FAQs
What is eczema and why does it keep coming back?
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin. While creams can help calm symptoms, eczema often returns because the underlying triggers have not been identified.
Every person's eczema is different. Common contributing factors include skin barrier dysfunction, allergies, irritants, immune dysregulation, environmental triggers, stress, gut health, food sensitivities, and changes in the skin microbiome.
Long-term improvement often requires understanding what is driving the inflammation rather than simply managing flare-ups as they occur.
What causes eczema flare-ups?
Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by a combination of internal and external factors.
Common triggers include:
- Stress
- Weather changes
- Dry air
- Harsh soaps and detergents
- Dust mites and environmental allergens
- Certain fabrics such as wool
- Food sensitivities (for some individuals)
- Hormonal changes
- Skin infections
- Changes in the skin barrier
Identifying your own triggers is one of the most important steps in reducing the frequency and severity of eczema flare-ups.
Is eczema contagious?
No. Eczema is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another through physical contact.
Although the skin may become cracked or infected during severe flare-ups, eczema itself is an inflammatory skin condition rather than an infectious disease.
What's the difference between eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis?
Although these conditions can appear similar, they have different underlying causes.
Eczema usually causes intensely itchy, dry, inflamed skin and is commonly associated with allergies and skin barrier dysfunction.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that produces thick, well-defined plaques covered with silvery scales due to rapid skin cell turnover.
Dermatitis is a broad medical term that simply means inflammation of the skin. Eczema is one form of dermatitis, while contact dermatitis and seborrhoeic dermatitis are other types.
A proper skin assessment can help determine which condition you have and guide the most appropriate treatment approach.
Can eczema be managed naturally?
Many people choose to complement conventional treatments with a holistic approach to help reduce flare-ups and improve overall skin health.
This may include:
- Supporting the skin barrier with gentle topical skincare
- Identifying lifestyle and environmental triggers
- Managing stress
- Improving nutrition
- Supporting gut health where appropriate
- Reducing inflammation throughout the body
While there is no universal cure for eczema, many people experience significant improvements when both the skin and underlying contributing factors are addressed together.
FAQs
What is holistic eczema treatment?
Holistic eczema treatment looks beyond the visible rash to understand why the skin is becoming inflamed.
Rather than focusing only on suppressing symptoms, a holistic approach aims to support the body's natural healing processes by considering factors such as inflammation, skin barrier health, immune regulation, nutrition, stress, gut health and individual triggers.
The goal is to reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups while supporting healthier skin over the long term.
Can eczema improve without relying on steroid creams?
Topical corticosteroids are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation during eczema flare-ups and can be very effective when used appropriately under medical supervision.
Some people also wish to explore additional strategies that may help reduce their reliance on steroid creams over time. These may include improving skin barrier function, identifying triggers, supporting overall health and using gentle, non-steroidal skincare alongside guidance from their healthcare practitioner.
Treatment decisions should always be made with a qualified healthcare professional, particularly if you are considering changing or stopping prescribed medications.
What is Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW)?
Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) is a recognised condition that has been reported in some people after prolonged, frequent or inappropriate use of topical corticosteroids, particularly moderate to high-potency steroids.
Symptoms may include:
- Burning skin
- Intense redness
- Severe itching
- Swelling
- Skin peeling
- Increased skin sensitivity
TSW is not experienced by everyone who uses topical steroids, and it should not be confused with an eczema flare-up. Because the symptoms can overlap, it is important to seek assessment from a healthcare professional experienced in eczema and topical steroid use.
If TSW is suspected, any changes to steroid treatment should only be made under medical supervision.
Can gut health affect eczema?
Research continues to explore the connection between the gut microbiome, immune function and inflammatory skin conditions, often referred to as the gut-skin axis.
While gut health is unlikely to be the sole cause of eczema, some people find that addressing digestive health, food sensitivities (where clinically appropriate) and overall nutrition forms one part of a broader eczema management plan.
A holistic practitioner may consider gut health alongside other contributing factors rather than viewing it as a standalone solution.
What does a holistic eczema treatment plan involve?
A personalised holistic eczema treatment plan may include:
- A detailed assessment of your eczema history
- Identifying potential flare-up triggers
- Gentle skincare to repair the skin barrier
- Strategies to calm inflammation
- Nutrition and lifestyle guidance
- Stress management support
- Gut health assessment where appropriate
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustments as your skin improves
Because every person's eczema is unique, treatment should be tailored to the individual rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. The aim is to support healthier skin while helping reduce the frequency, severity and impact of future flare-ups.