Eczema - Harriet's Story

As the word spreads that skin issues are linked to gut health, more and more clients are coming forward with skin issues such as eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, acne.. 

I've analysed over 100 comprehensive stool tests, 75% of these were for skin related issues.

But this particular case stands out as one of the most significant skin transformations to date – so of course I had to share it.

This is Harriet…

Harriet, before, during and at the end of our protocol 

Harriet was 27 years old, and her worried mum approached us after reading our previous published case study on the importance of stool testing for eczema.

Prior to contacting us Harriet had been prescribed many creams, antibiotics, steroids and had visited the dermatologist many times.  Nothing was working, and her skin condition was getting progressively worse.

The next step with the dermatologist was to take a course of immunosuppressants, and despite Harriet feeling very weak at that point, it didn’t feel right for her, so she declined them.

Both mum and Harriet felt they had nowhere else to go, so they scheduled a call.

different stages of Harriet's legs before, during, and at the end of our protocol.

By the time I met Harriet she was emotionally beaten, depressed, couldn’t see a way out, and couldn’t function at work because of how ill she felt.  

Mental health is a huge challenge in these types of cases, with many people experiencing trauma from the appearance of the skin. At that time, Harriet required the support of anti depressants to help which came with another set of symptoms and side effects.

Arms and hands, before and during and at the end of the protocol 

After a long chat with Harriet, we ordered the stool test and made immediate changes to her diet.

The stool test told us that there was very high levels of inflammation in the gut, some problematic bacteria, and a lack of diversity in the gut microbiome. Unlike our previous case study, there were no parasites or candida.

We also identified that there were some issues around histamine, a very tired immune system, low iron, poor liver clearance and hormone imbalances.

There was a lot going on!

But Harriet handled it like a pro… she was patient, steady, and paid attention to the positives not just the negatives.  

The small wins matter in the early stages of our protocols; regular bowel movements, less redness, less itchiness, improved sleep.. the big wins come soon after.

It took roughly 5 months from the start of our sessions through to Harriet’s skin becoming completely clear.  Harriet has now moved onto a maintenance package, involving less regular check-ins until she feels fully confident to move forward on her own. 

Facial area - before, during and at the end of our protocol

Here are the steps I took with Harriet:

Step 1: Evaluated her symptoms and health history using a detailed medical health questionnaire 

Step 2:  We ordered the stool test and reviewed recent GP blood tests

Step 3: While waiting for stool results we made some obvious, but simple changes to diet and hydration

Step 4: We then actioned the concerns raised in the stool test using a 4 phase approach and tailored supplements.

Step 5: Throughout each of the steps we assessed a weekly food diary and checked in on symptoms, bowel movements, and lifestyle making changes to the protocol if necessary.

In addition to the above we also requested another set of blood tests from Harriet’s GP, but we haven’t felt the need to re-test using the stool test due to the success of the protocol.

Why do we focus on the gut as a priority? 

Up to 80% of the immune system is in the gut and the gut microbiome influences almost everything about the immune system. 

Leaky gut and gut dysbiosis are linked to chronic inflammation, and not just skin issues! Other diseases include:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Obesity

• Thyroid issues

• Cardiovascular disease

• Osteoporosis

• Cancer

• IBS

• Autoimmune conditions

You’re only as healthy as your gut!

I use Genova Diagnostics for comprehensive stool testing, take a look at a sample report and get in touch if you think this is right for you.