- ·Gut health plays a critical role in the development and management of eczema.
- Gut dysbiosis (a lack of balance between the trillions of bugs in your gut) and leaky gut can trigger or worsen skin inflammation.
- Dietary choices, stress, exposure to pollution, ingestion of micro- and nano-plastics, and antibiotic use can disrupt gut function and lead to flare-ups.
- Probiotics, prebiotics, and gut-friendly lifestyle changes may significantly improve eczema symptoms.
- Understanding the gut-skin axis is essential for long-term eczema relief.
Introduction
Eczema-commonly known as atopic dermatitis-is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects millions worldwide. Characterized by dry, itchy, red, and inflamed skin, eczema can range from mild discomfort to severe life-altering symptoms. While it's often managed through topical treatments and medications, recent research suggests that the underlying cause of eczema might lie deeper-within our gut.
Yes, you read that right. The health of your gut microbiome-the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes living in your digestive tract-may be directly linked to how your skin behaves. Welcome to the gut-skin connection, a rapidly growing area of interest in dermatology that's transforming how we understand and treat eczema.
Section 1: What is Eczema? [1]
Eczema is an umbrella term for several inflammatory skin conditions, i.e., dermatitis, with atopic dermatitis being the most common form. Like psoriasis, rosacea or acne, eczema is not purely a cosmetic concern-it is deeply rooted in immune dysfunction and skin barrier impairment.
Who Gets Eczema?
Eczema often begins in childhood but can persist into adulthood or even appear for the first time later in life. It tends to run in families and is more prevalent among individuals with allergies, asthma, or hay fever, known collectively as atopic conditions.
What Causes Eczema?
Eczema is driven by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. One potential underlying cause is a deficiency in the skin barrier protein filaggrin, which leads to increased skin permeability and vulnerability to allergens and irritants. But emerging evidence continues to show that the gut microbiome is likely also a key player in the body's biological inflammatory loop.
Section 2: Causes of Eczema [2]
Traditionally, eczema has been blamed on allergens, irritants, genetics, and immune dysfunction. However, a growing body of evidence points to gut dysbiosis, an imbalance in the gut microbiome, as a potential root cause.
Gut Dysbiosis and the Inflammatory Cascade
When your gut is healthy, it acts like a tightly sealed wall that absorbs nutrients and blocks toxins. But poor diet, stress, infections, and antibiotics can damage the gut lining and disrupt the microbiome. This leads to a condition known as "leaky gut syndrome" where the intestinal barrier becomes permeable, allowing harmful substances to "leak" into the bloodstream and throughout the body. This effect is often referred to as "translocation". Toxins, bacteria, activation of systemic immune response, and many other issues are all possible negative outcomes of dysbiosis and leaky gut.
The body perceives the translocation from our intestinal tract as invaders and mounts an immune response. For people pre-disposed to eczema, this immune system activation by the body can express itself through the skin.
Key Triggers
Antibiotics: Overuse can wipe out beneficial gut bacteria and, over time, lead to antibiotic resistance.
Poor diet: Diets that are high in sugar, low in fiber, and involve the consumption of processed foods feed bad microbes present in the gut microbiome can cause an imbalance (gut dysbiosis).
Stress: Significantly impacts the gut microbiome by altering its composition and, in turn, function.
Environmental allergens: Pollution, pollen, pet dander, and dust mites can exacerbate the body's immune responses.
Ingestion of micro- and nano-plastics: now known to affect the health of the gut microbiome
Section 3: Symptoms and Identification [3]
The most common symptoms of eczema include:
Intense itching
Red, inflamed patches
Crusting or oozing lesions
Dry, scaly skin
Thickened skin over time (lichenification)
These symptoms typically appear on the face, neck, backs of elbows and /knees, hands, and feet. But the pattern varies from person to person.
How to Differentiate from Other Skin Conditions
Eczema is often confused with other skin issues like psoriasis and allergic reactions. Unlike psoriasis, which causes silvery plaques, eczema often results in clear fluid weeping from lesions. If lesions become infected with bacteria like Staphyloccocus (staph), the lesions can weep yellowy fluid. Fungal infections like Candida albicans can also cause and/or worsen eczema flare-ups. And unlike hives, eczema is chronic and not caused by a single allergen exposure.
Section 4: Treatment Options [4]
Most traditional eczema treatments target the skin:
Topical corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation but have long-term side effects.
Moisturizers: Help restore the skin barrier.
Calcineurin inhibitors: Suppress the immune response locally.
Antihistamines: Reduce itching and allergic response.
The Gut-Focused Approach
More and more practitioners are now recommending gut-healing protocols for use alongside these treatments. Here are some gut-targeted options that may help:
Probiotics: Live microorganisms that restore gut balance. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis have been studied for eczema.
Prebiotics: Plant fibers that feed good bacteria-think inulin, FOS, GOS, and XOS.
histidine: This amino acid supports skin hydration and barrier function and may reduce eczema severity from the inside out.
Dietary changes: Eliminating dairy, gluten, or high-histamine foods can calm flare-ups.
Anti-inflammatory supplements: Omega-3s, vitamin D, and zinc help restore immune balance.
Section 5: Prevention Strategies
Prevention starts in the gut.
Eat for Gut and Skin Health
Fiber-rich foods: Promote good bacteria.
Fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut.
Polyphenols: Found in colorful fruits and vegetables.
Hydration: Supports digestion and skin barrier.
Lifestyle Habits
Stress management: Yoga, meditation, therapy.
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics.
Routine sleep and exercise.
Gentle skincare products: Avoid harsh soaps, fragrances, and sulfates.
Section 6: Myths and Facts
Myth: Eczema is purely a skin issue.
Fact: Eczema often reflects issues associated with an individual's immune system and gut dysfunction.
Myth: Only topical treatments work.
Fact: Relief directed towards inside the body, especially when it comes to gut support and balance, can yield meaningful and lasting results.
Myth: Probiotics are a cure-all.
Fact: Probiotics help balance the gut microbiome but should be combined with other lifestyle changes such as, for example, diet and stress management.
Myth: You outgrow eczema.
Fact: Many people suffer from eczema their entire lives unless and until its root cause(s) are identified and addressed.
Section 7: Personal Stories and Testimonials
Chi, eczema sufferer
" With @codexlabs, I've discovered the power of biohacking and holistic care to support my skin health."
Brianna
" @codexlabs has been key to calming my eczema and strengthening my skin barrier through clinically proven solutions."
C. Byrd, eczema mom
"With this eczema relief lotion I use this primarily on my daughter, and this helped her eczema so much. She was really inflamed and having a major break out in this really calmed her eczema down. This is a really great product. The lotion is smooth. It's lightly scented and it's in an easy squeezable tube."
Shannon, eczema sufferer
"I've struggled with eczema for years, and Codex Eczema Cream has been a game-changer! From the first application, I noticed a soothing, calming effect on my irritated skin. The formula is lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly, providing deep hydration without any sticky residue. Within just a few days, my redness and itching significantly reduced, and my skin felt nourished and protected. I also love that it's made with clean, high-quality ingredients-perfect for sensitive skin. If you're looking for an effective, gentle solution for eczema, I highly recommend this cream. It's worth every penny!"
Karac, eczema sufferer and mom
"My daughter and I are both loving the Codex Labs Antu Skin Barrier Support Dietary Supplement. It's super easy to use, just mix one scoop into a glass of are and enjoy. My daughter really likes the Raspberry Lemonade flavor which is a plus because she actually wants to take it. It has helped her skin so much already with repairing damaged tissue, soothing irritation, and reducing inflammation all while helping promote the skin's hydration. We can't wait to see more benefits and improvements!"
Section 8: Recommended Products and Sets
For those who have chosen to seek relief from eczema and its troubling symptoms both topically and internally (inside-out approach), Codex Labs' Eczema Relief System offers a science-backed solution.
For inside the body, i.e., the gut, the system includes the following products:
· BIA® GUTBUILDER PREBIOTIC: A microbiome-friendly prebiotic supplement designed to help support a person's gut function and skin barrier
· BIA® CLEARSKIN SYNBIOTIC: A dietary supplement designed to support the body's inflammatory response to eczema-induced symptoms. It has been formulated to support both the gut and skin barriers.
· ANTU® SKIN BARRIER SUPPORT: A daily supplement for skin conditions involving a compromised skin barrier which contains L-histidine, an amino acid used by the body to generate filaggrin (a skin structuring protein), together with natural moisturization factor. This supplement also contains M3, a blend of highly potent antioxidants that help to reduce oxidative stress in the body, thereby helping to fortify the skin barrier to prevent water loss and keep skin plump and elastic.
For outside the body, i.e., topicals applied on the skin surface, the system includes the following products which have recently been accepted by the National Eczema Association:
· BIA ECZEMA RELIEF LOTION: A patent-pending soothing, calming lotion specifically designed for use on eczema-prone skin. It helps to relieve dry, itchy, flaky skin that is sensitive to the touch and/or irritated, while at the same time helping to reinforce the skin barrier.
· BIA UNSCENTED SOAP: A microbiome-friendly unscented soap specifically formulated for sensitive skin to help protect the skin barrier, while cleansing and softening skin without irritation.
Eczema sets that include BOTH supplements and topicals for inside-out relief from eczema include:
· ECZEMA RELIEF SYSTEM: This "signature" Codex Labs set has been clinically shown to help alleviate key symptoms associated with eczema from the inside out in 8 weeks*
o 88% less itch (in 97% of patients)
o 93% lower overall eczema score (in 100% patients)
(*) Open label trial, 33 men and women, aged 18+ with moderate atopic dermatitis over 56 days (Eurofins, Poland, 2024).
· BIA ECZEMA ESSENTIALS DUO: Codex Labs' eczema relief starter Duo helps to bring much needed relief from the following key symptoms in 8 weeks*:
o 94% less itch
o 94% lower eczema score
(*) Open label trial, 34 men and women, aged 18+ with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis over 56 days (Eurofins, Poland, 2024).
Section 9: FAQ
1. Can gut health affect eczema?
Yes, gut dysbiosis (microbiome imbalance) and leaky gut (permeable gut wall) can trigger immune responses leading to the manifestation of eczema induced symptoms.
2. What probiotic is best for eczema?
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium are two strains that have shown great promise based on recent scientific studies.
3. Does L-histidine help with eczema?
L-histidine may improve hydration and skin barrier repair, while helping to relieve itch.
4. What are signs your gut health is poor?
Bloating, constipation, frequent illness, and skin flare-ups are oftentimes reliable clues.
5. Can prebiotics help with eczema?
Yes. Prebiotics are a food source for the beneficial bacteria present in the gut microbiome that help to regulate immune responses.
6. Is eczema an autoimmune disease?
Not exactly, but it involves abnormal immune reactions, often influenced by gut health.
7. Are food allergies linked to eczema?
In some people, yes. Food sensitivities can trigger skin inflammation.
8. Can antibiotics worsen eczema?
Yes, they can both disrupt gut flora (microorganisms) in the microbiome and weaken the skin barrier.
9. How long does it take to heal gut-related eczema?
Anywhere from weeks to months, depending on the individual.
10. Should I see a dermatologist or a gut specialist?
Ideally, you should consider seeing both since eczema often requires a multidisciplinary approach.
Conclusion
Eczema is more than just "skin" deep. By exploring and nurturing the gut-skin axis, you can find powerful relief beyond just topically applied creams. Addressing gut health through the daily use of prebiotics, probiotics, diet, and supplements containing symptom targeting active ingredients like L-histidine, offers a clinically proven path to long-term skin relief from the symptoms of eczema.
Are you ready to take your eczema relief journey to the next level? Start by exploring how gut support can work for your skin with our Codex Labs Eczema Relief System. We know it will bring you the relief your skin so desperately needs[ST1] [BP2] . How can we be so sure? Because we have the clinical data to prove it!
References:
1. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/atopic-dermatitis-eczema/symptoms-causes/syc-20353273
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9998-eczema
4. https://nationaleczema.org/treatments/
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