Eczema – Dr Shawn

26/Mar/2025

Eczema is a pesky skin condition, and what many don’t realize is that it often comes with a sneaky sidekick: Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that can make things a lot worse. For kids with eczema, an overgrowth of staph can lead to some pretty nasty flare-ups, so it’s important to keep it in check. New research shows that probiotics and berberine can help balance the skin’s microbiome and reduce harmful bacteria. By adding these natural remedies to your child’s treatment plan, you can help improve their skin health and reduce the severity of their eczema. Want to learn more about how to help your child? Book an appointment with a Naturopathic Doctor today.

Understanding the eczema-staph connection

Eczema and Staphylococcus aureus are both complex conditions. Understanding them is important to managing this long-term skin condition. Staph aureus, a bacteria we all carry, is often found on the skin of people with eczema. But in those with eczema, it’s more prevalent, and this overabundance can lead to flare-ups and exacerbate symptoms. It disrupts the skin’s natural defences, making it more prone to inflammation and irritation.

Science has our back on this one: studies have consistently linked more severe eczema with higher levels of staph. Armed with this insight, I’ve found that a thoughtful, personalized approach to skin care can help to keep staph at bay and eczema under control.

The common go-to for staph is antibiotics and topical treatments, but they can also throw our skin’s natural balance off-kilter, making things worse. It’s a delicate dance, managing the staph without compromising our skin’s strength. This is where a more comprehensive approach to eczema care comes in, one that takes into account the whole picture, from the bacteria to the environment.

How staph-aureus affects eczema in children

In children, Staphylococcus aureus’ effect on eczema is especially important. It not only makes the skin more inflamed, but it also makes it harder to treat. This bacterium is commonly found on the skin of individuals with eczema, and its presence can exacerbate symptoms, leading to more frequent and severe flare-ups. Children with eczema are especially vulnerable to these effects due to their developing immune systems and the delicate nature of their skin.

Regarding treatment, antibiotics are often the go-to, but they might not be the whole answer. You need to take care of your skin, too. That means sticking to a regular skin care routine, using gentle soaps, and making sure your skin is well-moisturized. Some research has suggested that probiotics might be able to help, too. By keeping your skin’s microbiome in balance, probiotics can help your skin fight off staph and keep it from getting out of control.

And then there’s berberine, a little gem found in certain herbs. It’s like a superhero that can put a stop to the staph’s mischief, making it a great sidekick to traditional treatments. When you use these natural wonders in your child’s eczema care, you’re not just treating the symptoms—you’re building a foundation for long-term skin health. It’s a comprehensive strategy, and it’s all about giving your child the very best.

Probiotics: A promising defence against staph

Probiotics, often linked to gut health, are now being recognized for their ability to fight staph infections. They offer a natural way to help the skin’s microbiome. Probiotics can help balance the skin’s ecosystem, just like they do for our digestive system. They can also reduce the presence of harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. This equilibrium is especially vital for those with eczema, as an unbalanced microbiome can trigger symptoms and flare-ups.

It’s fascinating—research has unveiled that probiotics can be a game-changer for kids with eczema. There’s a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, that discovered how children who took probiotic supplements saw a real drop in the severity of their eczema. And then there are topical probiotics that are getting a lot of buzz for how they can form a protective shield on the skin. They’re like knights in shining armour, warding off bad bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus. By teaming up with these friendly bacteria, the skin is better equipped to fight off infections and heal, which is a huge relief for kids dealing with eczema.

Probiotics are great on their own, but when you add other natural remedies like berberine, they are even stronger. Berberine, a little something found in certain herbs, is like a secret agent—it’s got antimicrobial properties that can really take on Staphylococcus aureus. So, by bringing probiotics and berberine together, we’re talking about a tag team that’s got eczema on the ropes. Talking to a Naturopathic Doctor can make sure these natural heroes are working safely and well, especially for our children.

Berberine: An herbal approach to managing eczema

Berberine, a herb with a rich history of antimicrobial use, is now in the spotlight as a natural ally in the fight against eczema and the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. This ancient remedy, with roots in traditional medicine, is gaining modern recognition for its potential to support skin health. Its anti-inflammatory properties are especially good for people with eczema. It may help reduce the redness, itching, and discomfort that often happen when their skin gets worse.

But Berberine doesn’t stop there. It’s like a guardian for your skin’s defences, helping to fortify its natural barriers. This is especially important for young people with eczema. Their skin is often more sensitive and can let in unwanted guests like the Staph aureus bacteria, which can make eczema symptoms worse. By shoring up these defences, berberine can help create a healthier, more resilient skin environment.

Studies have revealed that berberine’s antimicrobial prowess is a powerful ally in the fight against Staph bacteria. It’s a great natural treatment for eczema. When used with traditional treatments, it gives you a complete skin care plan. By weaving berberine into our daily skin rituals, we’re not only boosting the effectiveness of our current routines but also nurturing our skin from within. It’s a beautiful blend of nature and science, and it’s a gift we can give our little ones—a more complete way to care for their eczema.

Integrating natural solutions with medical treatment

Integrating natural solutions like probiotics and berberine with conventional medical treatments can provide a comprehensive approach to managing eczema and improving quality of life. For many children, using these natural remedies with traditional treatments like topical steroids can lead to better and longer-lasting results. Topical steroids are a cornerstone of eczema treatment, helping to reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. However, adding probiotics can make these treatments even more effective by helping the skin protect itself and promoting a healthy microbiome.

But here’s the thing: while it’s pretty clear that combining natural and medical treatments can be a game-changer, it’s super important to do this the right way, with a healthcare professional by your side. A naturopath can be a guiding light, offering personalized recommendations to make sure those natural solutions are both safe and effective. They’ll help keep an eye on how your child is responding to the combined treatments and make any tweaks to the plan as needed. Working with a naturopath, parents can feel good about the well-rounded and holistic approach they’re taking to help their child manage eczema.

Adding natural remedies like probiotics and berberine to an eczema care plan can be a big help for your child’s skin and overall health. It’s about weaving together the best of both worlds—traditional and natural—to help your child feel more at home in their skin and in their life.

drshawn

04/Oct/2022

Introduction:

As a parent, you want what’s best for your child. You want them to be happy and healthy, and you’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen. But sometimes, figuring out “what’s best” can be tricky.

Take food sensitivity testing for kids, for example. You may have heard that it’s something you should do, but you may not be sure why or how. Don’t worry – I’m here to help! In this blog post, I’ll answer all of your questions about food sensitivity testing for kids so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for your family.

What is food sensitivity testing?

Food sensitivity testing is a way to determine if your child is sensitive or allergic to certain foods. It’s important to note the difference between a sensitivity and an allergy – a food allergy is an immune system reaction that can occur after eating even a small amount of the offending food, and it can be life-threatening. A food sensitivity is less severe, but can still cause uncomfortable symptoms like nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, eczema and headaches. If your child has any of these symptoms after eating certain foods, they may have a sensitivity to those foods.

Why is food sensitivity testing important?

If your child is sensitive to certain foods, it’s important to avoid those foods for a period of 12 weeks so that their immune system can clear the problematic antibodies Sometimes, even small amounts of the offending food can trigger symptoms. By identifying which foods your child is sensitive to, you can help them avoid those foods, feel their best, reset the immune system and perhaps reintroduce those foods in the future.

How is food sensitivity testing done?

There are several ways to test for sensitivities to specific foods. The most common method is a blood test. Your naturopathic doctor can give you a requisition for food sensitivity testing at your local lab. A small amount of blood is taken from either a vein or finger tip. This blood sample is sent for testing to detect IgG antibodies associated with particular foods. When the result is ready foods will either be identified as normal, borderline or elevated. At this point your Naturopathic Doctor will be able to recommend a dietary protocol to help reduce the antibodies. If there is an unusual amount of sensitivities, this can be a sign of Leaky Gut Syndrome.

Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that can be caused by food sensitivities. It occurs when the lining of the intestines becomes damaged, allowing bacteria, food particles and toxins to leak into the bloodstream. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, skin problems, and digestive issues.

Treatment typically focuses on removing trigger foods from the diet and healing the gut lining with supplements and probiotics. In some cases, leaky gut syndrome can resolve on its own with time and supportive care.

Conclusion:

If you’re wondering whether or not your child should get food sensitivity testing done, we hope this blog post has helped clear things up for you! Testing can be a helpful way to identify which foods your child should avoid in order to feel their best every day. If you have any further questions about food sensitivities or allergies, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’ll be more than happy to help!

drshawn

17/Sep/2022

What can I do beyond steroids?

If your child has eczema, you are not alone. Eczema is a common skin condition affects about 10 to 20 percent of infants and about 3 percent of adults and children. While there is no cure, eczema can be managed with medical treatments and home care. The goal is to reduce inflammation and itchiness, and to prevent new flare-ups. When using steroidal creams for treatment, many parents wonder if there are natural ways to soothe their child’s eczema flare-ups?

The good news is that there are! When used alone or together with steroids, these natural treatments can help manage your child’s eczema flare-ups:

Food Sensitivity Testing

With eczema, the skin is a reflection of what’s going on inside the body – specifically in the gut. A food sensitivity test can help assess intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and inflammation. Once problem foods are identified, they can be eliminated from the diet, which can help reduce inflammation and improve gut health.

Probiotics

Probiotic strains may help balance the immune system and reduce inflammation. Probiotics can be taken orally in the form of supplements or food (such as yogurt).

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

These healthy fats promote a healthy lipid bilayer, which helps keep skin hydrated and supple. Omega 3 fatty acids can be taken orally in supplement form or applied topically as part of a natural eczema cream.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is a natural anti-inflammatory vitamin that helps boost the immune system. It can be taken orally in supplement form or applied topically as part of a natural eczema cream.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a role in immune function and tissue repair. It can be taken orally in supplement form or applied topically as part of a natural eczema cream.

Conclusion

While there is no cure for eczema, it can be managed with medical treatments and home care. When used alone or together with steroids, these natural treatments can help soothe your child’s eczema flare-ups: food sensitivity testing, probiotics, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D3, zinc.

Managing Eczema: The Critical Role of Staph Aureus in Skin Health