What Is Eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin disorder that causes red, itchy, and irritated patches. While flare-ups often appear on the hands, arms, face, or behind the knees, eczema can affect any part of the body. Symptoms vary in intensity and may come and go.
Common Symptoms of Eczema
Eczema can look and feel different for each person, but common signs include:
- Dry, cracked, or scaly skin
- Intense itching, sometimes worse at night
- Red or inflamed patches
- Oozing or crusting skin during flare-ups
- Thickened skin over time from repeated scratching
- Secondary infections due to broken skin
Root Causes and Contributing Factors
Eczema is more than just a skin issue — it’s often connected to immune, digestive, and hormonal imbalances.
Potential contributors include:
- Genetic predisposition or family history of allergies/asthma
- Food sensitivities or intolerances
- Gut imbalances such as Dysbiosis or SIBO
- Overactive immune responses and inflammation
- Hormonal shifts, including thyroid or adrenal imbalances (Hypothyroidism)
- Environmental triggers: irritants, harsh soaps, detergents, pollen, or weather changes
- Chronic stress that disrupts skin barrier and immune function
How Eczema Is Diagnosed
Eczema is typically identified by its appearance and history of flare-ups. At Aligned Modern Health, we go deeper to explore the underlying drivers:
- Allergy or sensitivity testing
- Gut health panels to check for dysbiosis or Candida Overgrowth
- Hormone and thyroid testing when imbalances are suspected
- Nutrient assessments (zinc, vitamin D, essential fatty acids) to evaluate skin health
Our Treatment Approach
Our focus is on relieving symptoms while addressing what’s driving your eczema beneath the surface.
Your personalized plan may include:
- Functional medicine: Identifying and treating immune, gut, or inflammatory triggers
- Hormone health: Supporting thyroid, adrenal, or sex hormone balance when relevant
- Nutrition guidance: Eliminating triggers, restoring nutrient levels, and creating skin-supportive meal plans
- Supplements: Tailored support such as probiotics, essential fatty acids, or anti-inflammatory herbs
- Acupuncture: Calming the nervous system, reducing inflammation, and supporting whole-body balance
Conditions Commonly Linked to Eczema
Eczema often overlaps with or is worsened by:
What to Expect From Care
- Initial Visit: A comprehensive review of your skin symptoms, history, and lifestyle factors
- Diagnostic Testing: Gut, hormone, and nutrient testing to identify root causes
- Personalized Care Plan: Nutrition, supplements, stress management, and hormone or immune support
- Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins to monitor skin health and prevent flare-ups
We accept major insurance plans, with both in-person and virtual care available.
Is Eczema Affecting You?
If flare-ups or persistent skin irritation are impacting your daily life, Aligned Modern Health can help. By uncovering the root causes of eczema, we create care plans designed to calm your skin and restore long-term balance.
Learn More About Our Approach