ModerateGBS: 79 (Moderate-High Risk)nutrition

Eczema/Dermatitis Root Cause Protocol

Developer: Various functional dermatology

4-12 weeks for improvement with root cause addressing, flares common

Protocol Overview

Comprehensive root-cause protocol for eczema addressing gut-skin axis, food allergies, immune dysregulation, and skin barrier dysfunction. Goes beyond steroid creams to address underlying causes.

Conditions Treated

Eczema

atopic dermatitis

contact dermatitis

Protocol Steps

Identify type: Atopic dermatitis (most common, genetic, starts childhood, associated with asthma/allergies), Contact dermatitis (allergen exposure - nickel, fragrances, preservatives), Seborrheic dermatitis (fungal - scalp, face)

Eliminate common triggers: Food allergies/sensitivities (top triggers: dairy, eggs, soy, wheat/gluten, nuts, shellfish), environmental allergens (dust mites, pet dander, mold), contact allergens (fragrances, preservatives in skincare, nickel jewelry, latex)

Food elimination trial: Eliminate top triggers (dairy, eggs, gluten, soy) for 4-6 weeks, reintroduce one at a time every 5-7 days. IgE and IgG food allergy testing can guide but not definitive

Gut healing: Eczema strongly linked to gut dysbiosis and leaky gut - probiotics (especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains), L-glutamine 5g 2x/day, zinc carnosine, fermented foods, address SIBO/candida if present

Probiotics: Specific strains studied in eczema - Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, L. plantarum, reduce eczema severity. Start prenatal/infancy for prevention. High-dose 25-50 billion CFU

Omega-3: 2-3g EPA/DHA daily (anti-inflammatory, skin barrier function)

GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid): Evening primrose oil 2-4g or borage oil (corrects fatty acid metabolism defect in eczema) - studied with mixed results but helps subset

Vitamin D: Optimize 50-80 ng/ml (low D associated with eczema, immune modulation)

Zinc: 30-50mg daily (skin healing, immune function, often deficient in eczema)

Quercetin: 500mg 2x/day (mast cell stabilizer - eczema involves mast cell degranulation and histamine release)

Vitamin E: 400 IU (skin healing, antioxidant)

Eliminate inflammatory foods: Sugar, processed foods, trans fats, excess omega-6 (seed oils)

Skincare - Barrier repair: Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer (CeraVe, Vanicream, Cetaphil) immediately after bathing (trap water in skin), multiple times daily. Eczema is barrier dysfunction - transepidermal water loss

Bathing: Lukewarm (not hot) water, short baths/showers (10 min max), add colloidal oatmeal or baking soda (soothing), pat dry (don't rub), apply moisturizer within 3 minutes ("soak and seal")

Bleach baths: Dilute bleach bath (¼-½ cup bleach in full tub) 2x/week for 10 minutes (reduces Staph aureus colonization - 90% of eczema patients colonized with Staph which worsens eczema)

Wet wrap therapy: For severe flares - apply topical medication, then moisturizer, wrap in damp warm layer, dry layer over, leave overnight (dramatically improves severe eczema)

Avoid: Harsh soaps (use gentle cleansers like Cetaphil, Dove Sensitive), fragrances, dyes, wool/synthetic fabrics (cotton clothing), overheating/sweating (triggers itch), scratching (break itch-scratch cycle - use cold compress, moisturizer)

Topical steroids: Short-term for flares (hydrocortisone 1% for face, triamcinolone 0.1% for body, clobetasol 0.05% for severe) - use lowest potency for shortest time (steroid atrophy risk), NOT long-term solution

Calcineurin inhibitors: Tacrolimus (Protopic) or pimecrolimus (Elidel) - non-steroid immunomodulators for face/eyelids where steroids risky

Dupixent: Biologic for severe atopic dermatitis (IL-4/IL-13 inhibitor) - game-changer, 75%+ improvement, well-tolerated but expensive

Identify contact allergens: Patch testing if suspected contact dermatitis component (nickel most common - avoid jewelry, belt buckles)

Stress management: Eczema flares with stress - meditation, therapy, reduce life stressors

Address infections: Staph aureus colonization worsens eczema - bleach baths, sometimes antibiotics for infected eczema

Key Resources

National Eczema Association, "The Eczema Cure" by Emily Bartlett, probiotics and eczema research, functional dermatology

Contraindications & Risks

Steroid atrophy with long-term use, Dupixent expensive ($37k/year), food elimination challenging

Important Notes

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) affects 31+ million Americans, especially children. Red, itchy, scaly patches (elbow/knee creases, face, hands). Atopic march: Eczema → food allergies → asthma → allergic rhinitis (progression in childhood). Barrier dysfunction: Eczema is defective skin barrier (filaggrin gene mutations in many patients). Allows allergens/irritants in, water out (transepidermal water loss). Moisture barrier repair is foundation. Gut-skin axis: 80% of immune system in gut. Eczema patients have dysbiosis (different microbiome), increased intestinal permeability. Probiotics (especially L. rhamnosus GG) reduce eczema in RCTs, especially if started prenatally/infancy. Food allergies: Subset of eczema driven by food allergies (especially dairy, eggs). IgE testing can identify but not always correlate (IgG testing controversial). Elimination trial is gold standard. Staph aureus: 90% of eczema patients colonized (vs 5% general population). Staph worsens eczema (releases toxins triggering immune response). Bleach baths reduce colonization (sounds harsh but evidence-based - dilute concentration). Steroid creams: Mainstay of conventional treatment, effective for flares but not root cause. Long-term use causes skin atrophy, rebound. Use short-term only. Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) are non-steroid alternatives for face/eyelids. Dupixent: Biologic revolution for severe eczema - blocks IL-4 and IL-13 (Th2 cytokines driving eczema). 75%+ improvement in severe cases. Well-tolerated (conjunctivitis main side effect). Expensive but insurance often covers. GLA: Eczema patients have fatty acid metabolism defect (delta-6-desaturase impairment). Evening primrose oil (GLA source) theoretically corrects. Studies mixed but helps subset. Itch-scratch cycle: Scratching damages skin further → more inflammation → more itch. Break cycle with moisturizers, cold compresses, antihistamines, trim nails. Root-cause approach addresses gut, food allergies, barrier repair, stress. Many children outgrow eczema but some continue into adulthood. Aggressive management prevents atopic march.

Also Effective For

Eczema / Psoriasis

Key Supplements & Herbs in This Protocol

Supplements

L-Glutamine Quercetin GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)

Critical Safety Warning

This protocol is documented for educational purposes only. The Gabriel Bullshit Score (GBS) of 79 reflects significant institutional response and controversy. Some alternative health protocols have resulted in serious harm or death.

Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before beginning any treatment. Do not delay or forego proven medical care.

Quick Overview

Evidence LevelModerate

GBS Score79 / 100

Categorynutrition

DeveloperVarious functional dermatology

Duration4-12 weeks for improvement with root cause addressing, flares common

About GBS Score

The Gabriel Bullshit Score reflects the magnitude of institutional response, controversy, and documented concerns. Higher scores indicate greater institutional pushback, not necessarily inefficacy. This is a research tool, not medical advice.