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For millions of people, eczema isn’t just a skin issue—it’s an ongoing battle with itching, redness, and inflammation that can make even daily activities uncomfortable. More than 30 million Americans deal with some form of eczema, and for many, the condition starts in childhood and persists into adulthood.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is not contagious, but it’s complex. Researchers have found that it often runs in families with allergies or asthma, but genetics alone aren’t the only factor. The immune system, environmental triggers, and even gut health all play a role.
Conventional treatments like steroids and medicated creams can provide relief, but they don’t address the root cause. This is where functional medicine comes in. Instead of just treating symptoms, functional medicine looks deeper—identifying food sensitivities, toxins, stress, and internal inflammation that may be triggering eczema.
Eczema isn’t caused by just one thing. It develops from a combination of genetics, environmental factors, and immune system imbalances. While some people may have a family history of eczema, others develop it due to lifestyle and environmental triggers. Let’s break down the main causes.
Eczema often runs in families. If a parent or sibling has eczema, asthma, or allergies, there’s a higher chance of developing it. This is because certain genes, like the filaggrin (FLG) gene, play a key role in maintaining the skin’s protective barrier. When this gene is faulty, the skin loses moisture more easily, making it dry, irritated, and more prone to allergens and bacteria.
People with eczema have a weakened skin barrier, which makes them extra sensitive to external irritants, such as:
Even something as simple as sweating or wearing wool fabrics can cause an eczema flare-up.
Eczema is linked to an overactive immune response. When the immune system mistakenly reacts to harmless substances—like pollen, certain foods, or stress hormones—it causes inflammation in the skin, leading to redness, itching, and irritation.
Research shows that people with eczema often have higher levels of IgE antibodies, which are associated with allergic reactions. This explains why eczema frequently appears alongside conditions like asthma and hay fever.
Emerging research suggests that the gut plays a major role in skin health. A leaky gut or imbalanced gut bacteria can contribute to eczema by increasing inflammation throughout the body. Common food triggers for eczema include:
Some people see significant improvements when they identify and eliminate food sensitivities that trigger their eczema.
Stress doesn’t just affect the mind—it impacts the skin, too. High stress levels increase the hormone cortisol, which can weaken the skin barrier and lead to flare-ups. Many people notice their eczema gets worse during times of emotional stress, poor sleep, or hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or menopause).
Eczema is not just a skin condition—it’s a whole-body issue. Genetics, environmental exposures, immune function, gut health, and stress all play a role. Understanding these root causes is the first step toward long-term healing.
Eczema flare-ups are not random. They are often triggered by specific factors in the environment or within the body. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help reduce symptoms and prevent future outbreaks.
Many people with eczema also have allergies, which means their immune system reacts aggressively to certain substances. Common allergens that can trigger flare-ups include:
For some, a reaction happens immediately, while for others, it may take days to see the effects of an allergen on their skin.
People with eczema have a weakened skin barrier, making them more sensitive to everyday substances that others can tolerate. Common irritants include:
Switching to gentle, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic products can make a big difference in reducing flare-ups.
Stress is one of the biggest yet most overlooked triggers of eczema. When stress levels rise, the body produces more cortisol, a hormone that weakens the skin’s barrier and increases inflammation. Many people notice flare-ups before big events, during work deadlines, or after emotional distress.
Practicing stress management techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and regular exercise can help keep eczema under control.
Extreme temperatures and humidity levels can trigger eczema.
Using a humidifier in dry seasons and wearing breathable fabrics in hot weather can help minimize climate-related flare-ups.
Hormonal fluctuations can also affect eczema. Some people notice their symptoms worsen:
Balancing hormones through a healthy diet, good sleep, and stress reduction may help stabilize eczema flare-ups.
Eczema flare-ups don’t happen without reason. Identifying personal triggers—whether allergens, stress, irritants, or climate—can help reduce symptoms and prevent future outbreaks.
Managing eczema isn’t just about treating flare-ups; it’s about preventing them in the first place. While medications can provide temporary relief, long-term improvement often comes from natural remedies and lifestyle changes that support overall skin health.
Food plays a significant role in inflammation, and many people with eczema find relief by adjusting their diet.
The right skincare routine can help repair the skin barrier and prevent irritation.
Since stress weakens the immune system and increases inflammation, managing stress is key to controlling eczema.
A few simple adjustments at home can help minimize eczema triggers.
Certain natural treatments have been found to reduce itching and irritation:
Healing eczema naturally requires a combination of dietary changes, skincare routines, stress management, and environmental adjustments. While results may take time, these lifestyle modifications can help reduce flare-ups and improve skin health in the long run.
Conventional treatments for eczema often focus on suppressing symptoms with creams, steroids, or antihistamines. While these can provide temporary relief, they don’t address the underlying causes of eczema. Functional medicine takes a different approach by looking at the root causes and creating a personalized healing plan based on diet, gut health, environmental triggers, and immune function.
Functional medicine practitioners begin by investigating what’s happening inside the body. Instead of just treating the skin, they focus on why the skin is inflamed in the first place. Common underlying causes include:
Functional medicine doctors use advanced testing, such as food allergy panels, stool tests, and inflammation markers, to determine the specific triggers causing eczema.
Once the root cause is identified, a treatment plan is tailored to each person’s needs. Some common functional medicine approaches include:
Functional medicine doesn’t dismiss conventional treatments but instead integrates holistic methods to complement traditional care. This might include:
Functional medicine views eczema as a whole-body issue, not just a skin condition. By addressing gut health, reducing inflammation, eliminating toxins, and managing stress, it offers a long-term solution for eczema sufferers.
No, eczema is not contagious. It cannot be spread from one person to another through touch, air, or any form of contact. Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors.
Yes, diet plays a major role in eczema management. Certain foods can trigger inflammation and worsen symptoms, especially common allergens like dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, and processed sugar. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, turmeric, and probiotics can support skin health.
Natural oils and creams that help restore the skin barrier include:
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products are best to avoid irritation.
Stress increases cortisol, a hormone that weakens the skin barrier and triggers inflammation. Many people notice their eczema gets worse during stressful periods, such as work deadlines, exams, or emotional distress. Managing stress through meditation, exercise, and deep breathing can help reduce flare-ups.
If traditional treatments like steroid creams and antihistamines only provide temporary relief, it may be time to see a functional medicine doctor. Functional medicine is beneficial for those who:
Functional medicine focuses on treating eczema from the inside out, helping to identify and address the root causes rather than just masking symptoms. For more information visti holisticmedicalwellness.com
Eczema is not just a skin problem; it is a condition influenced by genetics, immune function, diet, environmental factors, and stress. While conventional treatments like steroid creams and antihistamines can provide relief, they often do not address the deeper causes of eczema. This is where functional medicine offers a different perspective by focusing on the root issues rather than just managing symptoms.
Many people with eczema experience flare-ups due to food sensitivities, exposure to harsh chemicals, stress, or changes in climate. Understanding these triggers can help reduce symptoms and prevent future outbreaks. Making lifestyle changes, such as switching to a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, using natural skincare products, and managing stress, can significantly improve skin health.
Functional medicine takes a whole-body approach, looking at factors like gut health, inflammation, and immune system balance to create long-term improvements. Instead of relying solely on medications, this approach encourages healing from within, helping to rebuild the skin barrier and restore balance to the body.
Eczema can be frustrating and challenging to manage, but long-term relief is possible. By identifying triggers, improving diet, and adopting healthier habits, many people find lasting improvements in their symptoms. If conventional treatments have not provided lasting results, exploring functional medicine may offer new solutions for healing eczema and achieving healthier skin.
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