Contact Dermatitis  – Natural Treatment for Eczema

Dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition characterized by redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes blisters or peeling skin. It can result from various triggers, such as allergens, irritants, stress, or genetic factors. Common dermatitis includes atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Each type has unique triggers and presentations, but all involve inflammation that affects the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to dryness, infections, and irritation. Functional medicine views dermatitis as a condition influenced by underlying issues like immune dysregulation, gut health, and environmental exposures, emphasizing a holistic, root-cause approach to treatment.

Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to dermatitis, focusing on finding and treating root causes like food sensitivities, gut health issues, environmental toxins, and hormonal imbalances. Rather than merely masking symptoms, functional medicine practitioners work to understand the individual’s unique triggers and develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, supplements, and natural skin care to achieve lasting relief and prevent flare-ups.

Food sensitivities, especially to common allergens like dairy, gluten, and eggs, can trigger or worsen inflammation, leading to dermatitis. Functional medicine often begins with an elimination diet to identify and remove these trigger foods from the diet, allowing the immune system to calm and reducing inflammation in the skin. Once identified, long-term dietary adjustments can support skin health and reduce dermatitis symptoms.

Gut health is crucial in managing dermatitis, as the gut is closely connected to immune function and inflammation. An imbalanced gut, or “leaky gut,” can allow toxins and allergens into the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and skin issues. Functional medicine addresses gut health through probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-healing nutrients, aiming to restore balance in the digestive tract and reduce skin-related symptoms.

Yes, stress can exacerbate dermatitis by increasing cortisol and other stress hormones, weakening the skin’s barrier, and worsening inflammation. Functional medicine emphasizes stress management techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and regular physical activity to help manage cortisol levels. By managing stress, patients can help reduce flare-ups and support overall skin health.

Environmental toxins, pollutants, and allergens can aggravate dermatitis. Functional medicine practitioners often recommend reducing exposure to chemicals in personal care products, household cleaners, and certain foods. They may also suggest air purifiers, avoiding synthetic fragrances, and other practices to minimize exposure, which can help reduce dermatitis symptoms and improve skin resilience.

An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fats, and antioxidants can help reduce systemic inflammation, a common underlying factor in dermatitis. Functional medicine practitioners often encourage patients to eat nutrient-dense, unprocessed foods to reduce inflammation, support immune health, and promote clear skin. Reducing processed foods, sugar, and inflammatory oils is also key to this approach.  Nightshade vegetables should also be eliminated from the diet. 

Yes, probiotics are often beneficial for dermatitis as they support gut health, which is closely linked to skin health. Functional medicine practitioners may recommend probiotics to help balance gut flora, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the skin’s barrier. Probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, or specific probiotic supplements can help manage dermatitis symptoms by promoting a healthy gut.

Hormonal imbalances, particularly in cortisol, estrogen, and thyroid hormones, can contribute to inflammation and skin sensitivity. Functional medicine practitioners often assess hormonal health and may recommend diet, lifestyle changes, and natural supplements to support hormonal balance. Addressing these imbalances can reduce dermatitis symptoms and improve overall skin health.

Hydration is essential for maintaining the skin’s natural barrier function and preventing dryness, which can worsen dermatitis. Functional medicine practitioners encourage adequate water intake and sometimes recommend avoiding dehydrating substances like caffeine and alcohol. Proper hydration supports skin elasticity and barrier function and helps the body efficiently remove toxins, all of which can benefit those with dermatitis.

Certain nutrient deficiencies, such as vitamin D, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, can worsen skin inflammation and reduce the skin’s ability to heal. Functional medicine practitioners often assess and address deficiencies through dietary changes and supplements to improve the skin’s resilience and manage dermatitis symptoms. A nutrient-dense diet helps strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and reduces inflammation.

Functional medicine often incorporates gentle detoxification to reduce the body’s toxic load, which can contribute to inflammation in dermatitis. Strategies may include increasing fiber intake, drinking water, and consuming liver-supportive foods like leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables. Functional medicine practitioners might also recommend specific supplements to support liver function and encourage natural detoxification, aiming to reduce skin inflammation. Heavy metals such as lead, aluminum, cadmium, nickel, and gadolinium are also removed from the body through IV and/or oral chelation therapy. 

Functional medicine practitioners recommend a balanced lifestyle, including stress management, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and avoiding environmental toxins. These lifestyle factors can support immune health, reduce inflammation, and help manage dermatitis. Regular physical activity, mindfulness practices, and minimizing chemical exposures can improve symptoms and skin resilience.

In functional medicine, managing flare-ups often involves a combination of immediate symptom relief and addressing the underlying triggers. Practitioners might recommend soothing natural skin products, dietary adjustments, or supplements that reduce inflammation quickly. Functional medicine also aims to identify and remove any exacerbating factors, helping to prevent future flare-ups.

Functional medicine prefers to minimize reliance on steroids, as they can have long-term side effects. Instead, it aims to treat underlying causes naturally and support overall health. However, in severe cases, steroids may be used temporarily while implementing longer-term strategies to manage dermatitis through dietary and lifestyle changes, aiming to reduce inflammation sustainably.

Sleep is critical for skin health and immune function. Functional medicine practitioners emphasize good sleep hygiene because poor sleep can increase cortisol levels, reduce skin repair, and worsen inflammation. Prioritizing restful sleep helps regulate stress hormones and strengthens the skin’s ability to heal, which can significantly benefit those with dermatitis.