Eczema And 5 Causes Nobody Is Telling You
- Marcelline Goyen
- Mar 27
- 5 min read
Eczema affects millions worldwide, yet many struggle to understand why it flares up or persists despite treatment. While common triggers like allergens and irritants are well-known, there are lesser-known factors that can contribute to eczema’s stubborn nature. This post explores eczema 5 unknown causes that might be influencing your skin condition, helping you gain new insights and better manage your eczema.
Table of Contents
What Is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by red, itchy, and inflamed patches. It often appears in childhood but can affect adults too. The exact cause remains unclear, but it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors that disrupt the skin’s protective barrier and immune response.
Why Understanding Unknown Causes Of Eczema Matters
Many people with eczema focus on obvious triggers like soaps, detergents, or pollen. However, eczema can persist or worsen even when these are avoided. Identifying eczema 5 unknown causes can reveal hidden factors that contribute to flare-ups.
Discover the theory regarding the skin-gut axis through my books and this knowledge and insights empowers you to take a more holistic approach to treatment and prevention.
Eczema 5 Unknown Causes Explained
1. Gut Microbiome Imbalance
The gut and skin are connected through what scientists call the skin-gut axis. An imbalance in gut bacteria can influence inflammation throughout the body, including the skin. Research shows that people with eczema often have less diverse gut microbiomes, which may worsen skin inflammation.
How it affects eczema:
Disrupted gut bacteria can increase systemic inflammation and can also lead to a leaky gut.
Poor digestion and nutrient absorption may weaken skin and gut health.
Imbalanced gut microbes can can contribute to the weakening of tight junctions in the intestinal wall and can trigger immune responses that worsen eczema.
What you can do:
Consult a health specialist for allergy and gut health testing, nutritional research, and gut therapy.
Include probiotics (the good gut bacteria) and prebiotics (food for healthy gut bacteria) in your diet. Note: regarding eczema and other severe skin diseases, always consult a health specialist, (gut) therapist or doctor regarding the use of these types of remedies to improve the intestines. Gut therapy requires a tailored approach.
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics that disrupt the gut microbiome.
2. Hidden Food Sensitivities
Unlike obvious food allergies, food sensitivities can cause delayed or subtle eczema flare-ups. Common culprits include dairy, gluten, eggs, and soy. These sensitivities may not cause immediate reactions but can trigger chronic inflammation.
Signs of hidden food sensitivities:
Eczema worsens days after eating certain foods.
Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, diarrhea or discomfort.
Fatigue or brain fog accompanying skin symptoms.
How to identify:
Keep a detailed food and symptom diary.
Try elimination diets under professional guidance.
Consider allergy testing for non-IgE mediated reactions.
3. Environmental Pollutants
Air pollution, chemicals in household products, and even microplastics can irritate the skin or disrupt its natural defenses. These pollutants may not cause immediate reactions but can contribute to chronic eczema by weakening the skin barrier.
Examples of pollutants:
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paints and cleaners.
Particulate matter from traffic pollution.
Synthetic fragrances and preservatives in skincare and parfum.
Tips to reduce exposure:
Use fragrance-free and gentle skincare products.
Improve indoor air quality with plants or air purifiers.
Avoid outdoor activities during high pollution days.
4. Stress and Emotional Health or the skin-gut-brain axis
Stress is a well-known trigger for eczema flare-ups, but its role is often underestimated (the skin-gut-brain axis). Emotional stress can alter immune function and increase skin inflammation. Chronic stress may also impair the skin’s ability to repair itself.
How stress impacts eczema:
Increases production of inflammatory chemicals.
Weakens skin barrier recovery.
Leads to scratching and worsening symptoms.
Managing stress:
Practice mindfulness, meditation, or yoga.
Seek counseling or support groups if needed.
Prioritize sleep and regular physical activity.
5. Skin Barrier Dysfunction Beyond Dryness
While dry skin is a hallmark of eczema, the underlying skin barrier dysfunction is more complex. Defects in proteins like filaggrin reduce the skin’s ability to retain moisture and protect against irritants and microbes. NOTE: In my skin-gut axis books, I describe in detail how the skin functions in conjunction with the skin microbiome and which skin parameters influence this.
Consequences of barrier dysfunction:
Increased water loss leading to dryness.
Easier entry for allergens and bacteria.
Persistent inflammation and itchiness.
Supporting the skin barrier:
Use moisturizers with ceramides and fatty acids.
Avoid harsh soaps and hot water and choose skin pH-friendly products. BLOG Skin pH
Consider barrier repair treatments recommended by dermatologists.
How to Address These Causes
Understanding these lesser-known causes opens new paths for managing eczema effectively:
Gut health: Incorporate fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. Supplements like probiotics may help restore balance. Note: regarding eczema, always consult a therapist regarding the use of these types of remedies to improve the intestines. Gut therapy requires a tailored approach.
Diet: Identify and avoid hidden food triggers through elimination diets or testing.
Environment: Choose natural, fragrance-free products and improve air quality at home.
Stress: Develop healthy coping strategies and prioritize mental well-being.
Skin care: Focus on barrier repair with gentle, nourishing skin pH friendly products and avoid irritants.
Combining these strategies with conventional treatments can reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the skin-gut axis and how does it relate to eczema?
The skin-gut axis refers to the connection between gut health and skin condition. Imbalances in gut bacteria can increase inflammation that worsens eczema symptoms.
Can food sensitivities cause eczema flare-ups?
Yes, hidden food sensitivities can trigger delayed eczema reactions. Identifying and avoiding these foods can help control symptoms.
How does stress worsen eczema?
Stress increases inflammatory chemicals in the body and weakens the skin’s ability to repair, leading to more frequent and severe flare-ups.
Are environmental pollutants a common cause of eczema?
Pollutants like VOCs and particulate matter can irritate the skin and disrupt its barrier, contributing to eczema development or worsening.
What skincare ingredients help repair the skin barrier?
Ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid support skin barrier repair and hydration, essential for eczema management.
Next Steps for Managing Eczema
If you’ve been struggling with eczema despite avoiding common triggers, consider exploring these five unknown causes. Start by tracking your diet, stress levels, and environment. Consult healthcare professionals who understand the skin-gut connection and can guide you through testing and treatment options.
Taking a comprehensive approach can help you uncover hidden factors and regain control over your skin health.
Thank you for reading my blog post! Explore more about skin barrier health and eczema management on Skin-GUT-Axis.com to find tailored tips and trusted resources.
Marcelline Goyen BSc Skin Therapy and Author in the Netherlands
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