I want to start by letting you, the parent know, that ECZEMA RELIEF IS POSSIBLE!! The "Eczema Parents Club” is the club no one joined intentionally. It truly is heartbreaking seeing your child so uncomfortable and miserable in their own skin. The sleep disturbances, the tears, the un-scratchable itch and the list goes on.
The naturopathic approach to eczema is all about playing detective. We’re looking for the why behind the itch, particularly focusing on a "happy belly, happy skin" philosophy (say hello to the gut-skin axis).
The main three causative factors of childhood eczema I see in my Sydney clinic include; food intolerances/allergies, nutritional deficiencies (in particular, Vitamin D and zinc) and their gut microbiome! There are also factors from their early days that may be contributing to their skin outbreaks including; c-section births, early introduction of solids (pre 6 months), and a history of antibiotic use.
So, what can we do to help heal your child’s eczema and truly help scratch their itch for good!
1. The Gut-Skin Connection (The Belly Party)
Think of the gut as the control centre for the skin. If there’s a "party" happening in the tummy, the skin is going to hear the noise.
The Probiotic Boost: Research shows that "good bug" supplements, especially Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG), can help calm an overreactive immune system. While results vary, many studies suggest these probiotics can help reduce the severity of flare-ups in kids’ eczema.
Food Detectives: Sometimes, common foods like dairy or eggs can trigger an immune response that shows up on the skin. Conducting a food intolerance test can help us figure out if a temporary diet tweak might give your child’s skin the break it needs.
2. Feed the Glow
We’re not just feeding a hungry, growing kid, we’re needing to support the skin barrier - the shield that keeps moisture in and irritants out.
Omega-3s (The Internal Moisturiser): Clinical trials have found that kids taking a blend of Omega-3s and Vitamin D saw a significant drop in itchiness and less steroid cream use. As well as taking a good quality supplement (with the guidance of a qualified health practitioner), we must also be liberal with these nourishing fats through what we feed our children! Think EVOO, avocado, nuts, seeds, flax, chia, seafood and eggs (depending on if there are any food intolerances of course).
Zinc & Vitamin D: These are our "superhero" skin nutrients. Zinc helps the skin repair itself, while Vitamin D supports the immune system's ability to stay calm. Again, supplemental support will be required initially, but making sure we are getting zinc + Vit D rich foods.
3. Lifestyle Tweaks
Cotton is King: Synthetic fabrics can trap heat and cause friction, making eczema worse. Stick to 100% cotton or bamboo to let the skin breathe and stay cool.
Fragrance-Free Everything: Harsh scents and chemicals act as "triggers" for sensitive skin. Swapping to unscented detergent removes these daily irritants so your child’s skin barrier doesn't have to work so hard. Dr Bronner’s is a great soap-free option.
Ditch the chlorinated swimming during periods of skin flares.
Daily Sunshine - keep exposing skin to sunshine to help boost those vitamin D levels!
The Bottom Line: Eczema is a journey, not a sprint. By supporting the body from the inside out, you’re not just chasing away a rash - you’re building a stronger, happier immune system and healing your child’s eczema! In clinic we look at an eczema supportive diet + lifestyle, and nourish your child’s skin through skin-healing nutritional/herbal supplements. We also utilise functional testing when needed, such as food intolerance and microbiome testing.
Note: Always chat with a qualified paediatric health practitioner before starting new supplements. Every "itchy " kiddo is unique!
If you have any further questions, please feel free to drop me an email.
Nutmeg xx
*Please note that this blog is providing general advice, it is not specific to your individual health history. If you are experiencing significant health changes, please book an appointment with a health practitioner to obtain your individualised treatment approach.
