Eczema Relief: A Compassionate, Whole-Person Guide to Atopic Dermatitis

Written By Ayiesha Malik

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.

Book in with Dr Ayiesha Malik here: https://www.drayieshamalik.com/store


Ayiesha Malik
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