A Whole Body Approach to Childhood Eczema
Eczema in kids can feel relentless. Bombarded by the itching, the redness, the interrupted sleep. And just when things start to improve, another flare. Many parents are handed a prescription for a steroid cream and told to moisturize more. And while that approach can help with short-term symptom relief, it doesn’t always answer the bigger question: Why is this happening in the first place?
Steroids certainly have a place in our toolkit, but with naturopathic medicine we start a different approach. Rather than just chasing symptoms, our goal is to understand the root causes of eczema and to support the body’s healing process from the inside out.
Eczema 101
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that often begins in infancy or early childhood. It usually shows up as dry, red, or scaly patches on the cheeks, arms, legs, or behind the knees. Often, it itches a lot.
Eczema is part of what’s known as the atopic triad, a cluster of conditions that includes eczema, allergies, and asthma. These conditions tend to run together in families and all point to a pattern of immune hypersensitivity. While eczema is not contagious, it’s a sign that the immune system is responding too strongly, often to things that shouldn’t be threats in the first place.
Starting With Steroids
Most children diagnosed with eczema are prescribed a topical corticosteroid. These creams are designed to quickly reduce inflammation, and for many families, they offer a much needed reprieve during flares.
But over time, steroid creams may become less effective. Some children experience rebound flares, thinning of the skin, or a need for stronger medications. Then there is the fear that can come from discontinuing corticosteroid creams, wondering if a major flare will be the result. So, while these steroids can certianly bring relief, the bigger concern is that steroids address the symptom: inflammation. They don’t explore why the inflammation is happening in the first place.
Looking Beneath The Surface
From a functional medicine perspective, eczema is not just a skin issue. It is often a reflection of something deeper going on in the gut, immune system, or environment. Here are the key areas typically explored:
1. Digestive Health and the Microbiome
Many kids with eczema also have signs of digestive dysfunction. The microbiome, the community of bacteria in the digestive tract, plays a major role in regulating the immune system. If the gut barrier is compromised or if beneficial bacteria are low, it can create a cascade of inflammation that shows up on the skin.
Support for the gut may involve dietary shifts, improving microbiome diversity, and working toward optimal digestion in a gentle, age appropriate way. Often, testing the stool can give us great insight into the microbiome and gut function, informing us of the best treatment methods.
2. Food Sensitivities
Certain foods can trigger or worsen eczema in sensitive individuals. This doesn’t mean every child needs to avoid common allergens forever, but temporary elimination of foods like dairy, gluten, soy, or eggs can sometimes reduce immune reactivity while the gut and skin are supported.
Rather than jumping into restriction, the approach should be intentional and personalized, with the goal of eventually reintroducing as many nourishing foods as possible. Often times, food sensitivities tell us more about the state of the digestive tract than they do about the specific food itself.
3. Immune Dysregulation and Inflammation
Eczema is a sign of an immune system that is reacting to things it should not be. Instead of simply suppressing this response, holistic approaches aim to guide the immune system back into balance, reducing overall inflammation and improving tolerance to the everyday world.
4. Skin and Environmental Exposures
The skin is the body’s largest organ of defense and it is in constant contact with the environment. Irritants like fragranced soaps, laundry detergents, synthetic fabrics, mold, and dust mites can all contribute to skin reactivity.
Reducing this load does not need to be overwhelming. Simple steps like switching to fragrance free products, avoiding dryer sheets, and choosing breathable fabrics can go a long way.
Topical Care To Support Healing
While starting with the inside is key, topical support on the outside matters too, especially for calming symptoms and protecting the skin barrier. Some gentle, supportive options include:
Active Skin Repair Spray – a gentle spray containig hypochlorous acid that helps support the skin’s microbiome and healing
Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment – powdered colloidal oatmeal that can be added to the bath to calm inflammation and ease itching
Kamedis Eczema Therapy Cream – a botanical blend with soothing herbs and a light texture
Tubby Todd All Over Ointment – great for daily use, especially on sensitive areas like cheeks and behind knees
Eczema Honey Original Healing Cream – rich in natural moisturizers like honey and beeswax for deep hydration
Consistency matters more than perfection, especially after bathing, during dry seasons, or when skin is actively flaring.
Supporting The Whole Child
Treating eczema holistically means supporting the immune system, the gut, and the skin, not just applying a cream and hoping for the best. Sometimes this includes targeted supplementation to support microbial diversity, gut barrier integrity, immune balance, or inflammation. These are always tailored to the individual child with intention and care.
Eczema is more than surface dryness. It is a signal. A sign that the body may be inflamed, the immune system may be overreactive, or the gut may need more support. By looking holistically and approaching care with patience and curiosity, real progress is possible. It is not about perfection. It is about helping your child build resilience from the inside out.
About the Author
Dr. Hannah is a naturopathic doctor providing whole body adjunctive healthcare to families in Southern Maine. She believes every patient has their own unique health journey, which influences her personalized treatment approach. She has a passion for helping women, mothers and families heal and thrive, all while uncovering the root cause of whatever ails them. Her goal is to empower and guide her patients on the path towards healing the mind, body and soul through natural methods of healing. Dr. Hannah sees patients locally in Portland and Brewer, Maine. Through telehealth, she is happy to serve the people of Lewiston, Ellsworth, Bangor, and all the towns in between!
Disclaimer
The information provided on or through this website is for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not a substitution for proper and personalized medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or trusted healthcare provider before making an adjustments or changes to your healthcare regimen. Natural medicine is not inherently harmless, and therefore it is important to speak with your healthcare providers for personalized medical advice.