Understanding eczema is essential for anyone dealing with itchy, inflamed skin. Eczema affects nearly 10% of the population and can significantly impact quality of life (National Eczema Association, 2023). While many people experience frustrating flare-ups, lasting relief is possible through informed care and lifestyle adjustments.
In this post, we’ll dive into understanding eczema, explore its causes, and share natural ways to manage it—especially if your symptoms involve nerve irritation or nail damage.
What Is Eczema?
Understanding eczema starts with its definition. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It causes red, itchy, dry patches that may crack, bleed, or ooze. Flare-ups can come and go unpredictably.
There are several types of eczema, including:
- Atopic dermatitis (most common)
- Contact dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic eczema
- Nummular eczema
Each type has unique triggers and symptoms. Eczema commonly affects the hands, face, neck, and creases behind knees or elbows. Some cases are mild, while others interfere with daily life.
Understanding Eczema Causes
Understanding eczema means looking at a range of contributing factors—genetic, environmental, immune, and lifestyle-related.
Genetic Factors
People with a family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies are more likely to develop it themselves (Weidinger & Novak, 2016). One major risk is a mutation in the filaggrin gene, which helps build a strong skin barrier. Without it, skin loses moisture more easily and becomes irritated.
Immune System Dysfunction
A key part of understanding eczema is recognizing how the immune system is involved. In many people, the immune system becomes hyper-reactive, causing inflammation in response to harmless substances like pollen or soaps.
Environmental Triggers
Everyday exposures can worsen eczema:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Mold
- Soaps and detergents
- Fragrances and essential oils
- Synthetic fabrics
Weather can also be a trigger. Cold air dries out the skin, while hot, humid conditions cause sweating that can irritate.
Skin Barrier Dysfunction
When the skin’s outer barrier doesn’t function properly, moisture escapes and irritants enter. This makes skin more prone to dryness and inflammation—a core feature in understanding eczema.
Microbial Imbalance
Disruptions in the skin’s microbiome can allow harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus to thrive, worsening flare-ups and increasing infection risk (Kong et al., 2012).
Symptoms: Nerve Endings and Nail Bed Involvement
Understanding eczema goes beyond the itch. For many, the condition affects nerves and nails in subtle but painful ways.
Nerve-Related Discomfort
Inflammation can irritate nerve endings near the skin’s surface. Some people feel:
- Burning
- Tingling
- Stinging
- Hypersensitivity to touch or fabric
These symptoms signal that eczema isn’t just a surface issue—it involves deeper tissue reactions.
Fingernail Bed Changes
Chronic eczema around the hands can affect the nails. Common issues include:
- Brittle or splitting nails
- Vertical ridges
- Thin, weakened nails
- Swelling around cuticles
These problems are often misdiagnosed but stem from inflammation and irritation caused by repeated handwashing or harsh soaps.
Lifestyle and Diet: Keys to Understanding Eczema Triggers
Managing eczema isn’t only about what goes on the skin—it’s also about what goes into your body and how you handle stress.
Stress and Cortisol
Stress is a major trigger for flare-ups. When you’re stressed, your body produces cortisol, which can suppress the skin’s barrier function and encourage inflammation.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Low levels of key nutrients like omega-3s, vitamin D, and zinc are common in people with eczema and may contribute to flare severity (Benson et al., 2019).
Common Food Triggers
Certain foods can provoke eczema symptoms, especially if the immune system is already overactive. Common offenders include:
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Soy
- Corn
- Eggs
- Processed foods
Using an Elimination Diet to Find Triggers
Understanding eczema often involves discovering personal food sensitivities that don’t show up on allergy tests.
Why Allergy Tests Might Not Help
Skin prick and blood tests typically detect allergies, not sensitivities. Many eczema-triggering foods cause delayed immune responses, which are harder to detect through traditional testing.
How to Do an Elimination Diet
- Remove potential trigger foods for 3–6 weeks.
- Reintroduce one food at a time, waiting several days between.
- Track symptoms closely in a food journal.
Foods to eliminate include:
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Soy
- Nuts
- Corn
- Nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers)
- Eggs
- Artificial additives
Myths That Get in the Way of Understanding Eczema
Let’s bust a few common myths:
- Myth: Eczema is contagious
Fact: It’s not. You can’t catch it from someone else. - Myth: Only kids get eczema
Fact: Adults can develop eczema too—even without a childhood history. - Myth: Eczema comes from dirty skin
Fact: Over-washing can actually make it worse.
Managing Flare-Ups Naturally
Identify Personal Triggers
Use a symptom journal to find patterns in food, weather, stress, or skin products.
Protect the Skin Barrier
- Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers
- Moisturize while skin is damp
- Avoid hot showers and wear gloves when using cleaners
Choose Skin-Friendly Fabrics
Wear breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or bamboo. Avoid synthetics that trap heat and irritate sensitive skin.
Support Healing From Within
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods like berries and leafy greens
- Add fermented foods for gut health
When to Seek Medical Help
Contact a healthcare provider if:
- Skin is cracked, bleeding, or infected
- Flare-ups keep getting worse
- Pain or nail changes affect daily life
In some cases, prescription creams or phototherapy may be necessary.
Recommended Lotions for Eczema Relief
If you’re seeking natural skincare options, I’ve found two lotions especially helpful for providing me with eczema relief:
- Lavido Hand Cream Lotion – A botanical-based product that soothes sensitive skin without synthetic additives.
- The Naked Bee Hand & Body Lotion – A gentle, nourishing option with clean ingredients and a pleasant scent.
Both are available on Amazon and work well for dry, irritated skin.
Explore More Health-Conscious Content
Understanding eczema is just one piece of the puzzle. For more insights on healing, whole foods, and natural living, check out my other health-conscious articles and recipes. Whether you’re managing chronic symptoms or simply making healthier choices, you’ll find practical guidance and inspiration.
High Cortisol Symptoms and Affects to Your Body and Mind(Opens in a new browser tab)
Garden Fearlessly: Overcoming the Myth of the Green Thumb(Opens in a new browser tab)
Anti-Inflammatory Gold: Angel’s Sunrise Smoothie(Opens in a new browser tab)
Ginger Shots: The Best Start to Your Day(Opens in a new browser tab)
References
- Benson, A., et al. (2019). The Role of Nutrition in Atopic Dermatitis: A Review. Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology.
- Kong, H. H., et al. (2012). Temporal shifts in the skin microbiome associated with disease flares and treatment in children with atopic dermatitis. Genome Research.
- National Eczema Association. (2023). Eczema Statistics. https://nationaleczema.org
- Weidinger, S., & Novak, N. (2016). Atopic dermatitis. The Lancet.
