Eczema is an inflammatory common skin condition also known as atopic eczema, atopic dermatitis and allergic eczema. About 16% of Australians will experience eczema in their lifetime, with many also experiencing asthma, conjunctivitis or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, food allergies and mental illnesses. 

Eczema is caused by an inability to repair damage to the skin due to a mutation in the gene called filaggrin. Mutations in the filaggrin gene reduce the amount of filaggrin protein in the skin or lead to its complete absence. This generic mutation results in cracks in the top layers of the skin. When the lower layers, which are normally protected are exposed to allergens, it causes inflammation triggered by the immune system and what we know as eczema. 

People with eczema also have different bacteria in their gut  and on their skin compared to people without eczema, and sometimes they have inflammation in their gut. The composition of the microbione is closely related to the function of the immune system and since an imbalance in the microbiome is associated with eczema, there has been significant research into the use of prebiotics and probiotics in the treatment of eczema.

Some people may find their eczema flares up when they are exposed to triggers such as chemicals, artificial colours, preservatives, chlorine, perfumes, soap, sand, carpet, woollen or prickly fabrics, heat, a viral infections or feeling stressed.

Eczema, hayfever and asthma often occur together and are known as the atopic triad. This is particularly due to having a shared genetic origin and common risk factors.  The progression, also known as the atopic march, typically begins with eczema, followed by food allergies, and then the development of asthma and hayfever. 

These conditions all involve inflammation and the immune system so nutritional management can be helpful for treating eczema, hayfever and asthma.

There are many ways to treat eczema flare ups including using steroid creams, wet-wrap therapy and minimising itching with antihistamines or a cold compress. Some dermatologists recommend ultraviolet light (PUVA) and anti-inflammatories if your eczema is severe.

‘Prevention is better than cure’ applies for eczema flare ups. Avoiding triggers, keeping skin well moisturised, and particular supplements have reduced the intensity and duration of flare ups. These supplements include:

• Vitamin D 
• Selenium 
• Zinc
• Probiotics

Please consult with your healthcare practitioner if you’re interested in trying supplements for your eczema to make sure you get the right dose and form for you.

When treating eczema in breastfed little ones, it can be helpful for mum to remove allergens from her diet to reduce the transfer and exposure through breastmilk. 

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Common allergies and triggers associated with eczema include:

• Cow’s milk
• Peanuts
• Eggs
• Soy products
• Wheat
• Tree nuts
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Gluten

Foods that are beneficial to include for eczema include:

• A diet with a range of fruits and vegetables to support your gut health
• Fatty fish such as salmon
• Foods high in quercetin such as apples, berries, grapes, broccoli and green tea
• Foods high in probiotics

1. Eczema and atopic dermatitis are two names for the same thing.
2. In Australia, you’re most likely to have eczema if you have a family history of eczema or other allergic conditions (such as hayfever or asthma) and are a female under the age of 4 years old.
3. Eczema is most commonly found in the creases of the elbows, behind the knees and on the wrists and ankles. For children it is also common to be found on the face and neck.
4. Eczema looks like areas of dry, itchy and reddened skin.
5. Eczema can go away without steroid creams in some cases. Using dietary interventions and supplements can help treat eczema. 

If you’re interested in taking any supplements, please discuss this with your practitioner to ensure you’re taking the correct dose and form for you. This article is not intended to be medical advice and is purely for education purposes.