Personalised Support for
Eczema
ECZEMA • ATOPIC DERMATITIS • CHRONIC SKIN INFLAMMATION . CHILDREN'S ECZEMA
At The Autoimmune Clinic, we support individuals with chronic skin conditions such as eczema through a functional medicine lens — recognising that skin inflammation is often the result of immune, nutritional, gut-related, and lifestyle factors.
WE LOOK BEYOND TOPICAL TREATMENTS TO UNCOVER THE POSSIBLE ROOT CAUSES OF ECZEMA — INCLUDING IMMUNE DYSREGULATION, HISTAMINE REACTIVITY, GUT IMBALANCE, NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES AND STRESS.
Are you frustrated by constant itching, flare-ups, or reliance on steroid creams that only bring temporary relief? Have you been told there’s nothing more you can do — but you know something deeper is driving your symptoms?
At The Autoimmune Clinic, we support adults and children with eczema who are ready to address the underlying drivers of their condition, calm the immune system, and restore skin resilience.
Eczema Is More Than “Just Skin”
Eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by dryness, itching, redness, and sometimes infection. Conventional approaches often focus only on the skin barrier, but eczema is usually a whole‑system issue involving immune balance, gut health, and environmental triggers..
At our clinic, we aim to uncover:
✔️ Why your immune system may be over‑reactive
✔️ Whether histamine intolerance or allergies are driving your flares
✔️ How your gut and microbiome are influencing your skin health
✔️ What is preventing your skin from healing fully
We support you with holistic, individualised eczema care — including advanced testing, nutrition, supplementation, stress regulation, and skin‑friendly lifestyle strategies.
The Inflammation–Skin Connection
Eczema is fundamentally an inflammatory condition. Immune pathways such as Th2 dominance and overproduction of cytokines (IL‑4, IL‑13) create ongoing skin barrier disruption. This leads to a cycle of itching, scratching, and further inflammation.
We focus on calming systemic inflammation using nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and targeted anti‑inflammatory compounds — helping the skin to repair from the inside out.
Eczema and Histamine
Histamine plays a key role in the itching, redness, and swelling of eczema. For some, histamine intolerance — or difficulty breaking down histamine — can make flares worse. Triggers may include high‑histamine foods, gut dysbiosis, or mast cell activation.
We can assess histamine dynamics, support DAO enzyme activity where needed, and guide you in trialling a lower‑histamine diet if appropriate — always ensuring nutritional adequacy.
Eczema, Allergies & Immune Triggers
Many people with eczema also have allergic tendencies (atopy). Food allergies, environmental allergens (dust mites, pollen, mould), and contact irritants can all drive flares.
We investigate potential immune triggers through history, elimination protocols, and targeted testing when appropriate, and we work to improve immune tolerance so that the body reacts less strongly to everyday exposures.
Infections and Eczema
Many people with eczema experience colonisation with bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus on the skin, which can worsen inflammation and cause secondary infections. Recurrent infections may drive further immune activation.
We support clients in reducing infection risk by improving skin barrier integrity, balancing the skin and gut microbiome, and using targeted antimicrobial strategies when appropriate.
Stress and the Nervous System
Stress is a well‑known eczema trigger. Psychological stress can activate mast cells, increase cortisol, and dysregulate immune signalling, leading to flare‑ups. Sleep disruption worsens the cycle.
Our approach includes supporting stress resilience through:
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Nervous system regulation techniques (breathwork, vagus nerve support)
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Sleep hygiene strategies
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Adaptogens and nutrients that support adrenal health
The Gut–Skin Axis
GUT HEALTH, MICROBIOME & FOOD SENSITIVITIES
The gut is one of the most important — and most overlooked — drivers of eczema. The gut lining is where up to 70% of the immune system resides, and when it becomes compromised, it can set off systemic inflammation that shows up on the skin.
Dysbiosis and microbiome imbalance:
An overgrowth of unfriendly bacteria or yeast, or a lack of diversity in beneficial microbes, can skew immune balance toward inflammation. Some bacteria produce toxins (endotoxins) that cross into circulation and worsen eczema flares.
Intestinal permeability (“leaky gut”):
When the gut lining is damaged, larger particles of food, bacteria, and toxins can pass into the bloodstream. This alerts the immune system, leading to chronic activation and increased production of inflammatory molecules that can show up as eczema.
Food sensitivities:
These are not always true allergies but can be delayed immune reactions (IgG or cell-mediated). Common culprits include dairy, gluten, eggs, soy, and nuts. Identifying and temporarily removing problem foods can allow the gut lining to heal and reduce immune overactivation. The goal is always to restore tolerance so that long-term restriction is not necessary.
Our approach may include gut testing (stool analysis, SIBO breath test) to map the microbiome, assess digestive function, and detect intestinal inflammation. We then use a stepwise gut repair programme including:
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Targeted antimicrobials or probiotics to rebalance the microbiome
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Nutrients such as L‑glutamine, zinc carnosine, and vitamin A to heal the gut lining
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Digestive enzyme and motility support if needed
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Reintroduction protocols to carefully expand the diet once the gut is healthier
By restoring gut integrity and microbial balance, we reduce the “immune load” that drives eczema.
Eczema and Mould Exposure
One often-overlooked driver of stubborn eczema is exposure to mould or damp buildings. Mould spores and the mycotoxins they produce can significantly dysregulate the immune system, pushing it toward a pro‑inflammatory, allergic state. This can worsen eczema, heighten histamine reactivity, and trigger other symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, sinus congestion, or asthma.
Living or working in a water‑damaged building can lead to chronic immune activation, with the skin acting as one of the first organs to show distress. Clients who have tried everything for their eczema but continue to flare may benefit from an environmental assessment.
Our clinic can help identify whether mould is a contributing factor through:
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Comprehensive exposure history and symptom questionnaire
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Targeted testing (where appropriate)
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Guidance on home testing for mould or moisture problems
If mould is identified, we support you with detoxification support, and immune‑regulating protocols to help your body recover from the inflammatory effects of mould exposure.
Key Nutrients for Skin Health & Healing
We commonly support eczema clients with nutrients that aid barrier repair and immune balance, including:
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Omega‑3 fatty acids – reduce inflammation and support cell membrane health
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Vitamin D – regulates immunity and is often low in eczema sufferers
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Zinc – critical for wound healing and skin barrier function
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Vitamin C – antioxidant and collagen‑supporting nutrient
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Vitamin A – supports skin cell turnover and immune balance
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Selenium and glutathione – key for antioxidant defence and detoxification
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Polyphenols (quercetin, perilla, luteolin, black cumin seed) – calm inflammation and stabilise mast cells
We always tailor supplement plans to the individual, avoiding nutrient excess and considering interactions with medications.
Eczema and Autoimmunity
Eczema is an immune‑mediated skin condition rather than a classic autoimmune disease. That said, many people with eczema have a more sensitive immune system and may be more likely to develop other immune‑driven conditions over time. Here we explain the connection, what to look out for, and how our clinic supports you in a safe, evidence‑informed way.
HOW ARE ECZEMA AND AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS CONNECTED?
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Shared immune pathways: Eczema involves immune imbalance, typically a Th2‑skewed response with contributions from Th17 in some cases. Autoimmune diseases involve loss of immune tolerance to self proteins. These pathways can interact and increase overall immune reactivity.
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Skin barrier and tolerance: Impaired skin barrier function allows increased exposure to environmental antigens and microbes. This can amplify inflammation and reduce immune tolerance elsewhere in the body.
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Microbiome and immune crosstalk: Gut and skin microbiomes influence immune education. Dysbiosis, increased intestinal permeability, and low microbial diversity may contribute to systemic inflammation that aggravates both eczema and autoimmune activity.
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Genetic and environmental load: Family history of atopy or autoimmunity, chronic stress, poor sleep, pollution, smoking exposure, and certain infections all add to risk through cumulative immune burden.
AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS MORE COMMONLY SEEN ALONGSIDE ECZEMA
Not everyone with eczema will have or develop autoimmunity. However, in clinical practice and research we often see higher rates of:
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Autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease
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Coeliac disease and non‑coeliac gluten sensitivity
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Vitiligo and alopecia areata
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Inflammatory bowel disease in a smaller subset
If you already have one autoimmune condition, proactive eczema care is still important because chronic skin inflammation can add to the overall inflammatory load.
WHEN TO CONSIDER FURTHER MEDICAL EVALUATION
Speak to your GP and dermatologist if you notice any of the following alongside eczema: unexplained weight change, temperature intolerance, palpitations, hair loss or menstrual changes; persistent digestive issues such as diarrhoea, bloating, iron deficiency or mouth ulcers; new areas of depigmented skin or sudden patchy hair loss; joint pain, prolonged morning stiffness, eye pain or recurrent mouth ulcers; fevers, night sweats, marked fatigue or unintentional weight loss.
These signs do not diagnose autoimmunity but they do warrant further medical assessment.
Eczema in Children
Eczema commonly begins in infancy or early childhood, often causing distress for both children and their families. It can affect sleep, mood, appetite, and even school attendance, leading to a significant impact on quality of life.
Persistent itching may result in scratching, bleeding, and secondary skin infections, which can make parents feel helpless or reliant on repeated courses of steroid creams or antibiotics.
At The Autoimmune Clinic, we take a child‑centred and gentle approach. We focus on understanding the root causes of each child’s eczema rather than simply suppressing symptoms.
Our approach may include:
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Nutritional Support: Ensuring your child is getting the building blocks needed for skin barrier formation, immune system development, and growth. We pay special attention to protein, healthy fats, vitamin D, zinc, and other key micronutrients.
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Gut Health Support: Assessing and supporting the microbiome early in life can make a significant difference. We look for dysbiosis, low beneficial bacteria, or digestive issues that may be contributing to inflammation.
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Food Sensitivities and Allergies: When appropriate, we guide parents through a carefully structured elimination and reintroduction plan to identify problem foods while maintaining nutritional adequacy and avoiding unnecessary restriction.
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Skin Barrier Care: Recommending safe, fragrance‑free emollients, gentle bathing routines, and steps to avoid common irritants like harsh detergents or synthetic fabrics.
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Immune Regulation: Supporting healthy immune tolerance early in life to reduce the long‑term risk of allergies, asthma, and persistent atopic conditions.
Our goal is to reduce flare frequency and severity, minimise reliance on steroid creams, and help children feel comfortable and confident in their skin — while giving parents the tools and reassurance they need.
Our approach to supporting individuals with eczema
Everything we do is based on your individual story, test results, and long-term goals.
At our clinic, our approach to eczema goes beyond surface-level management. We look at the whole person — their immune system, gut health, environment, and lifestyle — and design a personalised plan that addresses multiple layers of the condition.
Our process often includes:
In-Depth Case Review and Testing (when appropriate)
We take a detailed history and may use functional lab testing to assess nutrient levels, gut microbiome balance, food sensitivities, histamine activity, and markers of inflammation.
Targeted Nutritional Therapy
Correcting deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, selenium, omega‑3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, alongside using evidence‑based compounds such as curcumin or quercetin to calm inflammation and support skin healing.e.
Personalised Diet Plans
We work with clients to identify potential food triggers and tailor a nutrient‑dense, anti‑inflammatory diet that nourishes the skin while supporting gut health and immune tolerance.
Gut Restoration
Where appropriate, we address dysbiosis, SIBO, or yeast overgrowth, heal intestinal permeability, and support digestive function with enzymes, prebiotics, and probiotics.
Immune Regulation
We work to calm overactive immune responses, reduce allergen load, and support T‑reg cell activity for long‑term immune tolerance..
Stress and Nervous System Support
We integrate tools to regulate the stress response — such as breathwork, mindfulness, and adaptogens — as stress is a powerful driver of flare‑ups.
Skin Barrier and Environmental Support
We recommend gentle, non‑toxic skincare products, barrier‑repair strategies, and ways to reduce exposure to irritants, chemicals, and environmental triggers.
This comprehensive and layered approach allows us to address not just the symptoms of eczema but the root drivers, giving our clients the best chance of lasting remission and healthier skin.
How we work
*Alternatively, you’re welcome to email our reception team if you’d like more information about our packages, pricing and availability.
Meet your skin health expert practitioners
All our team practitioners are BANT registered nutritional therapists and functional medicine practitioners, with a real passion to help others achieve optimal health.
You can read more about our practitioners on our Meet the Team page.
