Naturopathic Eczema Treatment: A Root-Cause Approach to Long-Term Relief

Eczema is one of the most common concerns we treat at Flora Naturopathics—and one of the most responsive to naturopathic care. Our naturopathic eczema treatment goes far beyond symptom control. Instead of relying on topical steroids, we investigate the underlying root causes driving inflammation, skin barrier disruption, and flare-ups.

 The result? A more sustainable, individualized eczema treatment that supports healing from the inside out.

Understanding Eczema Subtypes

Eczema isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition. Several types can affect different parts of the body, each with its triggers and patterns. The three most common we see include:

• Atopic dermatitis – Often associated with allergies or asthma, this is the most prevalent form and frequently begins in infancy.
• Contact dermatitis – Caused by direct exposure to irritants or allergens, such as certain soaps, cosmetics, or fabrics.
• Dyshidrotic eczema – Characterized by small, itchy blisters, especially on the hands and feet.

While eczema can appear at any age, it commonly shows up in the first year of life and affects up to 10% of children. Common areas include the elbow creases, behind the knees, scalp, ears, hands, and fingers. Symptoms often involve dry, red, cracked, itchy skin that may ooze or scale. Over time, the skin’s water-holding capacity diminishes, making it even more vulnerable.

What Triggers Eczema Flares?

Eczema often runs in families—around 70% of patients have a family history, indicating a genetic predisposition. But flare-ups are rarely caused by just one thing. They can be triggered by both internal and external factors, including:

Internal triggers:

• Emotional stress
• Bacterial skin infections
• Sweat and heat
• Hormonal fluctuations

External triggers:

• Dust, pet dander, and other allergens
• Harsh soaps or cosmetics
• Wool or synthetic fabrics
• Weather changes, especially heat and humidity

At Flora, we look beyond the flare to identify deeper patterns and physiological imbalances driving chronic symptoms.

1. Food Sensitivities & Intestinal Lining Damage

Food sensitivity is one of the most common contributors to chronic eczema. Certain foods can irritate the intestinal lining, increasing permeability (“leaky gut”) and triggering systemic inflammation that often shows up in the skin.

Common eczema-triggering foods include:

• Eggs
• Cow’s milk and dairy products
• Wheat and gluten
• Tomatoes
• Chocolate
• Food additives and preservatives

We always test for food sensitivities as part of our naturopathic eczema treatment plan. Identifying and eliminating reactive foods helps reduce the inflammatory burden and gives the gut and the skin a chance to heal.

2. Gut-Skin Axis & Microbiome Imbalance

The connection between the gut and skin is well-documented, especially in eczema. Research shows that individuals with eczema often have:

• Increased levels of inflammatory gut bacteria
• Elevated gut lining inflammation
• High levels of LPS (lipopolysaccharide), an endotoxin that directly damages skin structure

These imbalances are often invisible without testing, but they play a major role in chronic eczema. That’s why we evaluate for intestinal permeability, gut microbiome diversity, and LPS levels. Supporting gut health with the right diet, probiotics, and natural antimicrobials can dramatically improve skin resilience and reduce flare-ups.

3. Impaired Anti-Inflammatory Response

Another key piece of the eczema puzzle involves fatty acid metabolism. Many eczema patients are deficient in an enzyme called delta-6 desaturase, which is essential for producing anti-inflammatory compounds in the body.

When this pathway is impaired, the body produces more pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, which can contribute to:

• Redness and irritation
• Frequent flare-ups
• Poor skin barrier recovery

We assess omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acid levels to determine where imbalances exist. To support anti-inflammatory pathways, we often use:

• Evening primrose oil – helps bypass enzyme deficiencies
• Fish oil or algae oil – rich in skin-supportive EPA and DHA
• Targeted dietary changes – to maintain balance and reduce inflammatory triggers

These tools help restore balance and reduce skin inflammation over time.

A Whole-Person Approach to Eczema Treatment

At Flora Naturopathics, we don’t treat eczema as just a skin problem. We treat it as a whole-body issue rooted in immune function, gut health, inflammation, and nutrient status. By identifying where the imbalances lie—through food sensitivity testing, gut health labs, and fatty acid evaluation—we’re able to design a personalized eczema treatment plan that supports long-term healing.

If you’re dealing with chronic eczema or struggling to manage flare-ups, there are root-cause solutions. Our naturopathic approach is here to help you find lasting relief—naturally.

Schedule a visit with Flora Naturopathics to get started on your personalized naturopathic eczema treatment plan.