Eczema
What is Eczema?
Painful, red, dry, itchy skin that often weeps and blisters during a flare up is a common experience in the life of an Eczema sufferer. It not only affects your physical body, but also your quality of life.
Sleepless nights, endlessly scratching due to that deep itch underneath the skin, wet wraps, a cupboard full of skin care products and endless skin care routines that provide little relief. Not to mention the detrimental impact it has on one’s emotional wellbeing, self-esteem and ability to enjoy life.
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects 10 to 15% of the Australian population, causing red, itchy and scaly patches of skin that can ooze fluid. It is often associated with an impaired skin barrier, leaving the skin prone to infection.
Dr Anjana and her team are passionate about finding the underlying root cause of your eczema, rather than just managing your symptoms.
What causes Eczema?
There are several key factors that can contribute to eczema flare-ups that vary from person to person:
Genetics
Eczema is 2-3 times higher in children with a parent who also suffers from Eczema. A mutation in the FLG gene which plays a crucial role in skin protection against against water loss, allergens, pathogens and external irritants is commonly found in those suffering from hereditary Eczema.
Gut Health
The health of the gut microbiome plays a crucial role in skin health. Imbalances in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) and leaky gut can trigger an overactive immune response, raising the risk of inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema. Studies have indicated that people with eczema often have an altered gut microbiome compared to those without the condition. While genetic factors related to eczema are beyond our control, enhancing the gut microbiome with Dr. Anjana’s guidance can significantly influence the symptoms and signs of eczema.
Dietary Triggers
Many eczema sufferers are triggered by certain foods such as dairy products, nuts, wheat, soy and eggs. Identifying and avoiding dietary triggers until the gut microbiome is rebalanced may provide significant relief in symptoms. In our clinic Laura our Naturopath has personal experience with Eczema and provides detailed dietary planning advice and practical insights to assist those that require guidance navigating the dietary element of Ezcema.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances and dysregulation, particularly in women, can influence eczema. Eczema symptoms can flare up during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause due to an influx of hormones impacting an inflammatory cascade, immune responses and skin sensitivity. Dr Anjana will investigate your hormonal balance as part of your Eczema investigations.
Stress
Stress has been shown to weaken the immune system and exacerbate inflammation, leading to more frequent and severe flare-ups.
Environmental Triggers
Exposure to chemicals in skincare and household products may exacerbate eczema due to an impaired skin barrier. Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome due to mould can also cause skin inflammation due to mycotoxin exposure, resulting in eczema.
Omega-3
Research has shown that omega 3 fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory properties and help to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in eczema. Omega-3 also supports the skin barrier by contributing to the production of lipids, preventing moisture loss and risk of infection.
Conventional treatments
The conventional medical approach towards Eczema management is a topical strategy of prescribing topical steroids, antibiotics and anti-allergy ointments.
Corticosteroid creams alleviate inflammation by constricting blood vessels, which reduces redness and swelling. They offer a rapid cosmetic solution and are available over-the-counter at pharmacies, however, prolonged use can lead to side effects such as thinning skin, increased redness, burning sensations, swelling, and peeling.
The long-term use of topical steroids may also lead to Topical Steroid Withdrawal, a debilitating condition that involves:
- Burning skin
- Erythema (redness)
- Severe exfoliation, flaking, shedding and dry skin
- Oedema (swelling)
- Paresthesia (abnormal skin sensitivity)
- Skin thinning
Antibiotic ointments may also be prescribed to treat acute skin infections at various stages in the Eczema cycle.
Our Approach to Managing Eczema
Dr. Anjana and her team focus on addressing the underlying causes and contributing factors of your eczema. This begins with a thorough assessment of your personal history, environmental triggers, genetic influences, dietary and gut microbiome factors, hormonal imbalances, personal triggers, and emotional factors.
We want to hear YOUR story and understand your personal journey so we can tailor a treatment plan to your needs.
Traditional and functional testing may be recommended such as testing for allergies, food intolerances, nutritional deficiencies, blood hormone testing, Small Intestinal Bowel Overgrowth testing, nutrient profiling, immune system assessments and gut mapping.
With a comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to your eczema, Dr. Anjana and her team work to restore balance in your gut microbiome, hormones, intestinal permeability, and immune function, while reducing pathogen overgrowth and inflammation. Additionally, Dr. Anjana will address the emotional and stress factors that both contribute to and result from eczema, providing strategies and support to help you on your journey. Many patients experience significant improvements in their eczema as these underlying systems are restored.
As a medical doctor, Dr. Anjana also discusses options for additional treatments, including pharmacological agents (or natural alternatives) such as steroids, antibiotics, and antiallergy medications. In severe cases, she may refer you to her Dermatologist colleagues for immunosuppressants or biologics if needed.
Eczema is a debilitating condition that can affect your physical and emotional health. Our goal is to develop a treatment plan specifically designed for you, aiming to restore balance in your body systems, improve skin quality, and enhance your overall well-being so you can feel comfortable in your own skin.