Is eczema really caused by your gut?

On social media, the claim goes that eczema is a gut problem that disappears as soon as you restore your gut flora. HLN put that claim to Dr Griet Voet and gastroenterologist Heiko De Schepper. Dr Voet explains that eczema is an umbrella term for conditions in which the skin barrier is damaged, such as atopic eczema and contact eczema. Bacteria on the skin play a role, and people with eczema more often have abnormal gut flora.

Both experts warn, however, that studies show an association, not a causal link. According to the gastroenterologist, the effect of probiotics is limited.

For Dr Voet, eczema remains first and foremost a skin disease that can be treated in a targeted way today. She advises consulting a dermatologist rather than trying to solve it yourself with diets or supplements.

• See a dermatologist if your eczema persists.

• Do not try to treat eczema on your own with diets, supplements or cures.

Want to know more? Read about Allergies and eczema at Clinique Dermatologie Gent.