Eczema and Dermatitis: Understanding and Supporting the Body Naturally

I have become known as a complementary dermatologist for helping people manage skin conditions in a natural and holistic way. Please remember that the information I share here is for guidance and education only. It is not intended for treatment or diagnosis.

Eczema is a distressing condition that affects both children and adults. Conventional treatments often involve steroid creams, but these do not support long-term healing or rebalancing of the body. By understanding what the body is signaling when eczema appears, you can take steps to find relief and healing through natural support.

The Difference Between Eczema and Dermatitis

Eczema tends to be more localized than dermatitis. Common areas include:

* The inner elbow (cubital fossa)

* Behind the knee (popliteal fossa)

* Around the neck, mouth, and eyes

Eczema is often considered an atopic condition, meaning it is long-standing and tends to flare periodically.

Dermatitis is generally more widespread and inflamed.

Different presentations of eczema include:

* Nummular eczema – coin-shaped patches that respond differently than standard eczema

* Generalized eczema – widespread redness, swelling, and itching, resembling dermatitis

* Lichen-like eczema – thickened, leather-like skin, usually a sign of chronicity

What Triggers Eczema to Flare?

When eczema flares, the immune system is sending a clear message: “Something is irritating me—please remove it.”

External triggers may include:

* Pollens, grasses, or animal fur

* Dust mites

* Foods

* Chemical agents

Internal triggers may include:

* Stress hormones

* Imbalances within the digestive or immune systems

If the skin is red, hot, itchy, or burning, this is often a histamine response.

Factors to Consider with Eczema

When supporting someone with eczema, it is important to ask questions such as:

* Are dietary proteins breaking down properly?

* Is blood and gut pH balanced?

* Is the gut flora balanced?

* Are there any mineral deficiencies that need addressing?

* What are the main triggers, and can they be removed?

Not every case will require all of these factors to be addressed, but identifying the root cause is key. The challenge often lies in working out whether the trigger is internal, external, environmental, nutritional—or a combination.

General Guidelines for Supporting Eczema

As a rule of thumb, we often:

* Deworm – Parasites can contribute to leaky gut, nutrient malabsorption, and acid pH, all of which increase immune reactivity.

* Introduce high-quality probiotics – To restore healthy gut flora.

* Support digestion with enzymes – Helping proteins and nutrients break down more efficiently.

* Reduce histamines, grains, dairy, nuts, and acid-forming foods – These can aggravate symptoms. Foods are reintroduced slowly to identify triggers.

Examples of acid-forming foods and drinks:

* Fizzy drinks

* Coffee

* Alcohol, especially spirits

* Wheat and dairy

Example of a triggering meal: spaghetti bolognaise, where wheat (acid-forming), tomatoes (high histamine), and cheese (acid and histamine-forming) all combine.

A common misunderstanding is substituting gluten-free carbohydrates for wheat. Gluten-free does not necessarily mean non-reactive, as other grain proteins can also trigger immune responses.

Other Important Considerations

* Avoid topical creams and essential oils that may aggravate the skin.

* Avoid hot water exposure, which increases histamine response.

* If the skin is weeping, avoid water exposure completely. Supporting the liver and applying tissue salts topically may be needed in these cases.

Topical Tissue Salts for Eczema

Applying crushed tissue salts directly to affected areas can be extremely beneficial. Useful tissue salts include numbers 2, 11, 10, and 12. However, professional guidance is recommended, as dosage and frequency depend on the individual’s age, triggers, and condition severity.

Acute Flare-Ups and Chronic Eczema

Sometimes a person may have an acute flare-up on top of a chronic eczema condition. For example, red, hot, swollen, itchy patches alongside lichen-like skin on the wrists or ankles. In these cases, we first address the acute flare-up before zooming out to the bigger picture.

Quite often, eczema is present alongside other conditions, such as impetigo (school sores) or acne. When this happens, we prioritize treatment by focusing on the condition that is most aggravating first.

Final Thoughts

Eczema and dermatitis are complex conditions with many potential triggers. Relief and healing come from supporting the body as a whole—reducing histamine exposure, balancing pH and minerals, improving digestion, and addressing both internal and external triggers.

For professional support with your skin condition, book an appointment with Maria Arora at [Aurora Healing Codes](https://www.aurorahealingcodes.com/).