Why Does My Child Keep Getting Eczema? A Naturopath’s Gentle Guide to Healing from Within
“Why does my baby’s eczema keep coming back, no matter what I put on their skin?”
It is one of the most common questions I hear from parents searching for natural eczema treatment for children. The endless cycle of flare ups can feel exhausting. You try another cream, change the washing powder, cut out another food, and still those red, itchy patches return.
Many mums also search for how to clear up eczema naturally, what to feed a child with eczema, or which home remedies really work. These are such valid questions, and they come from that deep desire to help your child feel comfortable in their skin again.
But eczema is more than a skin condition. It is the body’s way of asking for balance. Often, that message comes from deeper within the gut, the immune system, or even the nervous system that helps your child feel safe and settled.
Understanding What Is Happening Beneath the Skin
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that often starts in infancy or early childhood. It can appear on the cheeks, behind the knees, in the elbow creases, or sometimes across the whole body.
From a naturopathic point of view, the skin reflects what is happening inside. When the gut microbiome is out of balance, the immune system can become more reactive. When the liver or detoxification pathways are overloaded, inflammation may rise. If stress or poor sleep affect the nervous system, healing slows. Even environmental factors like detergents, mould, and synthetic fabrics can play a role.
So instead of simply suppressing symptoms, we look to understand the underlying causes and gently restore calm to the systems that help the skin heal from within.
How to Begin Clearing Eczema Naturally
When I work with children in clinic, we begin with small, gentle steps that bring the body back to balance.
We focus first on the gut and digestion, ensuring the microbiome is supported and nutrients are absorbed properly. This often makes a big difference to skin health. We then look at immune balance, as the immune system and skin are closely connected.
Next, we consider the liver and detox pathways, helping the body process and release inflammation more effectively. We also support the nervous system, because stress, even in young children, can increase skin reactivity.
Diet plays a role too, but it is rarely about strict elimination. It is more about introducing nourishing, anti-inflammatory foods such as colourful vegetables, healthy fats, and plenty of hydration, while reducing foods that may contribute to histamine overload or irritation.
In some cases, gentle functional testing such as microbiome analysis, nutrient profiling, or allergy assessment can help us understand what lies beneath your child’s eczema. These tests are never the first step, but they can bring clarity when the cause feels stubborn or confusing.
Every child’s story is different, which is why personalised care matters so much. There is no single cream or supplement that works for everyone, but there is always a path forward once we understand what the body is trying to say.
Herbal Medicine for Eczema
Herbal medicine can be a beautiful and gentle way to support a child’s skin from within. Certain herbs help calm inflammation, nourish the skin, and soothe the nervous system, while others assist detoxification and gut balance.
In my clinic, I often draw on gentle, evidence-informed herbs such as Chamomile, Nettle, Burdock, Albizia, Perilla, Licorice, and Calendula. These herbs can help ease irritation, support detoxification, and promote clearer, calmer skin by addressing the underlying inflammation and immune imbalance.
Herbal formulas are always tailored to each child’s age, constitution, and unique needs. The right combination can make a remarkable difference, especially when used alongside supportive nutrition and lifestyle changes.
A Story from the Clinic
A mum came to see me about her baby’s eczema. Her little one’s cheeks were red and sore, the itching relentless. Nights were long and broken, and she felt she had tried everything, from steroid creams to strict diets, yet nothing seemed to bring lasting relief.
We worked together to calm the inflammation from the inside out. By gently supporting digestion, immunity, and the skin’s natural healing processes, things began to shift. Over the following weeks, the redness softened, and her baby started sleeping more peacefully. Mum told me she finally felt a sense of hope and calm return to her days.
The most powerful change did not come from one product or supplement, but from restoring trust in the body’s ability to heal.
Rhythms That Restore
Healing eczema takes time and rhythm, not quick fixes. The body feels safest when daily life is calm and predictable. Simple changes often make a big difference, such as:
Short, warm baths with a small handful of oats or chamomile to soothe the skin
Soft, breathable cotton clothing and bedding
Gentle, unhurried evenings with less screen time and more quiet connection
Whole, unprocessed meals with good fats like avocado, olive oil, and seeds
Outdoor play, fresh air, and time in nature to calm the nervous system
When these small routines become part of daily life, they help create the foundation for the skin to heal naturally.
Ready to Support Your Child’s Skin Naturally?
If your little one is struggling with dry, itchy eczema or sensitive skin that just will not settle, I would love to help.
Together, we can explore what is really driving your child’s eczema and create a simple, evidence-informed plan that supports healing from within.
Book a Children’s Naturopathy Consultation
So we can gently uncover what your child’s body needs, thoughtfully, naturally, and with care.
With care,
Ayelet x
