Eczema Relief: A Compassionate, Whole-Person Guide to Atopic Dermatitis
It all begins with an idea.
Living with eczema can feel exhausting.
The itch, redness, and flare-ups can disrupt your sleep, increase stress, and make daily life challenging.
Many people feel frustrated and helpless after trying multiple treatments without long-term relief.
This guide combines conventional, integrative, and lifestyle strategies to help you understand eczema and manage it gently, while supporting your skin, sleep, and overall wellbeing.
Eczema can be a debilitating and stressful condition to live with.
What is Eczema?
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition characterised by:
Dry, itchy, irritated skin
Red, scaly patches
Sensitive immune responses
Impaired skin barrier function
Triggers include: genetics, environment, allergies, gut health, and stress.
Note: Eczema is not contagious, but broken skin can get infected.
Seek medical attention if you notice weeping, crusting, or fever.
Why Eczema Feels So Difficult
Eczema creates a vicious itch–scratch–stress cycle:
Itch → Scratch → Skin damage → Inflammation → More itch → Stress → Poor sleep → Worse inflammation
This cycle often leads to frustration, sleep disruption, and emotional stress.
Healing requires calming the skin and the nervous system.
Conventional Treatment Options
Skin Care Essentials
Use thick, fragrance-free moisturisers twice daily
Take short, lukewarm baths or showers
Moisturise within 3 minutes of bathing
Wet wraps for severe dryness
Avoid harsh soaps and detergents
Topical Medications
Corticosteroid creams (short-term)
Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus)
PDE4 inhibitors (crisaborole)
Systemic Treatments (Moderate–Severe Cases)
Biologics (e.g., dupilumab)
Immunosuppressants (require close monitoring)
Antihistamines for night-time itch
Short courses of oral steroids
Integrative Approaches: Supporting the Whole Person
Eczema is more than skin deep. Integrative care focuses on:
Reducing inflammation
Supporting the immune system
Healing the gut
Managing stress
Optimizing nutrition
Controlling environmental triggers
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Nutrition & Gut Health for Eczema
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Colourful vegetables and berries
Fatty fish (salmon, sardines)
Healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, nuts if tolerated)
Turmeric and ginger
Hydration with filtered water
Foods to Reduce or Avoid
Sugar and refined carbohydrates
Seed oils
Highly processed foods
Potential Trigger Foods
Not everyone has food triggers, but common ones include:
Dairy
Gluten
Eggs
Soy
Consider elimination and reintroduction under guidance to identify triggers.
Gut–Skin Support
Probiotics and prebiotic fibres
Fermented foods
Reducing processed foods
Supplements That May Support Eczema
Evidence-Based Options
Omega-3 fatty acids (cod liver oil)
Vitamin D
Zinc
Curcumin (turmeric extract)
Evening primrose oil
Probiotics
Integrative Options
Black seed oil
Propolis
Coconut oil
Olive oil (if tolerated)
Lanolin
Apple cider vinegar (diluted for bathing or drinking)
Saffron (diluted topical or internal; avoid unregulated creams)
Topical Natural Therapies
Oatmeal baths (soothing)
Aloe vera gel (cooling and healing)
Homeopathic Calendula cream (anti-inflammatory)
Homeopathic Graphites cream
Chamomile compresses
Coconut oil
Manuka or raw honey
Lanolin (if no allergy)
Always patch test before widespread use.
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Managing Allergies & Environmental Triggers
Dust Mite Control
Wash bedding weekly at 60°C
Dust-mite-proof covers
Reduce carpets and stuffed toys
HEPA vacuum
Keep humidity below 50%
Other Irritants
Fragrances and scented detergents
Harsh soaps
Wool or scratchy fabrics
Mind–Body Approaches & Sleep Support
Stress worsens eczema through increased cortisol and inflammation.
Supporting your mind and sleep is crucial:
Meditation and deep breathing exercises
Gentle yoga or stretching
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Trauma-informed approaches, if needed
Sleep Tips
Maintain a cool, dark bedroom
Avoid screens before bed
Keep a consistent bedtime routine
Consider magnesium (if tolerated) or herbal teas
Complementary Options
Homeopathy (Individualised - one or more will be suggested following a homeopathic consultation)
Graphites
Sulphur
Rhus tox
Thuja
Vaccininum
Cell Salts (Individualised - one or more will be suggested following a homeopathic consultation)
Natrum mur (dryness)
Calc sulph (oozing eruptions)
Silicea (skin repair)
Always consult a qualified homeopath or healthcare provider for personalised recommendations.
Building Your Personal Eczema Plan
Daily
Moisturise twice daily
Short, lukewarm showers
Anti-inflammatory meals
Probiotics (if appropriate)
5–10 minutes of relaxation
Weekly
Change sheets
Dust mite control
Track triggers
Evaluate progress
Start Small
Introduce 1–3 changes at a time
Keep a symptom diary
Adjust gradually
Safety Notes
Avoid multiple changes at once
Never stop prescribed medications without medical supervision
Review your plan every 4–6 weeks
Work with qualified healthcare professionals
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only.
It does not replace personalised medical advice.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements, herbal treatments, or dietary changes.
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3 Evening Habits to Improve Sleep, Reduce Stress, and Boost Health
It all begins with an idea.
Evenings are a powerful time to support your health, but many of us unknowingly sabotage our body’s natural rhythms. Poor evening habits—late-night screen use, inconsistent sleep, and high stress—can disrupt circadian rhythms, lower melatonin production, and impact long-term wellbeing.
The good news: simple, evidence-based habits can restore balance, improve sleep, and boost your overall health. Here are three evening practices to incorporate tonight.
1. Reduce Screen Time Before Bed to Improve Sleep Naturally
Try and reduce screen time before bed
Exposure to blue light from phones, tablets, and TVs suppresses melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles.
Studies show that even short exposure to screens before bedtime can delay sleep onset, reduce REM sleep, and affect blood sugar levels.
Practical Tip: Stop using electronic devices at least one hour before bed.
It’s not easy to do this and takes discipline. But give it a try: replace screen time with activities like reading, journaling, listening to calming sounds, or practising gentle stretches.
Benefits:
Improved sleep quality
Enhanced brain and hormone function
Reduced late-night stress
2. Prioritise Early and Consistent Sleep for Circadian Rhythm Support
Sleep early for refreshing rest.
Going to bed early and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule improves circadian rhythm, metabolic health, mood, and immune function.
Evidence links irregular or insufficient sleep to stress, weight gain, inflammation, and cognitive decline.
Practical Tip: Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night, ideally going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.
Make your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet to support restorative sleep.
Benefits:
Increased energy and focus
Reduced inflammation
Optimised hormone regulation
3. Keep a Gratitude Journal to Reduce Stress and Improve Wellbeing
A Gratitude Journal can help your sleep.
Gratitude journaling is a simple yet powerful evidence-based habit.
Research in psychology and neuroscience shows that reflecting on what you are thankful for lowers stress hormones, improves mood, and enhances sleep quality.
Practical Tip: Each evening, write down three things you are grateful for. Studies have shown the benefits of this.
Over time, this practice strengthens emotional resilience, encourages mindfulness, and improves sleep.
Benefits:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Better sleep quality
Greater emotional wellbeing
Personalise Your Evening Routine with a Naturopathic Doctor
While these habits are powerful, everyone’s body and lifestyle are different.
A naturopathic doctor can help identify underlying factors such as stress, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances that impact your sleep and evening routine.
Next Step:
If you struggle with sleep, fatigue, or stress despite healthy habits, booking a consultation with Dr Ayiesha Malik, a naturopathic doctor who can provide a personalised plan for restorative evenings, improved sleep, and long-term wellbeing.
You can book here: https://www.drayieshamalik.com/store/p/homeopathic-consultation-by-a-doctor
Hair Loss in Women
It all begins with an idea.
Hair loss in women affects up to 40% of women by age 50 (American Academy of Dermatology, 2018).
While genetics and hormones are key contributors, lifestyle, nutrition, gut health, stress, and environmental exposures also play a major role.
Evidence-based interventions, combining conventional medicine with integrative approaches, provide the best chance for lasting hair restoration.
Causes of Hair Loss in Women
Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal disruptions—including menopause, PCOS, thyroid disorders, and androgenic effects—can significantly alter the hair growth cycle.
Evidence: A 2017 review in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism shows subtle hormonal imbalances often underlie female hair thinning, even without overt endocrine disease.
Stress and Cortisol
Chronic stress elevates cortisol, triggering telogen effluvium, a common form of temporary hair shedding.
Evidence: Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology (2017) confirms the strong link between psychosocial stress and diffuse hair loss.
Nutritional Deficiencies and Collagen
Protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, biotin, and collagen are essential for healthy hair follicles. Collagen supplementation provides amino acids for keratin production, supporting thicker, stronger hair.
Evidence: Studies in Nutrients (2020) show collagen peptides improve hair density and reduce breakage in women with thinning hair.
Gut Health and Food Intolerances
Dysbiosis, poor nutrient absorption, and food sensitivities—including gluten intolerance—can contribute to hair thinning. A healthy gut supports nutrient uptake and reduces systemic inflammation.
Evidence: Research in Frontiers in Nutrition (2021) links gut microbiome imbalance to hair loss and inflammation.
Toxic Hair Products
Sulphates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances in shampoos and styling products can damage follicles and weaken hair shafts.
Evidence: International Journal of Trichology highlights chemical irritants as contributors to hair fragility and breakage.
Emerging Topical Interventions: Scalp Probiotics and Castor Oil
Scalp probiotics: May balance the scalp microbiome, reduce inflammation, and support follicle health.
Castor oil with heat: Anecdotal and small-scale evidence suggests it can improve scalp circulation and hair thickness.
Conventional Treatments
Minoxidil: This is a topical solution for female pattern hair loss, but only works as long as you take it. It may also be prescribed orally.
Hormonal therapies: Oral contraceptives or anti-androgens for androgen-driven thinning.
Discuss any pharmaceuticals with your own doctor.
Integrative and Holistic Approaches
Nutrition and Collagen: Protein-rich, nutrient-dense diets and collagen peptides support follicle strength.
Gut Health Optimisation: Prebiotics, probiotics, anti-inflammatory foods, and management of food sensitivities improve nutrient absorption.
Stress Management: Mindfulness, yoga, and meditation reduce cortisol and protect follicles.
Tight muscles around the forehead and scalp can reduce the blood flow and contribute to hair loss.
Avoid Toxic Hair Products: Choose sulphate-free, paraben-free shampoos and gentle styling products.
Castor Oil & Heat Applications: Enhance blood flow to follicles and support hair strength.
Scalp Probiotics: Emerging evidence supports their role in reducing inflammation and promoting healthy hair growth.
Deep, Lasting Changes Are Key
Temporary fixes alone are rarely sufficient.
Addressing root causes—hormonal balance, nutrition, gut health, stress, and scalp health—produces stronger, more lasting results.
Personalised Approach with a Naturopathic Doctor
A naturopathic doctor can assess your hormones, nutrient status, gut function, and lifestyle factors, creating a tailored plan that combines conventional treatments and holistic strategies for long-term hair health.
If you experience thinning, shedding, or brittle hair, book a consultation today with Dr Ayiesha Malik to uncover underlying causes and start a personalised, evidence-based hair restoration plan.
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Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider, such as a doctor or naturopathic doctor, before starting any new treatment, supplement, or lifestyle intervention.
Individual results may vary, and some therapies—including oral or topical minoxidil, hormonal treatments, or supplements—may not be suitable for everyone and can have side effects.