Eczema is one of the most common skin conditions I see in my St. Louis office. For some patients, it shows up as an occasional patch of dry, itchy skin. For others, it’s a chronic, life-disrupting condition that affects sleep, confidence, and overall quality of life. While eczema is not life-threatening, its impact on day-to-day comfort can be significant.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we take a root-cause approach to eczema, combining traditional skin care with functional medicine strategies to reduce flare-ups and support long-term healing.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, redness, dryness, and sometimes blistering or oozing. It can occur at any age but often begins in childhood. While many children “outgrow” eczema, some carry it into adulthood or experience flare-ups later in life.

The condition is not contagious, but it does run in families, particularly in those with a history of allergies, asthma, or hay fever—a triad sometimes referred to as the “atopic march.”

Symptoms of Eczema

Symptoms vary depending on severity and individual triggers, but common features include:

• Dry, sensitive skin
• Intense itching, especially at night
• Red, inflamed patches
• Thickened or leathery skin from chronic scratching
• Crusting or oozing in more severe cases
• Discoloration in areas of repeated inflammation

Eczema tends to flare and calm in cycles. A person may go weeks without symptoms, then suddenly experience an outbreak that feels unmanageable.

What Causes Eczema?

Eczema is complex. While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, most experts agree it results from a combination of immune system dysregulation, skin barrier dysfunction, and environmental triggers.

1. Immune System Overreaction

In eczema, the immune system is overly sensitive, reacting strongly to allergens, irritants, or even harmless substances. This leads to inflammation and itching.

2. Skin Barrier Dysfunction

Healthy skin acts as a protective barrier, keeping moisture in and irritants out. In eczema, this barrier is weakened—often due to genetic variations in a protein called filaggrin—leading to dryness and vulnerability to irritants.

3. Environmental Triggers

Eczema flares are often set off by external factors, including:

• Harsh soaps or detergents
• Fragrances and dyes in personal care products
• Dust mites, pollen, or pet dander
• Hot showers or cold, dry weather
• Wool or synthetic fabrics
• Food sensitivities

4. Gut Health and the Microbiome

Functional medicine research shows that eczema is linked to gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of bacteria in the gut). Since much of the immune system resides in the gut, imbalances can trigger inflammation that shows up on the skin.

5. Stress and Hormones

Emotional stress and hormonal changes often worsen eczema, highlighting the mind-body connection in this condition.

Traditional Treatments for Eczema

Conventional medicine usually manages eczema with topical therapies such as:

• Moisturizers and emollients to hydrate the skin
• Topical steroids to reduce inflammation
• Calcineurin inhibitors as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories
• Antihistamines to reduce itching

In more severe cases, light therapy or systemic medications that suppress the immune system may be prescribed. While these approaches can provide short-term relief, they don’t always address the underlying causes.

Functional Medicine Approach to Eczema

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we ask: Why is this person’s immune system reacting this way? What deeper imbalances are driving inflammation?

By addressing the root causes, we aim for longer-term control and fewer flare-ups.

1. Gut Health Restoration

Since gut dysbiosis and leaky gut contribute to inflammation, we often begin with stool testing to identify imbalances. Treatments may include probiotics, prebiotics, or elimination diets to reduce food sensitivities and rebalance the microbiome.

2. Nutrient Optimization

Many patients with eczema are low in key nutrients:

• Vitamin D for immune regulation
• Zinc for skin healing
• Omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory support
• Vitamin E and antioxidants for skin repair

Correcting deficiencies can dramatically improve symptoms.

3. Reducing Inflammation

Identifying food triggers (such as dairy, gluten, or soy) and reducing processed foods helps calm inflammation. Anti-inflammatory diets rich in leafy greens, fatty fish, berries, and nuts often make a difference.

4. Stress Management

Since stress is a known trigger, techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and gentle exercise can reduce flare-ups. Our patients also benefit from therapies such as red light therapy with PEMF, which supports both skin repair and stress resilience.

5. Hormone and Immune Support

For women, imbalances in estrogen or progesterone may worsen eczema symptoms. By testing and addressing hormonal fluctuations, we can often reduce flare intensity.

Advanced Therapies for Eczema

In addition to functional medicine, we offer regenerative therapies that support skin health:

• Red Light Therapy with PEMF: Improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports skin repair at the cellular level.
• PRP/PRF Skin Rejuvenation: Uses growth factors from your own blood to enhance healing and reduce inflammation in damaged skin.
• Laser treatments: Can target inflamed or thickened skin while stimulating collagen production.

Everyday Tips for Managing Eczema

While medical care is essential, patients can also make lifestyle changes at home:

• Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products for skin and laundry.
• Moisturize immediately after bathing with a thick cream or ointment.
• Take lukewarm showers instead of hot ones.
• Wear soft cotton clothing and avoid wool or synthetic fabrics.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques.
• Track flare triggers with a journal to identify patterns.

When to Seek Help

If eczema is interfering with your daily life, disrupting sleep, or causing infections, it’s time to seek professional help. Symptoms that worsen despite over-the-counter care may require advanced testing and treatment.

Final Thoughts

Eczema is more than just a skin condition—it’s a reflection of immune balance, gut health, and environmental triggers. While topical creams can help in the short term, lasting relief comes from addressing the underlying causes.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we specialize in identifying root causes and combining functional medicine with advanced therapies to restore healthier skin and improve quality of life.

👉 If you’ve been struggling with eczema, call our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.

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