If you’ve dealt with eczema, personally or in your family, you already know it’s not just a skin-deep issue. Behind the itching, inflammation, and unpredictable flare-ups, there’s often something deeper going on. And increasingly, research is pointing to the gut.

Emerging science shows that your gut and skin are more connected than you might expect. A 2024 Frontiers in Microbiology study found that individuals with eczema often show clear patterns of gut dysbiosis: fewer beneficial bacteria and a compromised gut barrier that allows inflammation to spread beyond the digestive tract.

Let’s unpack what that means and what you can actually do about it.

Origin: The Gut-Skin Axis

The gut-skin axis refers to the complex, two-way communication system between your digestive system and your skin. Think of your gut as the command center of your immune system, housing nearly 70% of it. When the balance of bacteria in the gut is disrupted, immune function can become overactive, triggering or worsening inflammatory conditions like eczema.

In 2025, researchers published new evidence in Gut Microbes showing that skin disorders, including eczema, may originate from microbial imbalances in the gut, highlighting the importance of internal regulation in chronic skin conditions.

What Gut Imbalances Look Like in Eczema

Researchers have found that eczema patients tend to have reduced levels of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli, and elevated levels of harmful strains such as Staphylococcus aureus. This imbalance weakens the gut lining, sometimes referred to as leaky gut, and allows inflammatory compounds to enter the bloodstream, where they can trigger skin reactions.

One of the clearest breakdowns of this connection comes from the Eczema Association of Australasia, which offers practical insights into how gut health influences skin barrier function and inflammatory cycles.

Can Probiotics Help?

For some, yes. Clinical studies suggest that certain probiotic strains can improve both gut microbiota and eczema severity. A 2024 update from Verywell Health notes that strains like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis have shown consistent promise in reducing flare-ups and improving skin integrity.

That said, not all probiotics are created equal, and results vary based on the strain, dosage, and individual response. A tailored approach, potentially guided by microbiome testing, can be far more effective than a generic supplement.

Food, Flare-ups, and the Microbiome

Diet is one of the fastest ways to shape your gut microbiome. High-fiber, plant-rich diets feed beneficial gut bacteria, while excessive sugar, processed foods, and alcohol can encourage dysbiosis. Omega-3s, found in flax, walnuts, and cold-water fish, also have an anti-inflammatory effect that may ease eczema symptoms.

Health.com’s eczema diet guide offers a science-backed look at how foods affect your skin and microbiome, and why your unique gut profile matters more than any single eczema cure diet.

The Solution: Personalized Gut Health

If you’re exploring alternatives to steroid creams or antibiotics, it might be time to look inward. Functional medicine and integrative practitioners are increasingly using microbiome testing and diet personalization to help patients reduce symptoms from the inside out.

Supporting gut health through diet, probiotics, and personalized care won’t replace every treatment, but it could fundamentally shift how your skin behaves and how you feel in it. 

Stop Managing Flare-Ups. Start Addressing the Root Cause

If you’re ready to move beyond temporary fixes and finally understand what your gut is telling you, Dr. Gundle can help. With a personalized, microbiome-focused approach, you’ll get targeted insights, and a plan built for your body.

For more about underlying gut issues, you might enjoy reading:
Understanding Bloating and Gas: What Your Gut Is Trying to Tell You.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making changes to your diet or lifestyle.

About Dr. Avraham Gundle

Dr. Avraham Gundle DO, is a leading expert in gut health and functional medicine, dedicated to helping individuals uncover the root causes of digestive issues and restore balance through personalized, science-backed approaches.

With years of experience in integrative health, Dr. Gundle has guided countless patients toward lasting relief from conditions like bloating, IBS, food sensitivities, and microbiome imbalances. His practice focuses on empowering individuals to take control of their health through nutrition, stress management, and holistic wellness strategies.