Natural vs Conventional Eczema Treatment
Comparing Approaches
Naturopathic Approach
Naturopathic treatment for eczema addresses immune dysregulation, barrier dysfunction, and inflammatory triggers through comprehensive assessment of food sensitivities, gut health, and environmental factors. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory nutrition protocols, gut microbiome support with probiotics and digestive support, botanical medicine with anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, essential fatty acid supplementation to support skin barrier function, and identification and elimination of environmental triggers.
Conventional Approach
Conventional treatment focuses on managing inflammation and restoring skin barrier function through topical corticosteroids of varying strengths, topical calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus for sensitive areas, moisturizers and barrier repair creams, antihistamines for itch, and systemic immunosuppressants or biologics like dupilumab for severe cases. Treatment is stepped based on severity.
Benefits & Considerations
Naturopathic Treatment
Benefits
- +Addresses underlying immune dysfunction and gut-skin axis
- +Identifies and eliminates dietary and environmental triggers
- +Reduces inflammation systemically
- +Fewer side effects than long-term steroid use
- +Can reduce flare frequency and severity long-term
Considerations
- −Takes several months to see significant improvement
- −Requires dietary restriction during elimination protocols
- −May not be sufficient during acute severe flares
- −Food sensitivity testing can be expensive
Conventional Treatment
Benefits
- +Topical steroids provide rapid symptom relief
- +Biologics highly effective for severe eczema
- +Well-established treatment protocols
- +Covered by insurance
Considerations
- −Long-term topical steroid use can thin skin
- −Does not address underlying triggers
- −Symptoms often return when treatment stops
- −Systemic immunosuppressants have significant side effects
When to Consider Naturopathic Treatment
Naturopathic care is valuable for identifying root causes and triggers, reducing flare frequency, managing mild to moderate eczema, or as complementary care alongside conventional treatment. It's particularly appropriate for children with eczema, patients with suspected food triggers, or those wanting to reduce steroid dependence.
When to Seek Conventional Care
Seek immediate medical care for signs of skin infection (weeping, crusting, fever), severe widespread eczema affecting large body areas, eczema not responding to basic management, severe itch interfering with sleep and daily function, or eczema herpeticum (widespread herpes infection on eczematous skin requiring urgent antiviral treatment). Severe cases may require systemic treatment or biologics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are food allergies causing my eczema?
Food triggers contribute to eczema in some patients, particularly children. Common triggers include dairy, eggs, soy, wheat, and nuts. However, not all eczema is food-related. Comprehensive elimination and reintroduction protocols or IgG/IgE food sensitivity testing can help identify triggers. Work with a naturopathic doctor for guided elimination protocols rather than removing foods unnecessarily.
Can I stop using steroid creams with natural treatment?
Many patients can reduce steroid use over time with comprehensive naturopathic care addressing underlying triggers and inflammation. However, this should be gradual and supervised. Topical steroids remain valuable for managing acute flares while addressing root causes. Never abruptly stop strong topical steroids without medical guidance, as rebound flares can occur. The goal is using the least potent steroid, least frequently, while optimizing overall skin health.
References
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Dr. Sanika Kshirsagar, ND
Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
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