Eczema FAQ: Tips, Support, and Latest Research on Gut Health

If your child has eczema, or you’re managing it yourself, you know how tough it can be. Eczema can be exhausting — the itching, the sleepless nights, the constant guessing.

Our microbiome specialists have guided thousands of families through it and know what truly helps. 

This FAQ breaks down what science says about eczema’s root causes, its gut connection, and practical ways to help soothe and support your skin.

What is eczema?

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is the most common skin condition in babies and toddlers [1]. Around 60% of kids show signs in their first six months [2]. It causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin that doesn’t go away on its own. Eczema is often the first step in the atopic march, a progression of chronic conditions: food allergies, asthma, and hay fever [3].

What causes eczema?

Eczema triggers are diverse. Genetics, immune dysregulation, skin barrier dysfunction, allergens, antibiotics, and the environment are all factors that can contribute to its development and staying power [1], [4]-[10]. Recent studies reveal potential causes of eczema in babies, and one key factor lies in their gut microbiome. 

How is eczema connected to my child’s gut?

In short, a balanced gut helps train the immune system to stay calm.

Eczema involves an overreactive immune system, and much of that overactivity is influenced by the gut microbiome, where a majority of the body's immune cells reside [11]. During the first 1,000 days of life, trillions of gut microbes help train the body's immune responses, teaching it what's harmless and what's a threat [12], [13]. When gut bacteria are imbalanced, the immune system may trigger skin inflammation that shows up as eczema.

Is eczema an autoimmune condition?

No, eczema isn't an autoimmune disease. The difference is that autoimmune conditions occur when your body attacks its own healthy cells, while eczema is more about an overactive immune response to triggers like environmental factors.  

I had a C-section and received antibiotics during delivery. Does this affect my baby's risk of eczema?

C-sections and antibiotic exposure during and after birth can lead to imbalances in your baby's gut, which may increase their odds of developing microbiome-related conditions like eczema. But research shows that early intervention targeting gut health can help reduce eczema odds by 83% in infants [8]. 

My baby has eczema. How can a gut test help?

Your child’s gut microbiome develops quickly in the first 1,000 days. Testing during this time is ideal for identifying and correcting imbalances that may be linked to eczema [9]. At this stage, we’re checking whether key bacteria are present in the right amounts—some high, some low, some ideally absent. Finding and addressing issues early may help stop the progression of other atopic march conditions like food allergies, supporting your baby’s long-term health.

Can mold make eczema worse?

Being around mold early in life can make the immune system more sensitive, which can increase the risk of eczema [14]. Mold parts, like spores, can be seen by the body as allergens, causing inflammation and stronger immune reactions [15].

Any tips for helping my child sleep better with eczema?

Keep them cool and comfy at night—soft cotton or bamboo clothes are ideal. Moisturize after baths, trim nails, and limit dust or pet allergens. Nighttime itching is common, so a calm, cozy routine can help them rest. 

What are the best topical treatments for eczema? 

Every child with eczema is different, but their skin shares commonalities: it doesn’t make enough natural antimicrobials or hold moisture well, so it’s easy to irritate or infect. Our 3-step soak-and-seal routine includes: bathing regularly, moisturizing right after, and protecting with barrier creams like sunflower oil, calendula, or tallow. Danielle Shea Tan, Tiny Health’s microbiome specialist, explains more in this video.

Does my doctor need to diagnose eczema?

It’s best to see a doctor for a diagnosis. You want to rule out fungal or bacterial infections which can have similar symptoms. 

How is addressing baby eczema different from older kids’ or adults’ eczema?

Baby eczema is often simpler to tackle because their gut and immune system is highly adaptive during this stage of development. Plus, little ones have routines that make identifying triggers easier. 

Adults with eczema may have years of accumulated gut and immune system imbalances so it’s tougher to manage and often takes longer to improve. That’s why addressing eczema early in life can help keep it from becoming a lifelong condition. 

Can eczema be cured?

We don’t promise a cure, but our microbiome specialists have helped many children see big improvements—or even complete clearing—of their eczema. But every child is unique, and some may need ongoing immune and gut health support to keep flare-ups at bay.

What's the difference between eczema, hives, and allergic reactions?

It can be tricky to tell them apart! The key difference is timing: hives from an allergic reaction typically appear quickly after exposure to a trigger (like food or something environmental) and then fade within a few days as the antibodies clear your system. Eczema, on the other hand, persists. If you see spots that look like hives but aren't going away after several days, it may be eczema.

How is cradle cap different from eczema?

Cradle cap usually looks different—it has yellowish, greasy scales (often on the crown of the head) that can be gently removed, and it typically doesn't itch [16],[17]. Eczema, on the other hand, is very itchy, can't be picked off, and usually appears in multiple spots on the body. If your baby seems bothered and is trying to scratch, or if you're seeing red, itchy patches beyond just the scalp, it's more likely eczema.

Supporting your child’s gut-skin axis starts early

Focusing on gut health in your baby’s first year can help get to the root cause of imbalances that may show up as flare-ups. 

A Baby Gut Health Test may help lower their microbiome-related odds of eczema and set them up for lifelong wellness.

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