Eczema
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.
Overview
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It affects about 10–20% of Australian children and up to 10% of adults. It can flare and settle unpredictably, often linked to allergies, asthma, or hay fever.
Common Misunderstandings
Some see eczema as “just a rash” or a result of poor skincare, which can minimise the experience. In reality, eczema is linked to immune system hypersensitivity, skin barrier dysfunction and disruption of the gut microbiome/skin axis. It can disturb sleep, impact school or work, and cause distress in social situations.
Microbiome Connection
- The skin microbiome in eczema often has more Staphylococcus aureus, which can worsen inflammation and barrier damage
- Lower skin bacterial diversity may make the skin more reactive to allergens and irritants¹³.
- The gut microbiome in eczema patients often shows reduced beneficial bacteria, suggesting a gut–skin immune axis role².
- Early life gut microbiome imbalances may increase the risk of developing eczema in children.
Symptoms
Dry, itchy skin
Often intensely so
Red, inflamed patches
May weep or crust
Thickened skin
From long-term scratching
Symptom location
Common on face, elbows, behind knees, or hands. May appear on cheeks and scalp.
The Microbiome Clinic™
Our treatment approach for Eczema includes:
Gut Microbiome Test
The Gut Microbiome Test identifies imbalances and pathogens in the gut flora to explain symptoms and guide precise, personalised treatment and prevention.
Targeted Antimicrobial Strategies
Antibiotics and plant-based/pharmaceutical antimicrobials (where appropriate) to reduce the overgrown population of unwanted bacteria in the gut and skin.
Probiotics and Prebiotics
Targeted probiotics and prebiotics are introduced slowly to restore balance and biodiversity of microbes in the gut and skin without fuelling overgrowth.
Individualised Nutrition Plans
Recommendations based on the latest science to enhance the effectiveness of the Repair-4™ and maintenance programs prescribed by your doctor.
Dealing with Eczema?
References
¹Nakatsuji T, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2017;140:1130–1141. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2017.08.027.
²Pascal M, et al. Allergy. 2018;73:482–494. doi:10.1111/all.13263.
³Kennedy EA, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2017;139:482–491. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2016.08.045.