The 7 Types of Eczema (and How to Address the Root Cause of Each For Lasting Relief)

By Diane Angela Fong, ND

Eczema affects millions of people worldwide, yet many struggle to find lasting relief. Often, treatments focus on the surface symptoms—itching, inflammation, and dry skin—without addressing the root causes. At Cleanbody, we believe in targeting the underlying issues, whether it’s inflammation, gut health, or environmental factors, to bring about real healing. In this blog, we’ll explore the seven types of eczema and how to tackle each one at its root with the Cleanbody Method.

1. Atopic Dermatitis (AD)

What it is: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition that often starts in childhood. Research shows that it can be linked to a mutation in the gene responsible for producing filaggrin, a protein that helps maintain a healthy skin barrier. Without enough filaggrin, the skin becomes dry and prone to infections as moisture escapes and bacteria or viruses can enter. This is why people with AD frequently experience very dry and infection-prone skin.

The Cleanbody Solution: Begin by healing the gut. The skin and gut are deeply connected, so restoring gut health through probiotic-rich foods (like kimchi or kefir) and reducing inflammatory foods (such as processed sugars and dairy) can help. Consider incorporating omega-3 supplements or increasing intake of flaxseeds and fatty fish to strengthen the skin barrier from within.

Dr. Fong's Pro Tip: Keep the skin moisturized with oils that promote skin healing, like those found in CleanSKIN Protect, which includes ingredients such as emu oil, jojoba oil, castor oil, shea and cocoa butter. These oils not only hydrate but also have anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties. Use a humidifier in dry environments to maintain moisture in the air, which helps support hydration and further prevents skin irritation.

2. Contact Dermatitis

What it is: Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to an irritant or allergen, causing inflammation and discomfort. Unlike atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis doesn’t run in families or link to conditions like asthma. Irritant contact dermatitis is common among professionals like mechanics, custodians, healthcare workers, or hairstylists, who regularly handle chemicals. This suggests the issue may stem from toxic burden, making detoxification crucial.

The Cleanbody Solution: Identify and eliminate triggers by switching to natural, fragrance-free cleaning products, skincare, and laundry detergents. The Cleanbody method also supports detoxification pathways in the liver and kidneys to help the body eliminate built-up toxins.

Dr. Fong's Pro Tip: Perform a patch test on new products before full use. Supporting the liver with herbs and nutrients found in Bile Essentials, part of our CleanSKIN Drainage Kit, can help the body handle irritants more effectively. Bile Essentials includes Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, L-Methionine, Milk Thistle, Taurine, Inositol, Ox Bile, Artichoke, and Beet Powder. These ingredients support liver detoxification, reducing the burden on your skin by processing toxins more efficiently.

3. Dyshidrotic Eczema

What it is: Dyshidrotic eczema causes small, itchy blisters on the palms, soles, and edges of fingers and toes. While the exact cause is unknown, it often runs in families and is more common in women, suggesting a genetic component. Triggers include stress, nickel, seasonal allergies, and humid weather, as well as jobs that involve frequent hand wetting, like hairstyling and healthcare.

The Cleanbody Solution: Regulate stress and support the immune system. Incorporating adaptogens like ashwagandha and practicing stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga can make a significant impact. Staying hydrated and reducing caffeine, which dehydrates the skin, also helps.

Pro Tip: Opt for breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics to reduce sweating on hands and feet. Use nickel-free products. Support the skin’s healing with CleanSKIN Calm, which contains hypochlorous acid to reduce inflammation. CleanSKIN Restore, a topical probiotic, helps balance the skin's microbiome, promoting healthier skin.

4. Nummular Eczema

What it is: Nummular eczema, also called discoid eczema or nummular dermatitis, presents as scattered, coin-shaped patches that can be itchy or oozing. It is more common in males and can develop due to triggers like very dry skin, insect bites, or trauma to the skin. Nummular eczema can also be linked to other eczema types and may appear on the legs due to poor circulation.

The Cleanbody Solution: Focus on rehydrating both internally and externally. Increase water intake, eat more omega-3-rich foods (like walnuts and chia seeds), and use a thick, emollient-based moisturizer like shea butter. Consider an elimination diet to rule out any underlying food allergies that could exacerbate flare-ups.

Dr. Fong's Pro Tip: Apply a thick moisturizer like CleanSKIN Protect right after bathing to lock in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier. CleanSKIN Protect helps hydrate the skin and prevent dryness, which is crucial for managing nummular eczema. Always choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products to reduce the risk of irritation.

5. Seborrheic Dermatitis

What it is: Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic form of eczema that primarily affects the scalp but can also appear in areas rich in oil-producing glands, like the upper back and nose. It can cause dandruff, rashes, and itching. This condition is linked to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, which triggers an inflammatory response. Although it often clears up in infants, adults can experience flare-ups throughout their lives, especially under stressful conditions.

The Cleanbody Solution: Restore balance to the skin microbiome. Adding fermented foods like sauerkraut, or taking probiotic supplements with specific strains like Lactobacillus reuteri can support healthy skin flora. Eating CleanFOODS and reducing sugar and processed foods, which feed yeast, is essential.

Dr. Fong's Pro Tip: Use natural antifungal remedies like tea tree oil shampoo for scalp issues or diluted apple cider vinegar rinses to help rebalance the microbiome. For added support, use CleanSKIN Restore, a topical probiotic that promotes a healthy skin microbiome and helps reduce fungal overgrowth, which is often associated with seborrheic dermatitis.

6. Stasis Dermatitis

What it is: Stasis dermatitis, also called venous eczema or venous stasis dermatitis, occurs when poor circulation (venous insufficiency) in the lower legs causes fluid to pool, leading to swelling, itching, and skin irritation. This condition is often associated with aging but can also signal underlying health issues such as heart or kidney disease. Risk factors include varicose veins, high blood pressure, multiple pregnancies, and prolonged sitting or standing.

The Cleanbody Solution: Improve blood circulation by incorporating light exercise like walking, yoga, or even lymphatic drainage massage. Foods that improve circulation, like cayenne pepper and turmeric, can help. Strengthening vein health with supplements like horse chestnut extract may also offer relief.

Dr. Fong's Pro Tip: Elevate your legs for 15 minutes a day to improve blood flow and reduce fluid retention. Incorporate lymphatic drainage massage to further stimulate circulation and promote fluid movement. Compression socks can also help prevent symptoms from worsening by providing additional support to your veins and reducing swelling.

7. Neurodermatitis

What it is: Neurodermatitis is characterized by intense itching that leads to constant scratching, which can result in thick, leathery patches of skin (lichenification). Unlike atopic dermatitis, neurodermatitis is usually confined to one or two areas of the body, such as the hands, neck, or scalp. Scratching activates the brain's reward center, making it hard to break the itch-scratch cycle.

The Cleanbody Solution: Focus on managing stress and addressing underlying mental health triggers. Adaptogenic herbs like holy basil and practices like mindfulness or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can be beneficial. Improving sleep hygiene and reducing stimulants like caffeine can also break the itch-scratch cycle.

Dr. Fong's Pro Tip: Wear gloves at night to prevent unconscious scratching. Use calming skincare like CleanSKIN Calm to reduce inflammation and CleanSKIN Protect to moisturize and repair the skin barrier.

ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSES FOR LASTING RELIEF!

Each type of eczema may manifest differently, but the key to long-lasting relief for any type of eczema lies in addressing the root causes: balancing the immune system, healing the gut, reducing inflammation, and eliminating toxic triggers. The Cleanbody method offers a holistic approach through whole foods, lifestyle changes, and targeted supplements that help you heal from within. Testing for allergies, food sensitivities, toxic burden, hormone levels, or environmental triggers can also provide valuable insights into your eczema’s underlying causes, helping you achieve lasting relief.

Take our free Eczema Root Cause Assessment or join our free live workshop to start your healing journey today!

GOT QUESTIONS?

Dr. Fong is going live to discuss this topic on her weekly Cleanbody Eczema Live on Wednesday, October 9, at 1:00 PM PST! Watch the live or check out the replay here:

References:

1. National Eczema Association. (n.d.). Types of Eczema. Retrieved from https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/

2. Mochizuki H, Papoiu ADP, Nattkemper LA, Lin AC, Kraft RA, Coghill RC, Yosipovitch G. Scratching Induces Overactivity in Motor-Related Regions and Reward System in Chronic Itch Patients. J Invest Dermatol. 2015 Nov;135(11):2814-2823. doi: 10.1038/jid.2015.223. Epub 2015 Jun 15. PMID: 26076316.

3. Naldi L, Diphoorn J. Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp. BMJ Clin Evid. 2015 May 27;2015:1713. PMID: 26016669; PMCID: PMC4445675.

About the Author:

Dr. Diane Angela Fong, ND, is a naturopathic doctor specializing in eczema and chronic inflammatory conditions. She is the CEO and founder of Cleanbody, a wellness company dedicated to treating and preventing chronic diseases. Dr. Fong developed the Cleanbody Method, a transformative three-step process: Evaluate (uncovering the root causes of chronic disease through lab testing and comprehensive assessments), Optimize (strengthening health foundations by addressing nutrition, lifestyle, and toxic exposures), and Support (restoring optimal organ function through targeted healing protocols). Driven by a mission to educate and empower individuals with eczema and other chronic inflammatory diseases, Dr. Fong provides comprehensive support to help patients achieve lasting relief and better health. Learn more at www.cleanbody.health.

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