1
Gut repair dinner — prebiotic and probiotic focus. Gut-skin axis means microbiome diversity directly determines skin inflammation. Take L. rhamnosus — most studied probiotic for eczema with demonstrated flare reduction.
2
Evening skin barrier routine. Apply thicker emollient barrier cream to affected areas before sleep. Skin repair is most active between 11pm and 3am. Seal in moisture before this window.
3
Evening primrose oil or borage oil 1-2g. GLA converts to DGLA — an anti-inflammatory fatty acid that directly reduces the Th2-driven skin inflammation in eczema. Cumulative effect — 8-12 weeks to peak benefit.
4
Cool bedroom — 18°C. Heat is the most common nocturnal itch trigger. Cool room reduces histamine release from mast cells in skin tissue. Use natural fibre bedding only.
5
Magnesium bath during active flare. 2 cups magnesium flakes in lukewarm bath for 15 minutes. Magnesium absorbs transdermally, reducing skin inflammation and itching. Apply emollient immediately after.
Avoid in the evening
Alcohol — increases gut permeability and histamine levels simultaneously. Hot baths. Fragranced laundry detergent on bedding. Eating within 2 hours of sleep. Stress — mast cell degranulation is directly triggered by cortisol-CRH pathway.