Eczema and psoriasis

Overview

Eczema and psoriasis are chronic inflammatory skin conditions that affect millions worldwide, causing significant physical discomfort and emotional distress. Eczema (atopic dermatitis) typically presents as itchy, red, inflamed patches that may weep or crust, commonly appearing in the folds of elbows and knees, though it can occur anywhere on the body. Psoriasis manifests as raised, scaly plaques resulting from accelerated skin cell turnover, most frequently found on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. While these conditions differ in their underlying mechanisms—eczema often relates to allergic/inflammatory responses and compromised skin barrier function, and psoriasis involves autoimmune processes—both reflect deeper systemic imbalances rather than merely superficial skin problems. These conditions frequently connect to gut health, immune dysregulation, stress, inflammatory diet patterns, and toxic burden. Conventional treatments typically focus on topical steroids to manage symptoms, but Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Health (TCIH) approaches offer comprehensive strategies that address root causes, reduce inflammation, support immune balance, heal the gut-skin connection, and restore skin health from the inside out while providing symptomatic relief through gentle, sustainable methods^[2,4].

Common Causes and Contributing Factors

• Immune system dysregulation - Overactive or misdirected immune responses drive the inflammation characteristic of both conditions, with genetic predisposition playing a significant role
• Gut health imbalances - Intestinal permeability ("leaky gut"), dysbiosis, and digestive dysfunction strongly correlate with skin inflammation through the gut-skin axis^[12]
• Food sensitivities and allergies - Common triggers include dairy, gluten, eggs, nuts, and nightshade vegetables that provoke inflammatory responses manifesting in the skin^[11]
• Environmental triggers - Harsh soaps, detergents, chemicals, fragrances, certain fabrics, extreme temperatures, and low humidity can aggravate symptoms
• Chronic stress - Prolonged psychological stress triggers inflammatory cascades, compromises immune function, and frequently precipitates flare-ups of both conditions
• Inflammatory diet - Processed foods, refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and alcohol promote systemic inflammation that exacerbates skin conditions^[9]
• Microbial imbalances - Overgrowth of certain bacteria, yeast (particularly Candida), or other microorganisms can trigger immune responses affecting the skin^[12]
• Nutritional deficiencies - Inadequate essential fatty acids, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin A, and other nutrients compromise skin barrier function and immune regulation^[9]
• Toxic burden - Accumulation of heavy metals, pesticides, and environmental toxins can trigger autoimmune and inflammatory responses
• Hormonal fluctuations - Changes during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or hormonal transitions can influence flare patterns and severity.

Signs and Symptoms

• Itching and irritation - Intense itchiness (especially in eczema) that worsens at night, leading to scratching that damages skin and creates an infection risk
• Red, inflamed patches - Areas of skin showing active inflammation, warmth, and redness indicating immune system activation
• Dry, scaly skin - Rough, flaky patches with thick scales (particularly in psoriasis) or dry, sensitive areas prone to cracking (eczema)
• Thickened skin - Lichenification from chronic scratching and inflammation, creating a leathery texture and increased sensitivity
• Cracking and bleeding - Severe dryness causing skin fissures that bleed and create entry points for infection
• Weeping or oozing - Acute eczema may produce clear fluid, while infected areas may show pus or crusting
• Nail changes - Psoriasis particularly affects nails, causing pitting, thickening, discolouration, and separation from the nail bed
• Joint pain - Psoriatic arthritis develops in some individuals with psoriasis, causing joint inflammation and stiffness
• Sleep disruption - Nighttime itching and discomfort significantly impact sleep quality, leading to fatigue and stress
• Emotional distress - Visible skin conditions affect self-esteem, social confidence, and mental health, creating stress that worsens symptoms

Holistic and TCIH Approaches

Holistic and Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) care addresses the root causes of eczema and psoriasis through systemic approaches that reduce inflammation, balance immunity, heal the gut, and support skin restoration.

• Naturopathy provides comprehensive assessment and treatment addressing the whole person rather than isolated symptoms. Naturopathic doctors investigate underlying triggers, including food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, and toxic burden, while developing individualised protocols combining dietary modifications, specific supplements (omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, vitamin D, zinc), herbal remedies, and lifestyle recommendations. They emphasise healing the gut-skin connection, reducing systemic inflammation, supporting detoxification pathways, and restoring the conditions for skin health through natural, evidence-based interventions tailored to each individual's unique presentation^[2].
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views skin conditions as manifestations of internal imbalances involving dampness, heat, blood deficiency, or wind, requiring constitutional treatment beyond superficial approaches. TCM practitioners use pulse and tongue diagnosis to identify patterns, then employ acupuncture to regulate immune function and reduce inflammation, Chinese herbal formulas specifically designed for skin conditions that clear heat and dampness while nourishing blood, dietary therapy based on TCM principles of food energetics, and lifestyle recommendations aligned with seasonal influences. This time-tested system addresses both the root cause and symptomatic manifestation comprehensively^[6,8,10].
• Ayurveda classifies eczema and psoriasis according to dosha imbalances—often involving aggravated Pitta (heat/inflammation) and Kapha (dampness)—and provides constitutional treatments including Panchakarma cleansing protocols to remove accumulated toxins (ama), specific herbal preparations like neem, turmeric, and manjistha for blood purification and skin health, individualized dietary guidelines based on prakriti (constitution) and vikruti (current imbalance), external applications of medicated oils and pastes, and lifestyle practices that cool heat and dry dampness while supporting balanced digestion and elimination^[4].
• Herbal Medicine offers targeted botanical support for reducing inflammation, supporting immune modulation, promoting skin healing, and addressing underlying causes. Key herbs include burdock and red clover for blood purification, liquorice and turmeric for anti-inflammatory effects, calendula and chamomile topically for soothing irritation, milk thistle for liver support and detoxification, nettle for antihistamine and nutritive properties, and Oregon grape for its berberine content supporting gut and skin health, formulated as internal teas or tinctures and external washes, compresses, or salves^[1,4,6].
• Homeopathy uses highly individualised prescriptions based on the totality of symptoms, including physical manifestations, triggers, modalities, and constitutional characteristics. Remedies are selected to stimulate the body's self-healing capacity by matching the symptom picture, with common remedies including Graphites for eczema with oozing honey-like discharge, Arsenicum album for burning, restless skin conditions, Sulphur for itchy, burning eruptions worse from warmth, and deeper constitutional remedies addressing predisposition and susceptibility, aiming to resolve conditions from within rather than merely suppressing symptoms^[4].
• Nutrition forms a cornerstone of treatment, emphasising anti-inflammatory whole foods including vegetables, fruits, wild-caught fish rich in omega-3s, healthy fats from olive oil and avocados, and adequate hydration, while eliminating common triggers such as dairy, gluten, refined sugar, processed foods, and alcohol. Specific therapeutic diets may include elimination protocols to identify personal triggers, foods supporting gut healing like bone broth and fermented vegetables, adequate protein for skin repair, and avoiding nightshades in some cases, recognising that healing the gut and reducing dietary inflammation profoundly impacts skin health^[9,12].
• Acupuncture regulates immune function, reduces inflammation, alleviates itching, and addresses the energetic imbalances underlying skin manifestations. Fine needles inserted at specific points modulate inflammatory pathways, support stress reduction, enhance circulation, promote skin healing, improve sleep quality, and balance the body's regulatory systems. Regular treatments help prevent flares while addressing acute symptoms, with particular effectiveness when combined with herbal medicine and dietary modifications for comprehensive care^[8].
• Balneotherapy employs therapeutic bathing using mineral-rich waters, Dead Sea salts, or specific additives to soothe inflammation, soften scales, promote healing, and provide relief from itching and discomfort. Treatments may include soaking in Dead Sea salt baths that provide minerals while reducing inflammation, oatmeal baths for their anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties, diluted apple cider vinegar baths to restore skin pH, and mineral spring therapies available at specialised centres, all supporting skin barrier restoration while reducing microbial overgrowth and calming immune reactivity^[7].

Self-Care and Lifestyle Practices

• Moisturise consistently - Apply thick, fragrance-free emollients immediately after bathing to seal in moisture and strengthen skin barrier function
• Identify and avoid triggers - Keep a symptom diary to track flares related to foods, products, stress, or environmental factors, then systematically eliminate triggers
• Manage stress effectively - Practice daily stress reduction through meditation, yoga, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques to minimise flare-ups
• Use gentle, natural products - Choose fragrance-free, chemical-free soaps, laundry detergents, and skincare products that don't irritate sensitive skin
• Optimise gut health - Consume probiotic-rich fermented foods, adequate fibre, and bone broth while avoiding foods that compromise gut integrity^[12]
• Support with supplements - Consider omega-3 fish oil (2-3g daily), vitamin D (2000-4000 IU), probiotics, and zinc under professional guidance^[9]
• Protect from extreme temperatures - Avoid very hot showers, extreme cold, and dry environments; use humidifiers in heated spaces
• Wear comfortable fabrics - Choose soft, breathable natural materials like cotton and avoid wool or synthetic fabrics that may irritate
• Stay hydrated - Drink adequate filtered water throughout the day to support skin hydration from within and aid detoxification
• Get adequate sunlight - Moderate sun exposure (with appropriate protection) provides vitamin D and has anti-inflammatory effects, particularly beneficial for psoriasis

When to Seek Professional Support

Conventional medical practitioners should be consulted for proper diagnosis through clinical examination and possibly skin biopsy, assessment for infection in severely inflamed or weeping areas, evaluation of extensive or rapidly spreading conditions, screening for associated conditions like psoriatic arthritis, and management of severe cases requiring medical intervention. Medical attention is important when experiencing signs of skin infection (increased pain, pus, fever), conditions significantly impacting quality of life, ineffective over-the-counter treatments, or concerning symptoms like sudden widespread eruption. Immediate care is needed for signs of severe allergic reaction or systemic illness.

A verified SoulAdvisor practitioner can work collaboratively with medical providers to identify and address root causes through comprehensive assessment of diet, digestion, stress, and environmental factors, provide naturopathic protocols addressing gut health, inflammation, and immune balance^[12], offer TCM or Ayurvedic treatments tailored to constitutional patterns and imbalances, recommend specific herbs and nutritional supplements supporting skin health and healing^[1,9,10], teach stress management and lifestyle modifications that reduce flare frequency, provide acupuncture or balneotherapy for symptomatic relief and deeper healing^[7,8], and support the emotional impact of living with chronic skin conditions. This integrative approach recognises that lasting resolution of eczema and psoriasis requires addressing the whole person—healing the gut, balancing immunity, reducing inflammation, managing stress, eliminating triggers, and supporting the skin's natural capacity to heal—creating not just temporary suppression but genuine restoration of skin health and overall vitality^[2,4].