Eczema
A Functional Medicine Approach to Eczema
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is well-treated using a functional medicine approach.
Eczema is an inflammatory condition that impacts both adults and children, manifesting with symptoms that differ widely across individuals. Eczema frequently coexists with asthma and hay fever. Typically emerging between the ages of five and seven, it tends to exhibit periods of flare-ups and remissions throughout one’s lifetime.
Understanding eczema is essential due to its widespread occurrence and the potentially profound consequences it carries. This condition can significantly impact both the physical and emotional well-being of individuals, beyond its effects on the skin.
Causes
Though the precise origins of eczema are not fully understood, we know from the literature and clinical experience that it’s influenced by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Below are the main factors considered to play a role in the onset of eczema.
Similar to many skin disorders, the connection between the gut and skin deserves attention. Recent research has highlighted the crucial influence of the gut microbiome on the health of our skin. This complex ecosystem within our digestive system is key in controlling the immune response, handling inflammation, and maintaining the intestinal barrier’s health. Imbalances in this microbiome, a condition termed dysbiosis, can lead to heightened intestinal permeability
- Genetics
- Hormone Imbalance
- Nutritional Status
- Environemntal
- Liver Health
- Gut Health
- Allergies
- Skin Irritants
- Stress
- Lack of Essentially Fatty Acids
- Immune system dysfunction
Treatment
At the London Centre for Functional Medicine, eczema treatment aims to achieve a substantial or total reduction in itching, promote the healing of damaged skin, and manage any associated symptoms.
- Your functional medicine practitioner will work to develop a deep understanding of all factors influencing your health, encompassing nutritional, emotional, and lifestyle elements. This step encompasses gaining a comprehensive grasp of your individual case history, followed by conducting the requisite testing.
- This involves creating a detailed treatment strategy tailored to you. The plan is then put into action and sustained through regular check-ins and modifications as needed.
- If food is identified as a possible trigger, this can be determined through an elimination diet. Your functional medicine practitioner can then offer guidance on how to steer clear of the problematic food and suggest alternative options to include in your diet.
Our Approach
Optimal Nutrition and Absorption
We can suggest both oral and topical supplements to alleviate eczema symptoms, target dysbiosis and leaky gut issues, and regulate the immune system.
Supplement Support
Depending on the condition, your practitioner can recommend some targeted supplements to help support the body, reduce deficiencies, overcome infections and balance the microbiome.
Testing
Our functional medicine practitioners can provide guidance on specialised tests for food sensitivities, environmental testing, gut health—including the SIBO breath test, and parasite testing—to identify underlying triggers that may be causing skin issues.
Targeted Treatments
Our practitioners can recommend additional treatment or lifestyle interventions that have proven effects to help you overcome eczema such as light therapy.
Our Client's Feedback
Why Choose the London Centre for Functional Medicine?
Support
Once you reach out to us, the team will guide you through the collaborative process with a practitioner, We will gather the information we need to understand you better and help support and motivate you along your health journey.
Experience
We take the complex and try to make it simple. Many patients have gone to multiple doctors before they reach us. By taking a functional medicine approach, we can focus on the core imbalance and what needs to be addressed to improve your health picture.
Custom Approach
There is no one size fits approach as each patient is unique. Thus, no plan or protocol is the same. Everything about you including symptoms, lifestyle, diet, genetics and capacity to heal is different and will require a personalized approach.
london center for functional medicine