I often get asked about skin issues like eczema and psoriasis. I’m not a dermatologist, but I have dealt with eczema personally and within my family. We’ve tried some natural remedies that have worked for us, and I wanted to share them with you. Of course, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before trying anything new.
The first thing to know is that topical treatments won’t work until you tackle the root causes, which, in our case, were linked to diet and lifestyle. Just like how you can’t out-supplement a poor diet, topical solutions alone won’t solve skin problems if there’s an underlying issue contributing to them.
Eczema and other skin conditions can be complex and have various causes, but there seems to be common dietary and lifestyle changes that can help. In our family, my son had eczema that came and went over time. He was born via c-section and received antibiotics and steroids early on, which affected his gut health, learning, and skin.
We decided to try the GAPS diet, coupled with supplements and lifestyle changes, and we saw improvements. If you’re not familiar, the GAPS diet focuses on gut-healing foods like bone broth, healthy fats, and fermented veggies. It’s a strict protocol, especially at the beginning, requiring full compliance by preparing foods at home to avoid gut irritants.
For us, it meant eating more homemade broths and soups while removing gluten and casein. We also cut out food dyes and processed ingredients, which helped with both behavior and skin health.
If you or a loved one is dealing with skin issues, allergies, or behavioral challenges, I highly recommend checking out the book “Gut and Psychology Syndrome” to see if the protocol might be beneficial for you.
Once we had addressed diet, we found some topical solutions that helped reduce discomfort. Coconut oil was effective unless someone in the family was allergic. It provided relief for eczema itching and pain. For those allergic to coconut oil, hypoallergenic lotion bars worked well.
For wet or oozing eczema, drying it rather than moisturizing seemed to help. Many people find they feel better at the beach due to the sun’s vitamin D and the saltwater’s minerals. For those not near the ocean, creating a homemade magnesium salt spray can mimic some of these benefits.
One natural remedy that addresses root causes is increasing omega-3 intake through fish oil supplements, which may lower the risk and severity of eczema. Studies suggest that while eating fish can help, supplements provide higher therapeutic benefits.
Some people with eczema find soaking in water worsens their condition, but for others, magnesium and detox baths promote healing. I add Epsom salts or magnesium flakes to my kids’ baths, and when possible, enjoy these baths myself. When bathing isn’t an option, magnesium oil is helpful and provides fast results through skin absorption.
There’s mixed research on whether probiotics help with eczema. Some studies show little effect, but probiotics might prevent it. Probiotics seem to help my son, and we include them as part of the GAPS diet. We also try to eat probiotic-rich foods to ensure we’re supporting a healthy gut, which does influence overall health, including skin.
Bone broth was critical for healing, thanks to its gelatin content, which soothes the gut and promotes skin health. I usually save chicken carcasses to make broth and ensure the animals were healthy. There are quality pre-made bone broths as an alternative for those who don’t want to make it themselves. We also use gelatin in recipes and stir collagen powder into smoothies.
For persistent eczema scars or blisters, a homemade healing salve has been beneficial. It helps with various skin issues and diaper rash, but not with cloth diapers unless lined separately.
Eczema is painful and can be a risk factor for further complications in babies. Research suggests infants with eczema are more likely to develop food allergies, pushing health guidelines to recommend introducing allergenic foods early and regularly. This reduces the risk of allergies later on, which is vital to consider if your child has eczema.
Watching my son suffer from eczema inspired me to seek answers and find solutions. If you’re looking for great resources, consider reading “The Eczema Cure.” For more insights, tune into interviews with experts like Jennifer Fugo, Dr. Nelli Gluzman, and Dr. Ana-Maria Temple about eczema.
This isn’t personal medical advice, so be sure to discuss any new health decisions with your doctor. Have you struggled with skin issues? What has helped you manage them? Feel free to share!
