Functional Medicine and Skin Health: Healing Eczema and Psoriasis From Within

Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis don’t just affect how you look. They can also impact your confidence, comfort, and overall quality of life. That’s why Advanced Functional Medicine offers holistic skin care solutions in San Diego, CA. Our functional medicine practitioners specialize in skin health. Unlike conventional dermatologists, we dive deeper into your overall health to identify and address internal triggers for issues like eczema and psoriasis. Our simple yet powerful goal is to support the body’s ability to heal itself. As a result, our patients can enjoy long-term healing. Whether you’ve been dealing with chronic flares or want a natural alternative to corticosteroids, we have the tools and expertise to help you. Read further as we explain how functional medicine approaches skin health, explore common internal triggers, and provide actionable insights into how diet, lifestyle, and natural therapies can make a difference.

A close-up of a wrist showing a small rash illustrating healing eczema & psoriasis in San Diego, CA

How Functional Medicine Views Eczema and Psoriasis

Functional medicine takes a systems-based approach to chronic skin issues. Rather than merely treating symptoms, we examine the entire body as an interconnected system. This perspective is particularly valuable for conditions like eczema and psoriasis because their root causes often extend far beyond the skin. Both conditions highlight the skin issues-gut connection, which we consider a key pathway to healing.

Eczema is often linked to immune system imbalances, gut health issues, or environmental triggers.
Psoriasis is an auto-inflammatory condition, often driven by systemic inflammation and immune dysfunction.

Common Internal Triggers Identified by Functional Medicine

One of the most important elements of functional medicine is identifying the specific internal triggers that contribute to symptoms. For eczema and psoriasis, these triggers often include:

Gut Dysbiosis – An imbalance in gut bacteria can lead to systemic inflammation, which worsens skin conditions. Research has repeatedly shown the close relationship between gut health and skin health.
Food Sensitivities and Allergies – Common trigger foods like gluten, dairy, and highly processed items can contribute to eczema and psoriasis flares.
Chronic Stress – Stress weakens the immune system and can lead to skin inflammation, making stress management critical for healing psoriasis naturally and reducing eczema symptoms.
Toxin Exposure – Overexposure to environmental toxins may trigger inflammatory responses or hormone imbalances, further aggravating skin issues.
Hormonal Imbalances – Cortisol, estrogen, and thyroid hormones can affect how the skin looks and feels. Our functional medicine practitioners often test for imbalances here.

Functional Medicine Diagnostic Tools for Skin Conditions

We use a combination of advanced diagnostic tests to uncover the hidden triggers behind eczema and psoriasis. After learning the root causes of your condition using our tools and technology, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan. During an appointment at our state-of-the-art clinic, we may perform one or more of the following:

Comprehensive Stool Testing – This determines the balance of gut bacteria and identifies infections, yeast overgrowth, leaky gut, or other issues.
Food Sensitivity Testing – We’ll identify specific foods that may be contributing to inflammation or triggering skin flares.
Hormone Panels – Our team can pinpoint hormonal imbalances that may be worsening skin conditions.
Toxin Screening – We can measure exposure to heavy metals and other environmental toxins.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Support Skin Healing

Diet and lifestyle are foundational pillars in functional medicine, particularly for addressing chronic skin conditions. Here are some key approaches we use to promote skin healing:

Adopt an Anti-Inflammatory Diet – A good chronic skin condition diet features leafy greens, fatty fish, berries, and other foods rich in antioxidants and nutrients that fight inflammation. Avoid highly processed foods, sugar, and dairy to reduce triggers.
Support Gut Health – Incorporate foods rich in probiotics and prebiotics. We recommend yogurt, kimchi, onions, and garlic. We’ll also help you determine if you need supplements like L-glutamine to repair leaky gut.
Hydration – Drink plenty of water to flush toxins from your body. This will keep your skin hydrated and less prone to irritation.
Stress Management – Regular activities like meditation, yoga, or deep-breathing exercises can reduce cortisol levels, which often play a role in chronic skin inflammation.
Exercise – Moderate, regular exercise supports overall health and may help with circulation and detoxification. This can indirectly improve your skin’s health.

Supplements and Natural Therapies Used in Functional Medicine

Our team often recommends supplements and therapies tailored to individual needs. Functional medicine’s programs and tools work more efficiently when combined with dietary and lifestyle changes. No single solution works for everyone, but the following common options have helped heal eczema and psoriasis in our patients:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids – These reduce inflammation and can improve skin elasticity.
Vitamin D – Known for its immune-modulating effects, vitamin D is particularly beneficial for those dealing with psoriasis.
Probiotics – These supplements support gut health by promoting a healthy balance of bacteria, which can improve skin health.
Herbal Remedies – Ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and aloe vera can soothe irritated skin and accelerate healing.
Red Light Therapy – This non-invasive therapy helps reduce inflammation and promote skin healing from within.

Contact Advanced Functional Medicine’s Skin Experts in San Diego

Eczema and psoriasis don’t have to rule your life. Functional medicine offers a fresh perspective that addresses the root causes of your skin issues and provides lasting relief. Advanced Functional Medicine is proud to provide holistic skin care solutions that have relieved many satisfied patients. If you need help pinpointing food sensitivities, improving your gut health, or creating an anti-inflammatory diet, we’re the team to call. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healthier, better-looking skin.