptoms themselves warrant investigation.
Read more about acne and the gut microbiome.
Some people with gastrointestinal dysbiosis report reactions to high-histamine foods or symptoms including flushing and itching.
Microorganisms can interact with histamine and other biogenic amines, making this an interesting area of investigation.
However, significant allergic-type symptoms need appropriate medical assessment.
You can read more about histamine, gut health and skin reactions.
Hydrogen and methane breath testing is commonly used to investigate suspected SIBO, as part of our broader approach to functional testing.
Whether testing is appropriate depends on symptoms and clinical history.
A stool microbiome test is not the same thing as a SIBO breath test because SIBO relates to the small intestine, while stool predominantly provides information relating to the lower gastrointestinal environment.
This distinction is important. Learn more about gut microbiome testing.
No.
SIBO treatment should be based on an appropriate gastrointestinal assessment rather than being used as a speculative treatment for acne or eczema.
Our approach is to investigate gastrointestinal symptoms when they are actually present, drawing on nutritional medicine and herbal medicine where appropriate.
For support with bloating, bowel changes and suspected SIBO, you can learn more about our gut health naturopath services in Melbourne, available in-clinic or via Telehealth.
Our team also provides Sydney gut health and SIBO 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.
