Brief Overview of Eczema and its Prevalence in Children
If you or your child is suffering from eczema, take solace in knowing you are not alone. The incidence of eczema has increased two- to three-fold in industrialized nations since the 1970s, with approximately 15% to 20% of children and 1% to 3% of adults affected worldwide. In the United States, population-based studies suggest a prevalence of about 10.7% for children and 7.2% for adults. Non-Hispanic Black children are disproportionately affected, with nearly 1 in 5 developing the disease.
Eczema often presents by 5 years of age, with the highest incidence occurring between 3 and 6 months, though it can develop at any age. Approximately 60% of patients experience onset in the first year of life, and 90% within the first five years. Around 20% of children who develop eczema before the age of 2 will have persistent symptoms into adulthood, and this number may be even higher.
In the United States, the prevalence of eczema is notably higher. Children born outside the U.S. have a 50% lower chance of developing eczema, but their risk increases to match that of American-born children after 10 years. Additionally, children in urban areas are more commonly affected than those in rural areas. The disease does not discriminate by socioeconomic status; in fact, children of parents with more than a high school education are also more commonly affected. For reasons I will discuss later, the U.S. seems to be an eczema-producing environment. So, let’s dive into what actually causes eczema in children and adults.
Importance of Understanding Causes and Symptoms for Effective Treatment for Eczema in Children
If you search “what can cause eczema?” online, you’ll typically find that it is described as an inflammatory skin condition of genetic origin, mainly related to skin abnormalities. These explanations often imply that, since eczema is genetic, the root cause cannot be changed. Many people view eczema as an isolated skin condition due to its visible symptoms, assuming the cause must be external. I want to dispel these notions.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a systemic condition with complex origins. Although genetics play a role, there is a lot more to the story. Ultimately, eczema is the result of an overactive immune system and the majority of our immune system (two-thirds) lies in our gut. When our immune system becomes hyper-reactive, we experience inflammation.
Our bodies can only tolerate a certain level of inflammation, and once this threshold is exceeded, symptoms appear. Often, these symptoms manifest on the skin, which serves as a window into our immune system. While the gut is typically the primary source of systemic inflammation, other factors such as stress, environment, household toxins, and many medications contribute to overall inflammation. Therefore, there are multiple causes of eczema in children and adults, and a holistic approach requires addressing all these areas.
Holistically managing eczema involves reducing our overall inflammatory load by addressing all contributing factors. Since the gut has the most significant influence on our immune system, it is the starting point for treatment. Remember, two-thirds of our immune system resides in the gut.
You need to start thinking of eczema as an inside-out problem. Once we understand how the issue begins in the gut, we can make the necessary internal changes to heal our skin from the inside out. What gives me the confidence to make this statement? I have successfully treated thousands of eczema patients by healing their guts.
Role of Gut Health in Eczema
The Connection between Gut Health and Skin Conditions
“All disease begins in the gut” this quote is from Hippocrates nearly 2500 years ago. It applies to eczema as well.
I was introduced to the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) which taught me to get to the root cause of problems rather than relying on surface solutions. Fast forward 5 years and I have now treated over 1,000 eczema patients with a gut first approach and have been amazed at the results! I cover exactly what I learned inside this blog.
Because two-thirds of our immune systems reside in our guts, if our gut is out whack so is our immune system. So even though it seems like some topical detergent or clothing has caused eczema, it’s really the result excessive inflammation in the entire body. This is why there is a higher incidence of eczema from people who suffer from constipation and leaky gut and why many patients find relief through altering their diets.
Eczema is also the first step of the atopic march, which includes asthma and allergies. Thus, a child with moderate to severe eczema has a 60% chance of developing
The skin is the body’s largest elimination organ so it’s not surprising that it comes under assault when toxins careen through the bloodstream. A skin rash or eczema is a sign that the body is trying to slough out these toxins.
Common Causes of Eczema in Children
Lifestyle factors: Diet, Hygiene & Stress
Diet
Let’s begin with foundational knowledge about digestion and diet. The first step to better understand how eczema starts from the inside, it’s essential to grasp the basics of human nutrition, which involves five key stages:
- Ingestion
- Digestion
- Absorption
- Assimilation
- Elimination
To learn more about each of these nutrition steps check out the blog, “What Can Cause Eczema?” The key takeaway is that the typical American diet, filled with highly processed foods, wreaks havoc on our digestive and immune systems. When we consume foods with lab-created chemicals, our cells become confused. They struggle to process additives like monosodium glutamate or disodium-5′-inosinate. Additionally, our bodies often recognize these substances as foreign invaders, triggering an inflammatory response to combat them, which can lead to leaky gut and cause eczema in children and adults.
The dramatically increased incidence of eczema in the United States is likely due to the western (American) diet, which is loaded with taste enhancing chemicals and preservatives. Countries that have adapted the American diet have generally also seen a rise in eczema cases.
In fact, the United States Food and Drug administration has only banned 9 chemicals in its entire existence. Compare this to the more than 2000 that have been banned in Europe and you can see why our food is a problem.
Hygiene
Another area of concern when treating eczema are environmental factors. Start by taking a look at the products you are using for personal hygiene and household cleaning.
Finding the right eczema-friendly laundry detergent and cleaning products can be challenging, but with proper research, it doesn’t have to be. The Think Dirty app is a great tool for vetting products. Why is this important? Studies have found that newborns’ umbilical cord blood contains up to 200 chemicals, and nearly 80% of the chemicals detected in maternal blood samples are also found in umbilical cord blood. These chemicals are harmful to everyone, especially growing children.
Research estimates that 5% of childhood cancers and 30% of asthma cases are related to chemical exposures found in household cleaning products.
Read the full blog for more tips on eczema-friendly cleaning and creating a healthier home for your child.
Genetic factors: Family History and Hereditary Links
Have you ever experienced an illness, whether mild or severe, such as thyroid issues, anxiety, or ear infections, and were told it was genetic and unavoidable? Have you felt helpless because your genes seemed to predetermine your illness? It’s worth discussing whether this is truly the case.
For much of my life, I believed that most health issues were either genetic (encoded in our DNA) or infectious (caused by bacteria, viruses, or other organisms). However, over the past 5-10 years, I’ve learned that while genetics may predispose certain individuals to diseases, it is often their environment that triggers these conditions. In other words, genetics load the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger.
The most compelling evidence for a genetic link is the tendency for eczema to run in families. Studies have shown that a person is three to five times more likely to develop eczema if one or both parents have a history of the condition. It is common for me to see a child with eczema whose parents or family members also have a history of it.
However, the discussion doesn’t end here. While there is evidence that eczema has a genetic component, epigenetics also play a role in its development. This is where the topic becomes both intriguing and complex. Learn the full details here.
Environmental triggers: Allergens, pollutants, and weather changes.
There are many factors that can change the way our genes work. Although your environment will not change your DNA sequence it can change how your body reads the DNA sequence. Some factors that have been identified to alter DNA expression include birth factors like maternal stress and diet, c-sections, antibiotics, reflux, medications, allergens, pollutants, weather changes and the microbiome to name a new.
The good news here is that we have the power to alter our gene expression with our behavior and environment. So you can’t pick your mom and dad, but you can influence how their diseases may or may not affect you by altering your behavior and environment.
Recognizing Symptoms of Eczema in Children and Adults
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition where the skin becomes itchy, dry, and painful. It often leads to blisters and rashes, making the skin look red and inflamed.
Eczema usually first appears in children between the ages of 3-6 months, typically affecting the face, arms, legs, and stomach. In adults, eczema more commonly affects the eyelids, neck, hands, and joint folds.
Early diagnosis and treatment of eczema are crucial because improper management can exacerbate the condition. Without proper identification, parents might unknowingly worsen their child’s eczema with excessive use of toxic medication while also spending so much money. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment, which can prevent the condition from worsening and improve the child’s comfort and quality of life.
Natural Treatments for Eczema in Children
Dietary changes to support gut health
Eczema & Processed Foods
The best natural remedy for eczema starts with dietary changes. The best way to avoid unwanted ingredients in our food that can trigger inflammation, is to eat whole, unprocessed foods. If you eat processed foods, read ingredient lists carefully and avoid those with food dyes, artificial colors, or additives. Choose organic meats to avoid excessive hormone and antibiotic exposure. Skin patch testing can identify allergies to many additives, but it is unreliable for subtle sensitivities—avoiding them is the best option.
Here are some tips to avoid harmful chemicals in processed foods:
- Read ingredient labels carefully and avoid long lists of unpronounceable chemicals.
- Choose whole, natural foods whenever possible – fruits, vegetables, organic meats
- Support organizations like The Environmental Working Group, which work to eliminate toxic chemicals from our food supply.
Choosing organic, whole, natural foods over processed foods offers many benefits:
- Lower in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
- Free from chemicals and artificial flavors.
- Rich in nutrients and antioxidants.
- Gentle on the digestive system.
To learn more about the effects of Food Dyes and Preservatives check out the full blog here.
Eczema & Sugar
Most people don’t see an immediate connection between sugar intake and skin health, but the evidence is clear: your daily sugar consumption directly affects your skin and eczema. The United States, with its high sugar intake and childhood obesity rates, highlights the problem’s scale. The average American consumes about 22 teaspoons of added sugar per day, far exceeding the American Heart Association’s recommendation of less than 6 teaspoons for children over 2, and no added sugar for children under 2.
Sugar impacts eczema in three significant ways:
- Inflammation: High sugar intake causes insulin spikes, leading to the production of inflammatory molecules that affect the skin, airways, and gut.
- Gut Health: Excess sugar promotes yeast growth, disrupting the gut microbiome, leading to leaky gut syndrome, and preventing nutrient absorption.
- Skin Damage: High sugar levels cause glycation, damaging skin proteins like collagen and elastin, resulting in dry, cracked skin and contributing to the aging process.
To learn more about the connection between sugar and eczema, check out our full blog.
Eczema & Milk
Dairy, particularly cow’s milk, offers essential vitamins, minerals, fats, proteins, and omega-3s. However, industrialization and pasteurization have altered milk’s natural components and destroyed beneficial probiotics, leading to widespread lactose intolerance. Additionally, milk protein casein, especially the A1 beta-casein variant found in most Western milk, can cause digestive discomfort and has been linked to various health issues. Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) is common in eczema patients, with sensitivities often not detected by standard allergy tests. Thus, eliminating dairy is recommended for eczema sufferers.
To learn more about the relationship between milk and eczema, check out our full blog.
Probiotics and their Benefits for Eczema
When I first learned about probiotics, I was frankly somewhat disgusted at the thought of ingesting a pill filled with millions of bacteria. Fast forward 20 years, and probiotics are now integral to many treatment programs for healing disease. But what exactly are probiotics, and why are they important for our health?
The Human Microbiome
Understanding our relationship with bacteria is essential. Did you know that for every human cell, we have ten bacterial cells in and on our bodies? An adult’s body carries about 3-4 pounds of bacteria. The largest concentration of these bacteria resides in our intestinal tract, commonly known as our gut, and this isn’t a bad thing.
We refer to the collection of bacteria in each person’s gut as their microbiome. Each individual’s gut microbiome is unique, similar to a fingerprint, and family members often have similar microbiomes. Traditionally, it was believed that babies simply inherit their parents’ microbiome, but in reality, a baby’s microbiome develops over the first few years of life, influenced by numerous factors. Increasing evidence shows that the composition of an individual’s microbiome significantly predicts disease risk and health issues. Correcting an unhealthy microbiome (termed dysbiosis) is a primary goal of holistic treatment regimens.
Within our digestive system, there’s a continuous balance between beneficial and potentially harmful bacteria. When harmful bacteria dominate, a sick microbiome results, leading to autoimmune diseases such as eczema, asthma, diabetes, and psoriasis. Taking unnecessary antibiotics for minor infections can upset this balance and trigger autoimmune diseases. Additionally, antibiotics are present in many foods, particularly in conventionally raised cattle. Therefore, consuming grass-fed, antibiotic-free beef can help protect your gut bacteria.
One of the most crucial factors determining the balance of beneficial versus harmful bacteria in your gut is your diet. Different bacterial strains thrive on different foods—some prefer sugar and processed foods, while others thrive on fibers and healthy fats. Essentially, the diet you choose determines which bacteria thrive in your gut. Diets high in sugar and processed foods promote harmful bacteria, leading to conditions like eczema, asthma, and diabetes. Conversely, a diet rich in fibers and healthy fats supports beneficial bacteria, promoting better overall health.
It doesn’t matter how many probiotics you take, if you don’t feed them the correct diet they will die. Consider also your stress level because changes in cortisol and other hormones associated with stress can also have a negative effect on your gut bacteria.
It is imperative to correct diet (as seen above) and lifestyle before taking probiotics otherwise it will be a waste of your money.
My eczema transformation protocol utilizes a lactic acid probiotic which contains 2 strains that have been studied extensively in kids and pregnant mothers. There are as many studies which show a beneficial reduction in eczema as there are that show no change. The problem with many of the studies is that the only intervention is starting probiotics. In other words, taking probiotics without changing the diet does not make much difference in a lot of studies.
As I explained above, introducing probiotics to a sick and leaky gut is likely to be a losing proposition. That’s why healing the gut first is so important. Once the gut is healed, I firmly believe probiotics are beneficial to rebalance the microbiome. Here is what I use:
Topical treatments: Aloe vera, coconut oil, and other natural remedies.
Although eczema is a disorder that needs healing from the inside out, as you work through the various stages described above, children are still itchy, scratchy, bleeding, irritated, and at risk for skin infections. Therefore I want to review with you a few topical options and the research behind them.
Keep in mind that there are no FDA regulations on what cosmetic companies put on the labels, there are no rules on what they put inside the jars, not to mention all the questionable chemicals allowed in the US (for more information check out Healthy Kids).
So let’s look at the science behind the potions that might bring our children some relief:
Aloe Vera:
Properties: anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial.
In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, 60 patients with psoriasis were treated with either 0.5% hydrophilic aloe cream or placebo. The aloe vera group showed 83% improvement in psoriatic plaques compared to placebo (Syed et al. 1996). Other studies showed Aloe Vera to help burn wounds heal faster, delay appearance of skin damage from radiation, and be of benefit in frost bite injuries (Pharmacogn Rev. 2014).
Coconut Oil:
Properties: moisturizing, anti-bacterial.
In a double blind controlled trial on 26 adult patients testing Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) versus Virgin Olive Oil (VOO), VCO was superior at decreasing colonization with Staph Aureus as compared to VOO. Staph Aureus is a common bacteria that colonized skin affected by atopic dermatitis and it often leads to infections (Dermatitis Nov 2008). In a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial in 117 children, VCO was superior at decreasing eczema score when compared to mineral oil (Int J Dermatol 2014).
Learn more about B12 creams, calendula, chamomile, emu oil, gladskin, licorice, manuka honey, St. Johns Wort, and Zinc inside the full blog post.
To learn a full list of my recommended topical treatments, download my Holistic Creams Guide and learn about the properties and uses for each cream/salve and direct links to the brand I recommend most.
DOWNLOAD HERE
Conclusion
Eczema in children, with its rising prevalence and complex origins, requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. Conventional methods typically focus on symptom management with toxic, immune system blunting medications while understanding the underlying causes of eczema offers a more effective and lasting solution.
By recognizing that eczema is not just a skin condition but a systemic issue linked to gut health, diet, and environmental factors, we can adopt a holistic strategy to address it. The gut plays a crucial role in regulating our immune system, and when disrupted, it can lead to inflammatory conditions like eczema. Thus, focusing on gut health, reducing inflammatory foods, and avoiding environmental toxins can significantly improve eczema symptoms.
Exploring natural treatments is a vital aspect of managing eczema holistically. Dietary adjustments can make a significant difference; for instance, incorporating more whole, unprocessed foods while avoiding additives and sugar can help reduce systemic inflammation. Additionally, natural remedies such as probiotics, which support a healthy gut microbiome, have shown promising results in managing eczema. These approaches not only target the root causes of eczema but also promote overall well-being.
Maintaining gut health is key to preventing and managing eczema effectively. Since the gut houses a significant portion of our immune system, ensuring it functions optimally is crucial. Regular consumption of foods rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics can help sustain a balanced gut microbiome, which in turn supports a healthy immune response. By prioritizing gut health, you not only work towards alleviating eczema but also enhance your child’s overall health and resilience.
An additional holistic approach I have embraced with my clients is Low Dose Allergen Therapy (LDA). Eczema is intimately tied to allergies and our bodies’ response to allergens. LDA treatment represents a highly effective option for many individuals suffering from both environmental and food related allergies in the face of eczema. LDA involves desensitization to allergens through the administration of an extensive array of minute doses, ranging from 1 part in 10 million to 1 part in 1 quadrillion, along with a trace amount of beta glucuronidase.
Ultimately, managing eczema involves more than just addressing skin symptoms. Embracing a holistic approach that integrates natural treatments, immune system retaining, and supports gut health offers a more profound and sustainable path to relief. By taking these steps, you can provide your child with effective, long-term relief and improve their overall quality of life.
Dr. Ana-Maria’s Recommendations for Eczema in Children
Inside my shop, I have designed products and supplement bundles to support your family’s eczema healing journey. These supplements are formulated to support gut health and reduce inflammation, which addresses the root causes of eczema in babies, children and adults:
