Eczema Treatment

Eczema Condition

Eczema Treatment at Illuminate Functional and Lifestyle Medicine

At Illuminate Functional and Lifestyle Medicine, we understand that acne can affect not only your skin but also your confidence and overall well-being. Our approach to treating acne is rooted in functional medicine principles, focusing on uncovering the root causes of your skin issues and providing individualized treatment plans designed to restore balance and promote lasting skin health.

What is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and dry patches of skin. It can affect individuals of all ages, but it often begins in childhood. Eczema can range in severity from mild to severe, with flare-ups triggered by various factors.

Common symptoms of eczema include:

  • Dry, scaly skin: Patches of skin that feel rough and dry to the touch.
  • Itching: Intense itching that can lead to scratching, which may worsen inflammation and skin damage.
  • Red or inflamed skin: Areas of the skin that appear red, swollen, or irritated.
  • Crusting or oozing: In more severe cases, the skin may develop blisters that ooze fluid or form scabs.
  • Thickened or leathery skin: Prolonged scratching can cause the skin to thicken or develop a leathery texture, known as lichenification.


Eczema can appear on any part of the body, but it commonly affects the face, neck, elbows, knees, and hands. While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, it is often associated with an overactive immune response, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors.

Common Causes and Triggers

Eczema is a multifactorial condition, meaning it can be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune-related factors. Common causes and triggers include:

 

  • Genetics: A family history of eczema, asthma, or other allergic conditions increases the likelihood of developing eczema.
  • Immune System Imbalance: Eczema is often the result of an overactive immune system that triggers inflammation in response to external or internal factors.
  • Environmental Triggers: Exposure to irritants like soaps, detergents, fragrances, and certain fabrics can cause flare-ups. Seasonal changes, pollen, and pet dander can also be triggers.
  • Food Sensitivities: Certain foods, such as dairy, gluten, eggs, or nuts, can exacerbate eczema symptoms in some individuals.
  • Gut Health: Imbalances in gut bacteria and digestive health can contribute to systemic inflammation, potentially worsening eczema.
  • Stress: Emotional stress is known to aggravate eczema by weakening the body’s immune response and increasing inflammation.

Our Holistic Approach to Treating Eczema

At Illuminate, we approach eczema with a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying causes of the condition. By focusing on healing from within, we help our patients achieve long-term relief and improved skin health. Our approach integrates functional medicine with individualized care for each patient’s unique needs.

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Functional Medicine Assessment

We begin with a detailed evaluation of your health history, lifestyle, and environmental factors to uncover the root causes of your eczema. This may include:

  • Gut Health Assessment: Identifying imbalances in the gut microbiome or conditions like leaky gut that may be contributing to systemic inflammation and skin issues.
  • Food Sensitivity Testing: Testing for and eliminating foods that trigger an immune response or worsen eczema symptoms.
  • Nutritional Deficiencies: Analysis to determine if you are lacking essential nutrients that support skin health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A, D, and E.
  • Environmental Exposure Review: Identifying and reducing exposure to environmental irritants and allergens that may be triggering eczema flare-ups.

This comprehensive assessment allows us to create a personalized treatment plan designed to address the root causes of your eczema.

Nutritional Therapy

Diet plays a crucial role in managing eczema, as certain foods can trigger or worsen inflammation. We offer nutritional counseling tailored to your needs, which may include:

  • Anti-Inflammatory Diets: Incorporating foods rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, such as leafy greens, fatty fish, and berries, to reduce systemic inflammation and support skin health.
  • Elimination Diets: Identifying food sensitivities through elimination and reintroduction protocols, focusing on common triggers like dairy, gluten, soy, and processed foods.
  • Nutritional Supplementation: Providing supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, probiotics, and vitamin D to support immune regulation and promote skin repair.

Gut Health Optimization

There is a strong connection between gut health and skin conditions like eczema. Our treatment may include:

  • Probiotics and Prebiotics: Restoring healthy gut bacteria through supplementation to reduce inflammation and improve immune function.
  • Digestive Enzymes: Enhancing nutrient absorption by supporting proper digestion, which can help reduce eczema symptoms.

Healing the Gut Lining: Using supplements like L-glutamine and collagen to support gut lining integrity, reducing systemic inflammation.

Environmental and Lifestyle Modifications

Managing eczema often involves identifying and avoiding environmental triggers that irritate the skin. We guide patients through:

  • Reducing Exposure to Irritants: Identifying personal care products, detergents, or household items that may contain harsh chemicals or allergens that trigger flare-ups. We recommend switching to gentle, non-toxic alternatives.
  • Moisturizing Skincare Regimen: Recommending high-quality, natural skincare products that help protect the skin’s moisture barrier without causing irritation.
  • Stress Management: Incorporating stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness practices, deep breathing exercises, or yoga, to lower stress levels and prevent eczema flare-ups.

Topical and Natural Skin Care Solutions

In addition to addressing internal causes, we also may recommend topical treatments to soothe inflamed skin and promote healing. These may include:

  • Natural Emollients: Using moisturizers with ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or colloidal oatmeal to hydrate and protect the skin.
  • Herbal Remedies: Topical applications of natural anti-inflammatory agents such as calendula, aloe vera, or chamomile to reduce redness and itching.
  • Medical-Grade Skincare: For more severe cases, we may suggest specialized skincare products or treatments designed to calm irritation and restore the skin barrier.

Patient Considerations

When seeking treatment for eczema at Illuminate Functional and Lifestyle Medicine, it’s important to keep the following in mind:
Every case of eczema is unique, and our treatment plans are customized to address your specific triggers and underlying health issues.
Eczema often requires a long-term commitment to dietary and lifestyle changes, but our approach is focused on achieving sustainable results and preventing future flare-ups.
We don’t just treat the symptoms of eczema—we focus on healing the whole body by addressing nutrition, gut health, immune function, and lifestyle factors.

Patient Considerations

When considering acne treatment at Illuminate, we prioritize long-term skin health over quick fixes. Our patients should understand that:

  • Healing Takes Time: Since acne can have deep-rooted causes, expect that treatment may take several weeks to months to see significant improvements.
  • Personalized Care: Every patient’s skin is unique, and our approach is highly individualized. Treatments that work for one person may not work for another, so consistent communication with your provider is essential.
  • Holistic Lifestyle: Achieving clear skin is part of a broader commitment to holistic health, which includes proper nutrition, stress management, and overall wellness.

Why Choose Illuminate Functional and Lifestyle Medicine for Eczema Treatment?

At Illuminate, we take a whole-person approach to eczema treatment, focusing on uncovering the underlying causes of your skin condition. Our functional medicine framework allows us to create personalized, holistic treatment plans that aim for long-term relief and overall wellness. We believe that by treating the root causes of eczema, we can help you achieve healthier, clearer skin—and a higher quality of life.

If you’re ready to take control of your eczema and explore a holistic, natural approach to treatment, contact Illuminate Functional and Lifestyle Medicine today to schedule your consultation.

Illuminate your journey to healthier skin with our functional medicine approach to eczema. We’re here to support you every step of the way!

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