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Office hours:
Monday, Wednesday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (AEST). We are located on the Gold Coast (Qld, Australia)
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by dry, itchy and inflamed skin. It's generally understood to result from a combination of genetic, environmental,
immune and skin barrier-related factors, particularly elevated skin pH, impaired skin barrier function and an overactive immune response.
The link between gut health and eczema is biologically plausible, and newer genetic and treatment-based studies are starting to
support it. However, the broader research is still inconsistent, so saying "leaky gut causes eczema" is premature. A more accurate way to put it: gut bacteria appear to be associated with eczema and may influence the immune system. But it's just one piece of a much bigger picture. Still, your diet matters, as it's the main driver of gut health.
For many people, yes. While eczema isn't caused by diet alone, certain foods can act as triggers that worsen inflammation and flare-ups in sensitive individuals. In my clinical research and practice, I've found that identifying individual food intolerances, rather than following generic
elimination diets, can make a meaningful difference for many people living with eczema. My eczema research can be found here and The Eczema Detox can be found here.
Common dietary triggers include dairy, wheat, eggs, peanut, soy and high-histamine foods, although triggers vary significantly from person to person. More than 50% of people with eczema may have salicylate intolerance so some healthy foods can make eczema worse (Fischer, 2025).
No. When Ren Karen Fischer relocated to the Gold Coast, the Eczema Life Clinic closed so she could focus on completing her eczema research as part of a Master's by Research at Bond University, and to spend more time with her parents, who are both in their nineties and appreciate a little extra help these days. If you are seeking nutrition advice from a nutritionist who knows Fischer's eczema detox programs, speak to nutritionist Bonnie via the eczemadiet.com website.
Karen does not see new patients. If you are seeking nutrition advice from a nutritionist who knows Fischer's eczema detox/diet program and FID program, book a consultation with nutritionist Bonnie Taylor via the eczemadiet.com website. She can help you identify your personal triggers and tailor the diet to suit you.