Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic gastrointestinal disorder causing symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, anxiety, and depression. Eczema is a skin condition characterized by dry skin unable to retain moisture and accompanied by periodic redness, rashes, and cracked skin.
Emerging evidence suggests a strong association between gut and skin health. This connection is mediated through complex gut-skin pathways involving immune, inflammatory, and microbiome signals. This seems to be the reason why many IBS patients also report having skin conditions like eczema.
This article explores the potential relationship between IBS and eczema, recommending effective treatments for patients with IBS-related skin conditions.
Are IBS and Eczema Related?
Irritable bowel syndrome results from a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Low-grade inflammation also plays a role in the disease’s development.
Eczema is an inflammatory skin disorder resulting from skin barrier abnormalities and immune dysregulation. In addition to dry skin and flare-ups, many eczema patients also report IBS symptoms. Studies show they often have an increased number of mast cells (white blood cells that regulate inflammation and immune responses) in the intestinal system.
This overlap suggests a correlation between eczema and IBS, possibly involving shared gut-skin inflammatory pathways in their causes.
Eczema and Other Gut Issues
The immune system is profoundly influenced by our gut microbiota – trillions of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.) that regulate gut barrier function, inflammation, and immune response. Disruption in the microbiome’s diversity and an overgrowth of harmful bacteria lead to gut dysbiosis, which affects the gut-skin axis and can lead to skin disorders such as eczema.
Gut conditions associated with eczema (other than IBS) include:
- Leaky gut – Increased intestinal permeability or leaky gut occurs when the intestinal lining is compromised due to various factors, such as stress, environmental toxins, unhealthy diet, etc. The gut barrier loses its ability to prevent harmful substances from passing into the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation and skin conditions.
- Inflammatory bowel disease – Patients with eczema have an increased risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. These conditions have similar underlying mechanisms, including dysbiosis, barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation.
- Food allergies – They are pathological immune reactions to specific foods. Food allergies are prevalent in eczema patients due to a damaged skin barrier that allows food allergens to enter the body.
IBS and Other Dermatological Conditions
IBS patients are more likely to suffer from certain skin conditions. Besides eczema, they include:
- Urticaria (hives) – Skin rashes characterized by red, itchy bumps on the skin’s surface, often due to allergic triggers. Urticaria and IBS are linked to increased mast cell activity in the gastrointestinal tract, suggesting their association.
- Rosacea – Symptoms that typically manifest in rosacea patients include periodic flushing and redness, rough and scaly skin, and burning and stinging sensations. Patients with this inflammatory skin condition often experience IBS, IBD, intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Treating IBS and IBS-Related Skin Conditions
Scientists are still exploring the connection between IBS and eczema. Until they discover a targeted treatment for these two conditions occurring together, they recommend following these lifestyle and skincare solutions to improve gut and skin health.
1. Skin Care
Skincare products that modulate the gut-brain-skin axis are among the leading trends in the cosmetic industry. They are formulated with ingredients that improve microbiome diversity, balance hormones, trigger the release of “feel-good” neurotransmitters, and enhance skin health.
Microbiome-friendly ingredients promote hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, and reduce inflammation. They include:
- Probiotics – Live microorganisms that improve the ratio of beneficial skin flora.
- Prebiotics – Ingredients that feed beneficial bacteria.
- Postbiotics – Byproducts of probiotic fermentation which positively impact the skin.
- Natural enzymes (e.g., papaya and pineapple) – Gentle exfoliators that dissolve dead skin cells and brighten the complexion.
Neurocosmetic ingredients modulate skin-brain pathways to stimulate the release of serotonin, dopamine, and other feel-good neurotransmitters, helping to relieve inflammation and reverse aging signs. They include:
- Neuropeptides – Ingredients that help relax muscles, smooth the skin, and improve hydration.
- Adaptogens – Soothing botanicals that calm stressed and inflamed skin.
- Antioxidants – They protect the skin from environmental damage, stress, inflammation, and other skin-aging factors.
Anti-inflammatory skin care relieves red, sensitive, irritated skin, increases hydration, and promotes a stronger skin barrier. Potent anti-inflammatory ingredients include:
- Willow herb
- Chamomile
- Cucumber
- Green tea
- Centella asiatica
- Zinc PCA
Note: Our new skincare line, Vibrant, uses a holistic approach to skin care. By modulating the gut-brain-skin axis, it reduces inflammation, combats senescent cells responsible for skin aging, and provides more effective results than traditional skin care.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Health professionals often prescribe anti-inflammatory diets for patients with inflammatory disorders, such as eczema and IBS. These eating plans focus on foods that reduce inflammation, such as:
- Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables
- Fatty fish, nuts, and seeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids
- Whole grains high in phytonutrients that suppress inflammation
- Probiotic-rich fermented products
Patients are advised to exclude inflammatory foods, such as processed carbohydrates, trans fats, processed meats, and sugary drinks.
3. Probiotic and Prebiotic Supplements
Gut and skin problems are often linked to less microbiota diversity and the resulting lack of short-chain fatty acids (the products of gut bacteria fermentation with anti-inflammatory properties). Probiotic and prebiotic supplements help restore microbial balance and improve gut-related disorders. They regulate digestion, nutrient absorption, gut barrier function, and the immune system, altering the inflammatory response in both the intestinal tract and the skin.
4. Eliminating Food Allergens
Food allergies and sensitivities are known to trigger or exacerbate symptoms of certain inflammatory or immune-related conditions, such as IBS and eczema. Healthcare providers will perform food allergy tests to identify potential triggers. If the results are positive, patients should eliminate allergens from their diets. Although there is no cure for food allergies, avoiding known triggers helps in managing and even eliminating symptoms of related inflammatory conditions.
Note: Learn about the differences between a food allergy and intolerance.
5. Stress Relief
Psychological stress can trigger or intensify the symptoms of both IBS and eczema. Chronically elevated cortisol levels disrupt hormonal and neurotransmitter activity, impair immune regulation, and contribute to dysbiosis, aggravating related disorders. Engage in stress-relieving activities, such as yoga, meditation, nature walks, and art, to reduce inflammation and other uncomfortable symptoms. Also use supplements that support healthy cortisol metabolism and a normal response to stress.
6. Healthy Sleep
A lack of sleep can disrupt the gut-brain-skin pathways and lead to various disorders, including gut and skin problems. Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep each night, preferably going to bed before 10 pm.
Conclusion
Health professionals are aware of the connection between IBS and eczema, involving similar mechanisms in disease development. A holistic approach focused on supporting gut-brain-skin health offers a promising strategy for managing symptoms and improving the quality of life.
