Understanding Eczema and The Microbiome

Understanding the role of gut health in eczema

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes skin itchiness, redness, and dryness, along with blisters and skin infections in more severe cases.

Although eczema affects the skin, the underlying root of eczema is often imbalances in the gut. This is due to the gut-skin axis where gut health impacts skin health, and vice versa.

The role of gut permeability in eczema

Gut hyperpermeability, also known as leaky gut, occurs when the lining of the small intestine becomes damaged or weakened, which allows larger molecules to leak into the bloodstream. This contributes to increased low-grade inflammation throughout the body which can aggravate eczema.

A zinc deficiency impacts gut lining integrity and contributes to gut permeability. We recommend using BB Kids Repair to support repairing the gastrointestinal cells.

Histamine: A common trigger for eczema

Histamine is a chemical released by immune cells. Excess levels of histamine in the body can make the skin itchy, irritated, red and inflamed, which contributes to eczema flareups.

• Overgrowths of histamine-producing bacteria. BB Kids Eliminate contains ingredients found to clear these histamine-producing bacteria.
• Low levels of beneficial gut bacteria which break down histamine. BB Kids Repair contains probiotics to support the break down of histamine.

The link between food allergies and eczema

Food allergies can also be a contributing factor to eczema. Imbalances in the gut are a major contributing factor to food allergies, so optimising gut health can help with reducing food allergies and eczema at the same time.

At Balanced Beings, we run comprehensive gut testing to understand what’s contributing to the eczema presentation, and to develop an individualised treatment to achieve eczema-free skin.