Healing Eczema from the Inside Out: How Functional Lab Testing Informs Holistic Treatment at East West Dermatology
At East West Dermatology, we believe in treating eczema holistically by addressing not just the symptoms but the root causes. Eczema, characterized by inflamed, itchy, and irritated skin, often signals deeper imbalances within the body. Many of our patients have tried conventional treatments that focus on managing the symptoms but fail to provide long-term relief. This is where our approach, combining functional lab testing with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), stands apart.
Eczema is more than a skin condition; it’s often a reflection of internal dysfunction, such as gut imbalances, chronic inflammation, or exposure to toxins. To truly heal the skin, we must first understand what’s happening inside the body. Functional lab testing provides us with invaluable insights into what might be contributing to eczema flare-ups. Tests such as the GI MAP, organic acid test (OAT), and mycotoxin tests allow us to identify potential triggers, guiding us in creating personalized treatment plans that promote deep healing from within.
Uncovering the Root Cause with Functional Lab Testing
Functional lab testing is an essential part of our diagnostic process for eczema. These tests go beyond what conventional blood work can show and provide a comprehensive look at how well the body’s systems are functioning.
- GI MAP (Gastrointestinal Microbial Assay Plus)
The GI MAP test analyzes the gut microbiome, assessing bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Eczema is often linked to imbalances in gut health, known as gut dysbiosis. Many patients with eczema have an overgrowth of harmful bacteria or yeast, like Candida, or suffer from conditions like leaky gut syndrome, where the intestinal lining is compromised, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream and trigger immune responses that show up on the skin. By identifying these imbalances, we can address gut health as a foundational step in calming the skin. - Organic Acid Test (OAT)
The OAT provides a snapshot of metabolic function by measuring the byproducts of metabolism found in urine. This test reveals imbalances in nutrient processing, mitochondrial function, and the presence of yeast or bacterial overgrowth. If your body is struggling to metabolize certain nutrients or is burdened by chronic infections, it can create systemic inflammation, which often manifests in the skin. Armed with this information, we can adjust your nutrition and supplementation to support optimal metabolic function, reducing inflammation and improving eczema. - Mycotoxin Test
Mold exposure is a lesser-known but potent contributor to eczema. Mycotoxins are toxic compounds produced by certain molds, and long-term exposure can lead to chronic inflammation and immune system dysregulation. The mycotoxin test helps us determine if hidden mold exposure could be contributing to your eczema. If mold is a factor, detoxification protocols become a crucial part of the healing process.
Personalized Treatment Plans Based on Lab Results
Once we’ve gathered a comprehensive picture of your internal health through these tests, we create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. At East West Dermatology, our treatment strategies blend the precision of functional lab results with the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Combining Lab Results with Chinese Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long recognized the connection between gut health and skin conditions like eczema. By identifying patterns of disharmony within the body, such as heat, dampness, or wind, we can prescribe Chinese herbal formulas that restore balance. Based on your functional lab results, we customize these formulas to address the underlying imbalances revealed in your testing.
For example, if your GI MAP test shows signs of leaky gut and bacterial overgrowth, we might prescribe herbs like Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis) to reduce inflammation and clear heat from the intestines, combined with herbs that strengthen the digestive system, like Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala). If your mycotoxin test indicates mold exposure, we might incorporate herbs that support detoxification, such as Fu Ling (Poria cocos), to expel dampness and toxins from the body.
Supporting Healing from the Inside Out
Our holistic approach doesn’t stop at herbal medicine. Based on your lab results, we may recommend specific dietary changes, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle modifications to support gut health, reduce inflammation, and strengthen your immune system. Healing eczema requires a multifaceted approach, and we work with you every step of the way to ensure that your treatment is comprehensive and sustainable.
Conclusion
At East West Dermatology, we treat eczema not as a superficial skin issue but as a sign of deeper internal imbalances. Through advanced functional lab testing like the GI MAP, organic acid test, and mycotoxin test, we uncover the root causes of eczema and create personalized treatment plans that combine the best of functional medicine with the time-honored wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
If you’re tired of treatments that only mask the symptoms of eczema, our integrative approach offers a path to true healing from the inside out. By addressing the root causes of your eczema, we help you achieve long-lasting relief and vibrant, healthy skin.
Ready to take the first step? Contact us at East West Dermatology to schedule your consultation and start your journey to clear, radiant skin.
