The Gut-Skin Connection: A Naturopathic Approach to Healing Eczema from Within
- Dr. Stephanie Hendershot, ND
- Nov 3
- 4 min read
Eczema, or more precisely atopic dermatitis, is more than just dry, itchy skin—it’s a chronic inflammatory condition that often reflects what’s happening inside the body. Characterized by itching, redness, dryness, and sometimes thickened or oozing skin, eczema is conventionally understood as a multifactorial condition influenced by genetics, immune dysregulation, and environmental triggers.
From a naturopathic perspective, however, the skin acts as a mirror of the internal terrain—especially the gut, nervous system, and detoxification pathways.
Genetics can certainly play a role. Some people inherit variations in the filaggrin (FLG) gene that weaken the skin barrier, making it easier for allergens and microbes to penetrate. But genetics alone don’t determine the full picture. The environment we live in, the foods we eat, the microbes in our gut, and even how we handle stress can all influence how those genes express themselves.
This is where the concept of the gut-skin axis becomes so important. Research now shows that the gut microbiome and intestinal barrier communicate with the skin through immune, metabolic, and hormonal pathways. When the gut becomes imbalanced—a state called dysbiosis—it can trigger inflammation that manifests on the skin. [1]
The Gut-Skin Connection in Eczema
In my clinical practice, I often see this connection firsthand. Many patients with eczema have underlying food sensitivities or gut imbalances that keep their immune system in overdrive. Common trigger foods include dairy, gluten, soy, eggs, corn, and refined sugar, though sensitivities can be unique to each individual.
For instance, my own daughter reacted to carrots and lettuce—something we only discovered after running a comprehensive IgG food sensitivity panel. Removing reactive foods helps calm immune activation, reduce intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”), and support a more balanced gut microbiome. As the gut heals, inflammation decreases, and the skin begins to repair itself.
Despite what some may have been told, what we eat absolutely affects our skin health.
Supporting gut repair is a cornerstone of the naturopathic approach to eczema. Nutrients like L-glutamine and zinc help restore the intestinal lining, while soothing botanicals such as aloe vera and slippery elm can reduce inflammation.
A nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet that includes plenty of fiber, healthy fats, and phytonutrients creates the right environment for beneficial gut bacteria to thrive. Over time, this “inside-out” healing approach lowers systemic inflammation and supports the skin’s natural resilience. [2]
The Role of the Nervous System
Another key piece of the puzzle is the nervous system. Emotional stress has a powerful influence on the skin through what’s known as the neuro-immuno-cutaneous system. Chronic stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which can shift immune balance, increase inflammation, and weaken the skin barrier.
Supporting the nervous system through rest, stress management, and mindfulness practices is essential. I’ve seen this clearly in my own daughter—each time she transitions to a new classroom or teacher, her eczema flares due to the stress of the change. It’s a reminder that we can’t underestimate how closely the nervous system and skin are connected. [3]
Detoxification and Elimination Support
Detoxification and elimination are also key aspects of the naturopathic approach. Supporting the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system, and skin helps the body clear metabolic waste and reduce overall toxic load.
In practice, this might involve using UNDAs, maintaining proper hydration, providing nutrient support for liver function, incorporating botanical detoxifiers, dry brushing, sauna therapy, or gentle exercise to enhance lymphatic flow.
Even though clinical evidence in dermatology is still developing, research on fasting and metabolic clearance suggests potential benefits for inflammatory skin conditions where systemic burden is high. [4]
Healing Eczema from the Inside Out
Eczema isn’t just a surface-level condition—it’s a systemic expression of the body’s internal environment. When we look beyond the rash and focus on restoring gut health, calming the nervous system, and supporting detoxification, true healing becomes possible.
The goal isn’t just to suppress symptoms but to help the body return to balance—so the skin can heal from within.
If you need personalized care to heal your skin once and for all, 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. Stephanie Hendershot, ND
References:
Lee SY, Lee E, Park YM, Hong SJ. Microbiome in the Gut-Skin Axis in Atopic Dermatitis. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2018 Jul;10(4):354-362. doi: 10.4168/aair.2018.10.4.354. PMID: 29949831; PMCID: PMC6021588.
Rios-Carlos M, Cervantes-García D, Córdova-Dávalos LE, Bermúdez-Humarán LG, Salinas E. Unraveling the gut-skin axis in atopic dermatitis: exploiting insights for therapeutic strategies. Gut Microbes. 2024 Jan-Dec;16(1):2430420. doi: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2430420. Epub 2024 Nov 27. PMID: 39601281; PMCID: PMC11610564.
Suárez AL, Feramisco JD, Koo J, Steinhoff M. Psychoneuroimmunology of psychological stress and atopic dermatitis: pathophysiologic and therapeutic updates. Acta Derm Venereol. 2012 Jan;92(1):7-15. doi: 10.2340/00015555-1188. PMID: 22101513; PMCID: PMC3704139.
Pessôa R, Clissa PB, Sanabani SS. The Interaction between the Host Genome, Epigenome, and the Gut-Skin Axis Microbiome in Atopic Dermatitis. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Sep 20;24(18):14322. doi: 10.3390/ijms241814322. PMID: 37762624; PMCID: PMC10532357.
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.
