Eczema is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of children worldwide. It causes significant discomfort and impacts quality of life. However, recent research has shed light on a promising connection between eczema and gut microbiome health. Emerging scientific evidence offers hope and empowerment for parents and healthcare professionals, showing how gut health can influence the development and management of eczema in children.

What is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is characterised by itchy, inflamed, and often scaly patches of skin. It is a complex condition influenced by genetic, environmental, and immune factors. While the exact cause of eczema remains unclear, it is generally accepted that an overactive immune response to environmental triggers and a weakened skin barrier are key contributors.

The Gut Microbiome: A Simple Overview

The gut microbiome refers to the trillions of microorganisms living in our digestive tract, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes. These microbes are crucial in various bodily functions, such as digestion, immune regulation, and mood regulation. A balanced and diverse gut microbiome is essential for maintaining overall health. 

How Are the Gut and Skin Connected?

Recent studies have introduced the concept of the gut-skin axis, suggesting a two-way relationship between gut and skin health. The state of our gut microbiome can influence skin conditions like eczema, and skin conditions can, in turn, affect gut health.

What Does Science Say About Eczema and Gut Health in Children?

1. Microbial Diversity and Eczema: Fascinating research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology has found that children with eczema often have less diverse gut microbiomes compared to healthy children. This reduced diversity may contribute to an imbalance in immune responses, leading to the inflammatory processes seen in eczema.

2. Gut Permeability and Inflammation: Studies have shown that increased intestinal permeability, often called "leaky gut," is more common in children with eczema. A compromised gut barrier allows harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation that can worsen skin conditions.

3. Probiotics and Eczema Management: A review in the British Journal of Dermatology concluded that probiotic supplements, especially those containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains, can reduce the severity of eczema symptoms in children. This suggests that improving the gut microbiome with probiotics could help manage eczema.

4. Dietary Interventions: Diet plays a crucial role in shaping the gut microbiome. A study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology highlighted that a diet rich in fibre, fruits, and vegetables promotes a diverse and balanced gut microbiome, which can help reduce eczema flare-ups. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods and sugars may contribute to an imbalanced gut microbiome and exacerbate eczema symptoms.

Practical Tips for Parents

Understanding the link between gut health and eczema offers new ways to manage this chronic skin condition in children. As a parent, you play a crucial role in this journey. Here are some practical steps that you can take to help your child:

• Probiotic Supplements: Consult your child's healthcare provider about the potential benefits of probiotic supplements. Look for strains that have shown promise in studies, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium lactis.

• Healthy Diet: To promote a healthy gut microbiome, include fibre-rich foods, fruits, vegetables, and fermented foods in your child's diet. Try to limit the intake of processed foods and sugars.

• Monitor and Adjust: Track your child's dietary habits and eczema symptoms to identify potential triggers and make necessary adjustments.

Emerging evidence on the link between eczema and gut microbe health highlights the importance of a holistic approach to managing this condition. While more research is needed, current findings suggest that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome could significantly reduce eczema symptoms.

Health professionals such as naturopaths are often well-versed in the importance of gut health and the role of the gut microbiome in overall wellness. Always consult healthcare professionals before significantly changing your child’s diet or starting new supplements.

References

De Filippo, C., Cavalieri, D., Di Paola, M., Ramazzotti, M., Poullet, J. B., Massart, S., ... & Lionetti, P. (2010). Impact of diet in shaping gut microbiota revealed by a comparative study in children from Europe and rural Africa. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107(33), 14691-14696.

Wang, M., Karlsson, C., Olsson, C., Adlerberth, I., Wold, A. E., Strachan, D. P., ... & Penders, J. (2018). Reduced diversity in the early fecal microbiota of infants with atopic eczema. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 121(1), 129-134.

West, C. E., Jenmalm, M. C., & Prescott, S. L. (2015). The gut microbiota and its role in the development of allergic disease: a wider perspective. Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 135(1), 1-8.