I’ve had eczema my whole life, and I can’t even tell you how many derms I’ve seen.. BUT I’ve made some recent progress, and even though I’ve never really wanted to share with the whole world about my crusty red skin problems – I know I can’t be the only one. 

What is eczema? 

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness, itching, and the development of rash-like symptoms. It is a non-contagious condition that often begins in childhood and may continue into adulthood. Eczema can vary in severity and can have periods of flare-ups and remissions.

Key features of eczema include:

1. Itching: One of the hallmark symptoms of eczema is intense itching. Scratching the affected areas can worsen the condition and lead to skin damage.

2. Inflammation: Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, and affected areas may appear red, swollen, and irritated.

3. Rash: A rash is common in eczema and can take different forms, including small raised bumps, blisters, or dry, scaly patches of skin.

4. Dry Skin: Eczema often results in dry skin, and in severe cases, the skin may crack and bleed.

5. Common Affected Areas: Eczema can occur on various parts of the body, but it is often found on the face, hands, wrists, elbows, knees, and the back of the knees.

6. Triggers: Certain factors can trigger or worsen eczema symptoms, including exposure to irritants, allergens, stress, weather conditions, and hormonal changes.

The exact cause of eczema is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. Individuals with a family history of eczema, allergies, or asthma may be more prone to developing the condition.

Management of eczema typically involves avoiding triggers, practicing good skincare, using topical medications (such as corticosteroids), and, in some cases, systemic treatments prescribed by a healthcare professional. While eczema is a chronic condition, many people can effectively manage their symptoms with appropriate care and treatment. If you suspect you have eczema or are experiencing persistent skin issues, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

So let’s dive into the time-line of my journey with eczema. This is different for everyone – but there were a few specific things that over all contributed to the problem. 

First signs – 

My mom has always said that I developed the issue once I stopped breast feeding. The rashes were always around my arms. As I got older I feel like I was so used to it – And it would seemingly go away miraculously in the spring and summer, but of course, It would always came back the next winter.. Around the time I was in first grade I had issues with ear infections and was over exposed to antibiotics – and in my mothers words “You basically didn’t have a bowel”. Great. I don’t really remember all this, but in all honesty, It doesn’t matter to me. I realize the information I know now is only starting to come into the mainstream. Anyways back to my crusty dusty problems – The spots on the insides of my elbows would be entirely crusted and red. Pretty much weeping through all my clothes and getting lint stuck to them every day. I also would get cracks in the corners of my mouth, lovely , I know. This was probably at its worst around middle school. 

Into high school I started to see a new doc and derm. This was where topicals and steroids were introduced into my “treatment” or at least remedy and routine. This started to get me through the winter flairs, but slowly and surely stopped being less effective. For those of you who have never heard the term TSW – It’s a thing – And if you are using any kind of steriod cream PLEASE start weening yourself off them. I was on the steriod roller-coaster until this past year.. It can be a viscous thing to quit, especially when the eczema is there to begin with. I’m going to get back to my journey, but we need to go over exactly what topical steriods are and exactly how they work.  

What are topical steroids?  

Topical steroids, also known as corticosteroids, vary in potency. The potency is often classified into different classes. Here is a list of topical steroids in order of potency, from low to high:

1. Low Potency:

   • Hydrocortisone (e.g., Hydrocortisone 1%)

2. Medium Potency:

   • Desonide
   • Fluocinolone acetonide
   • Triamcinolone acetonide
   • Mometasone furoate
   • Hydrocortisone valerate
   • Alclometasone dipropionate

3. High Potency:

   • Betamethasone dipropionate
   • Betamethasone valerate
   • Clobetasol propionate
   • Halobetasol propionate
   • Diflucortolone valerate

It’s important to note that the potency of a steroid can influence its effectiveness and also the risk of side effects. The choice of a specific topical steroid depends on the severity and location of the skin condition, as well as individual patient factors. Always use topical steroids under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

OK – I know that was a lot – And If you already knew all that, congrats, but I didn’t truly understand this until last year – After having used these creams for well over 10 YEARS. Derms don’t really tell you all of this information when prescribing these either..  So about the side effects- Let’s dive into another little lesson on  the side effects of topical steriods. 

That I was onto something, that’s what!

I related to soooooo much of this information. This was the first time anyone had connected the dots. The fact that I was born C-section and babies born this was are found to be lacking in the microbiome diversity found in those born vaginally. OR the fact that if you have ever been over exposed to antibiotics you’re microbiome can be compromised? Check, check and check. I fit the profile to a T! It was at this point I had to reconcile  with my bad eating habits… I was binge eating sugar everyday. Once I confronted this and saw it for what it was, I made the choice to try this new method seriously for 6 months to a year. If it doesn’t work and I get nowhere with my eczema, I’ll look further into the shot route. 

Next I started to map out my diet.. I had recently adopted a “I can eat anything” diet, and the holidays did NOT help. It was obvious I needed to stop eating refined sugar and grains almost entirely. I made an exception for fruit and some rice from time to time, but as of Jan 7th, I have been cooking at home and replacing the grains with veggies and leafy greens. I don’t plan on never eating those things again. A girls gotta have her pasta! But the goal is to limit them to once monthly if I can.  I also took a few ques from my keto days. Protein is my biggest focus, and I make sure to eat lots of grass fed red meat, organic pasture raised poultry, and sustainably sourced fish and seafood. I plan to write in more detail about my diet and the meals I prepare, but for now that concludes my new attitude towards food.

As for healing my gut? Well, it started with eating the right foods. And I have to say, from the day I started removing the sugar, grain and dairy from my diet I saw a significant difference in my skin and how itchy it was. And I’m currently only on day 10! Another important part of this transition has been picking the right supplements to treat the microbiome imbalance. 

My new supplement routine : 

• Vitamin D2
• Vitamin B3
• Oregano Oil
• Probiotic 225billion 
• Omega 3
• Butyrate 
• L glutamine
• Digestive enzymes  

Additional dietary supplements :

• Apple cider vinegar 
• Evening primrose oil
•  

I recommend you invest in finding a great natural grocer. I buy all my supplements from Natural Grocers . 

I don’t take all of these everyday, but I try to listen to my body and do research behind every supplement and what it’s intended for. I also supplement with many skincare products to help maintain my skin barrier.  

To find my eczema holy grail skin care products click here 

Anyways, It feels great to be validated in my intuition about the link between diet and eczema, and the solution with this route is rooted in a healthier lifestyle OVERALL, so I’m really stoked on this.  Addressing my issue with sugar is going to set off a new perspective for me on eating and how I nourish my body. 

As for the effect on my lifestyle? Well, I have to say I’m spending a lot more time at home. Besides the fact I don’t really want to go out, It’s highlighted just how unhealthy some of my past habits were.. Like drinking everyday for example, was actually wreaking havoc in my life. Some times I like to joke that my frontal lobe only developed last year, and as funny as that sounds, I do think there is something to be said when you reach the age where self reflection becomes your friend and you don’t run from your insecurities anymore. But I feel like that topic is a completely new blog post altogether – So stay tuned for that!

I’ll need to check back with you all in a few months, but so far – I can feel and physically see my skin healing from within. Sure, the diet is hard, but I’ve needed to reinvigorate my love of cooking, and I see this as a huge opportunity! I’m slowly finding what works for me, and for the for the first time in a long time (maybe ever) I finally feel like I’m on the right track. 

I plan to update this post regularly as I move forward, and keep you all in-the-know with what I find! 

Please reach out in the comments below if you have any questions or additional resources you’d like to share with me!

Love, 

Lucy xx