Gut Health and Eczema: The Gut-Skin Connection

If you’ve ever wondered why some foods or stress seem to trigger your eczema, you’re not alone. More and more research points to a strong link between gut health and skin conditions like eczema. Commonly referred to as the gut-skin connection, this fascinating area of study explores how the balance of bacteria in your digestive system can directly impact your skin and your flare-ups.

Understanding the link between your gut health and eczema could be a key part of managing your symptoms and finding long-term relief. In this post, we’re taking a closer look at what this connection means, how it works, and what you can do to support both your gut and your skin.

What Is the Gut-Skin Connection?

The gut-skin connection refers to the way the health of your digestive system can influence skin health. Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, all known as the gut microbiome. 

A healthy gut microbiome supports digestion, nutrient absorption, immune system function, and even mental health. But when the balance of good and bad bacteria gets disrupted, it can lead to inflammation throughout your body, including your skin.

For people living with eczema, this inflammation can worsen flare-ups or trigger new ones. That’s why keeping your gut microbiome balanced and healthy may help reduce the severity and frequency of eczema symptoms.

The Role of the Immune System

Eczema is an inflammatory condition often linked to an overactive immune response. 

Your gut plays a big part in regulating your immune system. In fact, around 70% of your immune cells are found in the gut. When your gut is healthy, it acts like a barrier,  stopping harmful substances from leaking into your bloodstream and keeping your immune responses in check.

But when the gut lining becomes damaged (a condition sometimes called “leaky gut”), bacteria, toxins and undigested food particles can escape into the bloodstream and spark inflammation. 

For people with eczema, this can mean more itchiness, redness and dry skin.

How Gut Imbalances Might Trigger Eczema

There are a few ways poor gut health can influence eczema symptoms:

• Dysbiosis: This is when the balance of gut bacteria shifts, usually due to antibiotics, poor diet or stress. A reduction in beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria can contribute to inflammation and worsen eczema.
  
• Food sensitivities: An unhealthy gut can increase your risk of developing sensitivities or allergies to certain foods. Common triggers like dairy, gluten or eggs may cause flare-ups in some people.
  
• Reduced short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) – These are produced when good bacteria break down dietary fibre. SCFAs help regulate inflammation and keep the gut lining healthy. Low levels of SCFAs have been linked to eczema in some studies.
  

Can Improving Gut Health Help Manage Eczema?

The short answer is – it might. While gut health is not the only factor involved in eczema, it’s a piece of the puzzle worth paying attention to. Supporting a healthy gut can be a gentle, long-term way to help manage symptoms, reduce flare-ups and feel better overall.

Here are some simple ways to support your gut health and possibly reduce the severity of eczema:

1. Eat more fibre-rich wholefoods

Fibre feeds your good gut bacteria. Focus on plant-based foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains. These promote the production of SCFAs, which support gut and skin health.

2. Add fermented foods to your diet

Fermented foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, miso and kombucha are rich in probiotics. These beneficial bacteria help restore balance in the gut and may calm inflammation.

3. Limit processed foods and added sugars

Highly processed foods and sugary snacks can disrupt the gut microbiome and fuel inflammation. Try to eat more wholefoods and cook at home when you can.

4. Consider a probiotic supplement

Some studies suggest that specific probiotic strains – like Lactobacillus rhamnosus or Bifidobacterium lactis – may help improve eczema symptoms, particularly in children. Speak to your GP or dermatologist before starting any supplements.

5. Manage stress levels

Chronic stress affects both your gut health and your skin. Gentle movement, mindfulness, good sleep and doing things you enjoy can all help lower stress and support your body.

What About Children with Eczema?

The gut-skin connection is as relevant for children and little ones with eczema. While babies are born with an immature gut microbiome, it develops over time through exposure to their environment, breastmilk, and the foods they eat. There may be differences in the gut bacteria of children with eczema compared to those without, although more research is still needed to understand these patterns fully.

Encouraging a healthy gut environment early on can be a gentle, supportive strategy. This might include breastfeeding where possible, introducing solids gradually, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, and offering a variety of fibre-rich, wholefoods as children grow. These habits help nurture a more balanced gut microbiome, which plays a role in overall health, including skin health.

When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing ongoing flare-ups, digestive issues, or finding it difficult to get your eczema under control, it might be worth taking a closer look at your gut health. Eczema is a highly individual condition – what works well for one person may not work for another. That’s why it’s so important to take a personalised approach.

A GP, dermatologist, or naturopath who understands the connection between gut and skin health can help guide you through the process. They may suggest testing, dietary changes or other supportive strategies tailored to your body and needs. With the proper support, you can start to piece together what helps you feel more comfortable in your skin.

Why Gut Health and Eczema Deserve More Attention

Understanding the link between gut health and eczema gives you another valuable tool to help manage your symptoms. While gut health alone won’t “cure” eczema, it’s a meaningful piece of the puzzle – and one that’s often overlooked. By supporting your gut through nourishing foods, stress management and simple lifestyle changes, you might not only ease your eczema but also improve your overall wellbeing. When your gut is balanced, your skin has a better chance of healing and thriving.

If you’re looking for more guidance and support or simply a community that understands, we’d love for you to consider becoming a member of the Eczema Association of Australasia. 

Our members get access to exclusive resources, expert insights, and compassionate support to help them confidently manage their eczema. You’re not alone – and we’re here to walk this journey with you. Explore our membership options and become a member today.