Eczema Naturopath Brisbane
In my Brisbane clinic, I see many adults and children struggling with eczema that conventional care hasn’t resolved – this is because it is stemming from the INSIDE, and external treatments are often a bandaid.
About Eczema
Watching, or being a loved one struggling with eczema is distressing. The flare ups that you can’t figure out, the dry skin or persistent itch… This common condition often begins in childhood and can persist into adulthood, and is the most common inflammatory skin disease in Western Countries, affecting 20% of children and 10% of adults globally (Diez-Madueno et al., 2024)!
People with eczema have a defect in their skin barrier function, and is considered a chronic, relapsing inflammatory condition due to immune dysfunction (Nemeth et al., 2024). People with eczema are high risk of developing another atopic condition, like asthma (D’Hollander et al., 2023), and are also at risk of developing secondary skin infections, such as Staph (Nemeth et al., 2024).
Natural medicine aims to identify and treat the root cause, or causes, of the skin barrier defect and immune dysfunction, to relieve symptoms and improve the skin barrier function and overall immunity – providing lasting relief rather than a ‘quick fix’.
Causes of Eczema
Eczema is a complex, inflammatory condition and most people that seek advice from my clinic have multiple factors. Common causes include:
| Causes | Specifics |
| Genetics – genetic factors involved are complex, and likely involve multiple genes You cannot change genetics, but you can support a persons genetics. This is the study of epigenetics, where you can manipulate your diet, reduce physiological and environmental stressors, and increase certain nutrients/cofactors to positively support a persons genetic susceptibility | Filaggrin gene (FLG), affecting the protein filaggrin, which maintains skin barrier function Ceramide synthase gene & ABCA12 gene – affecting lipid synthesis and transport, affecting skin barrier function Immune related genes, upregulating the immune response – IL4, IL13, IL31, signal transducer, STAT3, FCER1G genes(Nemeth et al., 2024) |
| Skin barrier disruption | Reduced ceramides affect the hydration of the skin, and there can be skin dysbiosis affecting the skin immunity and and function – leading to water loss, redness, itching, and secondary skin infections (D’Hollander et al., 2023). |
| Environmental factors | Common triggers for eczema include exposure to irritants like detergents, soaps, solvents, allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and certain foods. Other factors include stress, UV light, temperature/humidity changes and internal or topical infections (Nemeth et al., 2024). |
| Immune dysregulation | Triggers of an overactive immune system stem from food allergies/intolerances, a change in gut microbiotia, dietary imbalances, and/or physiological or environmental stress (D’Hollander et al., 2023, Nemeth et al., 2024). |
| Nutritional imbalances | Deficiencies of omega-3, vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, C & selenium, zinc are associated with an increased risk of eczema. |
| Digestive dysfunction | A large amount of research, including the ‘gold standard’ systematic reviews, have found an impaired gut barrier (leaky gut), and a change in the microbiota composition (specifically parasite infections, H pylori & Fungal issues) can affect the immune system, leading to a pro-inflammatory environment, immune dysregulation and the development of eczema (D’Hollander et al., 2023). |
| Early and/or delayed introduction of solids when young | It has been suggested that introducing solids too early (before 4 months), or delaying allergenic foods (past 6 months), has been associated with a higher risk of developing eczema (Hollander et al., 2023). |
| Food allergies/intolerances | Common allergens include dairy (A1 protein specifically), grains, nightshades, and nuts (Nosrati et al., 2017). |
| Pro-inflammatory foods | Many foods can have a ‘pro-inflammatory’ action and may need to be reduced and/or balanced with anti-inflammatory foods |
| Certain medications | NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, various antibiotics and anti-seizure medications are linked with skin reactions (Feaster, 2024). |
| Nervous system issues | The realm of psychoneuroimmunology examines the biochemical cross talk between brain, behavior, and the immune system. A review by Suarez et al., 2012 stated psychological stress increased pro-inflammatory responses, leading to an overactive immune system and local skin changes, including itching, redness, and fluid. |
Natural Eczema Treatment by an Accredited Naturopath
Our naturopathic approach to eczema focuses on uncovering and addressing the root causes of your symptoms, rather than just managing the flare-ups. The consultative process is designed to educate, provide clarity, and create personalised guidance, and ongoing support for healthy, balanced skin.
Step 1 – Initial Consultation
Your first session is a comprehensive review of your skin concerns and overall health. We explore your diet, lifestyle, gut health, environment, stress levels, and current skincare routine. Understanding these factors helps us identify potential triggers and internal imbalances contributing to eczema.
Step 2 – Testing & Investigation
To accurately target treatment, testing may be recommended. This could include blood tests, allergy or food intolerance testing, gut microbiome analysis, and other functional assessments. These investigations give insight into the underlying causes of eczema, so your treatment plan is precise and effective.
Common tests/investigations
| Gut health | A functional gut microbiome test, called a complete microbiome mapping |
| Nutrient deficiencies | Pathology testing, hair mineral and heavy metal analysis (best suited for children). |
| Food intolerance/allergy testing | Many can be organised, such as IgE, IgG testing, ALCAT testing, skin prick testing |
| Stress and adrenal issues | Pathology testing, DUTCH testing, and/or saliva hormone test |
| Medications and medical treatments | We usually refer back to your medical practitioner to review medications |
| Lifestyle and environmental factors | Diet and/or lifestyle diaries, environmental questionnaires |
| Genetic testing | SmartDNA testing looks at many different genes involved in eczema risk |
Step 3 – Individualised Treatment Plan
Once testing is complete, we review the results together and create a personalised treatment plan. Depending on your needs, this may include dietary and lifestyle modifications, herbal medicine, nutritional supplements, and topical recommendations. Every plan is tailored specifically to you, helping to reduce inflammation, restore balance, and support skin healing.
Naturopathic treatment aims for eczema can include:
- Reducing dermal inflammation via manipulating the immune system, and reducing oxidative stress to reduce damage to the skin barrier.
- Regulating immune function via reducing inflammatory dominance and the production of IgE, to reduce reactivity to potential allergens.
- Reducing the production and release of histamine via the removal of triggers, reducing IgE production and stabilising mast cell membranes to reduce pruiritis/itching.
- Increase dermal healing via increasing collagen production and maintaining epidermal lipid composition to increase the dermal barrier, reduce reactivity, and protect against secondary cutaneous infection.
- Support the nervous system to promote anti-inflammatory/healing pathways,
- Support digestive function – including food breakdown, waste elimination, microbial balance, and intestinal lining integrity – to improve the immune function and reduce reactivity to potential allergens, as well as improving the gut-skin axis.
- Support other eliminatory channels (liver/kidney/sweat) to reduce inflammation and immune reactivity.
- Consider prevention – particularly when there is a family history/genetic component.
Step 4 – Ongoing Support & Monitoring
Follow-up consultations, typically every 4–8 weeks, allow us to monitor progress, adjust treatments as needed, and provide ongoing guidance. Regular support ensures your eczema is managed effectively over time and helps prevent future flare-ups.
It’s important to know the eczema can take 3-5 months to correct, and if there is a genetic component, a prevention of relapse plan will be discussed for long term support.
Your Eczema Questions Answered
Do you need to see me in person?
No, my clinic is in Brisbane and if you are unable to travel or prefer an online consultation, I provide this service Australia-Wide.
Can I use natural medicine when I am using steroids?
Yes, and I recommend it. Steroids can not be used long term due to the risk of dependence and steroid withdrawal issues. They are for symptomatic relief only. Natural medicine helps to identify the driver of your eczema so you do not have to rely on steroids.
Have you treated steroid withdrawal before?
Yes, steroid withdrawal can be a long process to support due to the nature of the condition. Long term steroid use suppress the bodies ability to create its own cortisol, an important hormone to regulate the nervous system, enhance the immune system and help the body combat any type of inflammation. Unfortunately this can last from months to years.
There are some amazing herbal remedies to help ‘cool the fire’ that many people experience. The skin barrier is incredibly compromised with this condition, leading to recurrent infections and ‘flares’. Natural medicine has tools to protect the skin barrier, encourage skin cell growth and turnover, prevent infections & restore cortisol production.
What type of testing is available to me?
Common testing I use in people with eczema include: gut microbiome testing, hair mineral and heavy metal analysis (great for children), blood testing, and ALCAT intolerance testing.
I am under the care of a dermatologist, can I still work with a naturopath?
Yes, natural medicine is also considered ‘complimentary’ – designed to complement mainstream medicine treatments. If you are on medications, contraindications between medications and herbal remedies are always checked.
How long does it take for eczema to go away?
As both the epidermis & dermal layer of the skin barrier is impaired with eczema, it can take 8-12 weeks to see a change in your skin. Every body is unique – children often respond quicker, due to their faster healing mechanisms. There can also be comorbid conditions that slow down skin turnover, such as stress, inflammation and oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies and hormonal imbalances.
Why Naturopathy and Why Choose Us?
Accredited & Experienced Practitioner
You’re in safe hands. As a fully accredited naturopath, I follow professional standards and stay up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in natural medicine. Your care is guided by expertise and integrity.
Personalised Treatments From A Practitioner That Truly Cares
We understand that health journeys are personal and sometimes challenging. We take the time to listen, understand your unique situation, and provide compassionate, holistic support tailored specifically to you.
Evidence-Based, Results-Oriented Treatments
Our recommendations are grounded in scientific evidence and clinical experience. We combine the wisdom of natural medicine with modern research to create treatments that are safe, effective, and targeted to your individual needs.
Eczema requires a whole body approach, not a one size fits all medication. Natural medicine uncovers the root cause and enables the body to heal naturally with long lasting results.
REFERENCES:
D’Hollander, C. J., Keown-Stoneman, C. D. G., Birken, C. S., O’Connor, D. L., & Maguire, J. L. (2023). Timing of introduction to solid food, eczema and wheezing in later childhood: A longitudinal cohort study. BMC Pediatrics, 23(1), 514. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-023-04262-0
Feaster, R. (2024, July 19). Drug rashes: 7 medications that can cause skin reactions. GoodRx Health. https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/dermatology/drug-rash-skin-reaction
Nemeth, V., Syed, H. A., & Evans, J. (2024). Eczema. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538209/
Nosrati, A., Afifi, L., Danesh, M. J., Lee, K., Yan, D., Beroukhim, K., Ahn, R., & Liao, W. (2017). Dietary modifications in atopic dermatitis: Patient-reported outcomes. The Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 28(6), 523–538. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2016.1253136
Suárez, A. L., Feramisco, J. D., Koo, J., & Steinhoff, M. (2012). Psychoneuroimmunology of psychological stress and atopic dermatitis: Pathophysiologic and therapeutic updates. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 92(1), 7-15. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-1188