Eczema Healing Journey: How Diet, Gut Health, and Genetics Shape Skin Recovery

Eczema is a topic that hits close to home for me—born and raised with arms and legs smothered in steroid creams and endless itch. My mother had no choice at the time; few alternative treatments were offered. I remember the stinging, the scratching until I bled, especially during every sports season when shin guards and sweat made my legs erupt in pain. As I entered adulthood, the frequency of flare-ups eased, but the condition quietly lingered.

It wasn’t until college—when my stomach started to revolt—that I discovered something meaningful. After major dietary shifts, I saw a full clearing of my symptoms. At the time, I didn’t realize that the science of eczema, food sensitivities, and the gut-skin connection was catching up.

The Diet–Skin Connection

Emerging evidence now confirms that food allergens and sensitivities play a significant role in worsening eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis). Studies show that children with eczema are more likely to develop food allergies. For example, a systematic review found a strong association between eczema severity and food sensitization, especially in infants with early-onset disease.

A 2014 review explained that dietary factors—including the gut–skin axis—can exacerbate dermatitis, and that elimination diets may bring relief in some cases. More recently, a 2024 review reinforced the link between diet, gut-skin interactions, and atopic dermatitis, suggesting that food allergies (and, by extension, food sensitivities) are important triggers.

While true IgE-mediated food allergies (such as milk, egg, soy, wheat, peanuts, and fish) are well-recognized in eczema, non-IgE-mediated sensitivities—though harder to test—appear to contribute to chronic skin inflammation.

My Story and What I Learned

Growing up with flare-ups, I was a picky eater surviving on buttered rolls, peanut butter sandwiches, bagels, and pizza. High activity masked the diet’s stress on my system until college, when my metabolism changed, my gut rebelled, and I was forced to reevaluate. Shifting to a gluten-free, dairy-free diet changed everything—my symptoms disappeared.

Later, while trying to conceive, I discovered I carry the MTHFR C677T variant—a common polymorphism affecting methylation and detoxification pathways. This gene may increase susceptibility to autoimmune conditions, including eczema, especially when paired with dietary or toxin overload. While research is still evolving, the link between methylation, immune regulation, and skin conditions provides another piece of the puzzle.

When my daughter Sloane developed a widespread rash at four months—after I ate a high-corn/soy dip preceding her flare—I realized the pattern was repeating in a new generation. I briefly used steroid ointment as prescribed but then eliminated corn and soy to achieve lasting relief. For us, the dietary change became non-negotiable to keep her skin clear.

What You Should Know About Eczema

• Skin-barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation: Mutations (e.g., filaggrin gene) impair the barrier and allow allergens and irritants easier access.

• Gut–skin axis: Disruption of the gut microbiome influences immune responses and may trigger or worsen eczema.

• Food allergy triggers: In children with eczema, cow’s milk, soy, wheat, eggs, peanuts, and fish are common.

• Food sensitivities/intolerances: While harder to measure, they may contribute to persistent or low-grade inflammation in those with eczema, even without classic allergy tests.

• Environmental, stress, and lifestyle factors: Beyond diet, stress, sleep disruption, and environmental irritants (clothing, humidity, heat, or sweat) can exacerbate flares.

  
  

Healing is a process. Whether triggered by childbirth, dietary shifts, major life changes, or loss—your body carries more than you see. Stored trauma, whether emotional or physical, affects the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems. If we don’t release it, we can’t move forward fully.

Bringing It All Together

My healing journey—from relentless steroid creams as a child to full clearing following dietary and lifestyle changes—illustrates how interconnected the body truly is. The skin is not just skin; it’s a mirror of gut health, immunity, genetics, stress, and environment.

If you live with eczema or chronic skin issues, know this:

• It’s OK to explore diet (under guidance) and observe how your body responds.

• It’s not about perfection—it’s about momentum. You’ll have wins, but also setbacks.

• Healing is multi-layered: detoxification (e.g., addressing MTHFR), breathing, movement, stress management, skincare, and nutrition all matter.

• Consider a holistic plan: allergy and sensitivity testing, gut health support, elimination diets, and bodywork or stress release (because trauma lives in tissue).

Combining topical care with systemic care works. Research shows early skin intervention in infants can reduce the onset of food.

In short: Your skin problem isn’t just about what you smear on it—it’s about what you’re absorbing, processing, and carrying. Let your body carry the joy, not the burden.

Move your body. Nourish your gut. Release your stress.Your skin—and your whole self—will thank you.

If you need support and individualized care for yourself or your little one, we've gotcha covered! At IVY Integrative, you can work with me or build your own team of holistic practitioners! Reach your optimum health in-person or online. Check out our Get Started page to learn how to work with us!

Author: Dr. Sarah Kingsley PT, DPT, RYT

Disclaimer: This information is generalized and intended for educational purposes only. Due to potential individual contraindications, please see your primary care provider before implementing any strategies in these posts.