Ep 3: It’s Not Just Bleach Baths! Understanding Eczema and How You Can Support It

Eczema is one of those conditions that can feel relentless, whether it’s your child scratching until they bleed, or you lying awake at night desperate for the itch to stop. It’s painful, exhausting, and often incredibly frustrating, especially when you feel like you’ve tried everything.

In Episode 3 of The Nature & Nurture Podcast, I unpack eczema in a way that actually makes sense. We look at what’s going on beneath the surface, what conventional medicine does well, and how a naturopathic approach can add further support, without being anti-medical or extreme.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is more than just a skin issue. At its core, it involves a weakened skin barrier, immune system overactivity, and often an imbalance in the skin and gut microbiome. When the skin barrier isn’t functioning properly, moisture escapes and irritants sneak in, triggering inflammation and that familiar itch–scratch cycle.

In this episode, I talk through the foundations of eczema care, including the importance of consistent moisturising, appropriate use of topical corticosteroids during flares, and managing infection risk. Moisturising properly and often is non-negotiable, and when used correctly, medical treatments play an important role in calming inflammation so the skin can heal.

We also dive into the much-discussed topic of bleach baths. While they can reduce bacterial load when used correctly and under medical guidance, research shows they aren’t necessarily more effective than plain water baths for improving eczema severity. For many people, gentler options like colloidal oatmeal baths can be just as soothing, without the stress or irritation bleach baths can sometimes cause. The key message is that bleach baths are an option, not a requirement, and not a cure-all.

From a naturopathic perspective, eczema is a whole-body picture. Supporting gut health, reducing immune load, and addressing environmental triggers can make a real difference. We discuss food and eczema, including why cutting foods at random often backfires, and why any dietary changes should be done thoughtfully and with professional guidance, especially for children.

Environmental factors also matter more than people realise. Simple changes like switching to fragrance-free laundry detergent, keeping baths short and lukewarm, choosing breathable fabrics, and moisturising immediately after bathing can have a powerful impact on the skin barrier over time.

I also touch on herbs and nutrients that may support skin, immunity, and the nervous system, while emphasising that this kind of support needs to be individualised to be both safe and effective.

Most importantly, this episode is about reassurance. Eczema doesn’t mean you or your child are broken. Healing takes time, consistency, and the right support, and every small step really does count.

🎧 To hear the full discussion, including practical examples and deeper explanations, I encourage you to listen to Episode 3 of The Nature & Nurture Podcast.

You can find this episode on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and many other platforms, simply click here to see the full list of podcast players to listen to it on.

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