Beneath the Surface: Functional Strategies for Treating Eczema with Rebecca Hughes
Manage episode 489758103 series 2941358
Is it time to rethink how we treat atopic dermatitis?
Atopic dermatitis is more than skin deep—and naturopath and award-winning clinician Rebecca Hughes is here to prove it. In this practical and insightful episode, Rebecca shares her integrative, root-cause approach to eczema that goes far beyond suppressing symptoms with topical steroids.
Drawing from extensive clinical experience, Rebecca highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis, noting that conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and lupus are often misidentified as eczema—leading to ineffective treatment. She walks practitioners through key investigations, from food intolerance and intestinal permeability testing to genetic susceptibilities, that help identify true inflammatory drivers.
Rebecca also outlines her foundational nutrient protocol, including zinc, vitamin D, vitamin A, quercetin, and glutamine, and discusses how these work synergistically to modulate immune response, stabilise mast cells, and repair gut integrity. She also addresses overlooked environmental triggers like mould and water-damaged buildings, as well as the clinical importance of emotional support, sleep hygiene, and managing the psychological toll of visible skin conditions.
Clinicians will find practical strategies for supporting patients through topical steroid withdrawal, tips on using bleach baths safely for Staphylococcus aureus overgrowth, and why children with eczema require particularly vigilant care.
With a soon-to-be-released practitioner course on atopic dermatitis, Rebecca equips healthcare professionals with the tools they need to treat this complex condition confidently and holistically.
Connect with Rebecca: Home - Rebecca Hughes Naturopath
Explore Rebecca's Managing Atopic Dermatitis Course: Use code SAVE30 for a 30% discount. More information on the course can be found here: Managing Atopic Dermatitis | Natural Skin Medicine Courses
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DISCLAIMER: The Information provided in the Wellness by Designs podcast is for educational purposes only; the information presented is not intended to be used as medical advice; please seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional if what you have heard here today raises questions or concerns relating to your health
Chapters
1. Introduction to Rebecca Hughes (00:00:00)
2. Importance of Accurate Diagnosis (00:02:35)
3. Rebecca's Journey into Skin Conditions (00:04:56)
4. Testing and Assessment Approaches (00:08:09)
5. Treatment Protocol Priorities (00:16:01)
6. Nutrient Support and Immune Modulation (00:21:31)
7. Emotional Impact and Sleep Support (00:30:00)
8. Key Ingredients for Atopic Dermatitis (00:34:08)
9. Bleach Baths: Benefits and Considerations (00:39:44)
10. Managing Topical Steroid Withdrawal (00:45:26)
11. Closing and Free Resources (00:51:27)
130 episodes