My Skin: A Journey to Internal Health and Healing
- eaa1078
- May 9
- 7 min read
By Dr Roz Griffiths (Lifestyle Chiropractor)
When I reflect on over 40 years of managing eczema, a condition also known as contact dermatitis, I often wonder: how different would my life be if, in my childhood, the focus had been on addressing the cause rather than treating the effects? Would I still need to watch what I eat, monitor my stress levels, or carefully select what I put on my skin? My guess is no.
This belief stems from my own experiences and the changes I’ve witnessed in my children and others I’ve supported by addressing the root causes of eczema early. While I can’t rewrite my past, I’ve come to see my journey with eczema as a gift—one that inspired me to pursue a healthy lifestyle and a career focused on helping others achieve wellness. My experiences have allowed me to share insights into how eczema can be a window into our internal health, particularly the gut.
Where it all begins...
The exact causes of eczema remain unclear, but emerging research points to a connection with gut health. Studies suggest that people with atopic dermatitis—the most common form of eczema—may have a less diverse gut microbiome compared to those without the condition.
My lived experience aligns with this research. I’ve learned that eczema isn’t just a skin issue; it’s often a manifestation of an imbalanced or underdeveloped gut microbiome. This realisation transformed my approach to managing eczema and set me on a path of discovery. For the past 23 years, I’ve managed my skin without relying on corticosteroid creams, focusing instead on healing from within.
A challenging start
Born in the 1980s to a mother with atopic allergies, I was predisposed to similar challenges. When your mother has allergies, it is likely her gut health is not optimal, and this gut microbiome is what she passes to her newborn child. I now know that ideally mums can improve their gut microbiome prior to and during pregnancy with probiotics, fermented foods and other nutrients like fish oil and vitamin K2.
Despite a vaginal birth and being breastfed until I was 12 months old—factors that support gut health—eczema appeared within weeks of my birth. At the time, little was known about how a mother’s diet (eliminating common allergens like gluten or dairy) or taking probiotics could help a breastfeeding baby’s gut.
All newborns have an immature microbiome which is why they are only given milk to start, then solids are slowly introduced as the gut matures. All babies are different and some guts are slower to mature than others. Introducing foods that are more inflammatory or hard to digest can cause early inflammation. If young children eat foods they can’t digest this can be the start of an inflamed gut.
When I began solids my eczema continued to flare as my gut microbiome couldn’t digest foods properly. My eczema severely affected my hands and feet, so my parents did what most do and took me to the doctor who prescribed corticosteroid creams and soaking in bathtubs of pinetarsol. They made lifestyle suggestions like wearing cotton socks and leather shoes to allow my feet to breathe more. When my flare ups went through bad episodes I went to see skin specialists who changed the corticosteroid cream to a different brand or higher strength. I have no memory of anyone ever discussing the cause of my eczema, just that it would be something I would likely ‘grow out of’. Corticosteroids work by suppressing the immune system to decrease the inflammation. As a child I was plagued with colds and always seemed to have respiratory issues.
I have memories of being a young child walking around on the edges of my feet each evening whilst the steroid cream absorbed into my feet so that I would be able to sleep. I remember going swimming in the pool and having a variety of creams I had to put on afterwards to stop my skin from flaring or drying out and cracking. I always hand bandaids handy to cover cracks or raw spots on my skin. It was always so hard not to itch as it felt so good, but then dealing with the raw bleeding skin afterwards was never worth the relief of the itching. I avoided washing my hands as much as I could due to the discomfort afterwards. I usually kept my hands in fists to hide my eczema and hated people looking at them.
The last skin specialist I saw was whilst I was living in the humid climate of Cairns at 19 years old. I had stopped wearing a bra due to the irritation of it rubbing on my skin and my hands were raw from working as a dishwash. The specialist now told me that I would not “grow out of” my condition, that I would always have eczema just sitting under the surface of my skin, but if I kept away from a job that used my hands too much, avoid getting sweaty and use yet another corticosteroid cream twice a day, then I should be able to manage. Never did any of the skin specialists mention my diet or anything relating to my gut health, and I never thought to ask.
The turning point
Everything changed when I moved to Auckland to study Chiropractic. Chiropractic philosophy emphasises the body’s ability to heal itself and asks, “Why do I have this symptom?” rather than “How do I get rid of it?” This new perspective led me to a naturopath, who conducted tests revealing signs of leaky gut syndrome—a condition stemming from years of gut inflammation.
The approach suggested was a three-step process known as the GEMM protocol:
Eliminate: Remove inflammatory foods and substances.
Rebuild: Strengthen the gut wall.
Diversify: Promote a healthy, diverse microbiome.
It was empowering to know I could take control of my health. I knew that if I wanted to be able to work with my hands and be able to cope with sweating then I needed to make a change. Since that moment, I’ve committed to addressing the root causes of my eczema. Though the journey wasn’t easy, however I haven’t looked back and have not used a corticosteroid cream since.
Healing from within
The process of healing my gut was long and challenging. As my body detoxed, flare-ups occurred, and I had to take responsibility for my choices. Gluten, sugar, dairy, artificial chemicals, stress, lack of movement and poor sleep all aggravated my gut, requiring me to overhaul my diet and lifestyle during my university years. Twenty-five years ago, options for allergen-free and natural foods were limited, making the transition even harder.
Beyond diet, I learned about the impact on the gut of toxins absorbed through skin products, cleaning agents, medications, vaccines, and even water. I gradually replaced these with natural alternatives. Despite setbacks—like needing gloves to wash my hair with cracked hands or experiencing swelling as my body detoxed—I stayed the course. The naturopath’s prediction that it could take as long to heal my gut as it had been inflamed proved true.
Detoxing became a regular practice in my mid 20’s. I discovered a 28-day herbal detox program that lightened the digestive load and supported my liver and bowel health. It is amazing how regular my bowel movements feel during and afterwards, and easy daily bowel movements is now another way I monitor my body health. This reset became a cornerstone of my routine, helping me maintain clear skin and overall well-being. I also help others through this process and you can learn more at theresetdetox.com
Life today
At 42, my skin is mostly clear. I’ve learned to listen to my body: when I stray from supportive choices—like indulging in poor food choices, chemicals, stress, dehydration, not moving enough, or neglecting sleep—my skin signals me with dryness or itching. Returning to healthy habits quickly restores balance. When I don’t listen to the early symptoms, I have ended up back with flare ups now mostly my hands and around my chin.
My current food and supplement choices have been adapted through trial and error and testing. My diet centres on nature-based, nutrient-dense foods: organic meats, fresh vegetables, fruits, fermented foods, nuts, seeds, and herbs. I use minerals, liver tablets, vitamin C, fish oil and magnesium to support my diet. As mentioned above I do a herbal detox for 14 days every 6-12 months. We filter all of the water coming into our house, use all natural skin and cleaning products. I have a DAO natural anti inflammatory supplement to help support my body when I occasionally want to indulge in a vineyard tour or something similar!
I boost my lymphatics and immune system by moving my body lots everyday, with a combination of running, gym and yoga. I make sure I get fresh air and sunshine regularly and that our home is well ventilated. I use multiple healers and practices to help keep my nervous system regulated, including Chiropractic care, energy balancing and nasal breathwork. If I had limited my life possibilities to the opinion of the skin specialist, I would not be using my hands in the career I love as a Chiropractor. I also would not have been able to sweat and cope with the marathons, triathlons, swimming or hiking that I have done all over the world. Most significantly, I would not have the vitality and energy I have today.
The bigger picture
When people ask how to “fix” their eczema, I emphasise that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Addressing the root causes of gut health requires patience and commitment. The earlier you start, the easier the journey can be. I've witnessed babies overcome eczema within their first year of life, and it's amazing to see how this can set them on a completely different path for the future.
I recommend any age to see a Naturopath or Nutritionist as a first step. As there are many different styles, I suggest having a conversation first and share with them what you are experiencing and what support you are looking for. Another suggestion for adults is to start by doing The Reset Detox then slowly reintroduce foods. Check out the website or email me for more information.
Every challenge I’ve faced has deepened my understanding and equipped me to support others on their own paths to healing. The key is to shift the question from “How do I get rid of this symptom?” to “Why do I have this symptom?”
This mindset has been life-changing for me, and I hope it inspires you to explore your own journey. Healing may not always be easy, but it is undoubtedly worth it. Let me know how you get on!
If you or someone you know needs support on your eczema journey, our team is here to help. Please contact us at 1300 300 182 or help@eczema.org.nz for expert advice and caring, personalised support tailored to your needs. You can also send us a message using our contact form.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is general in nature and does not constitute professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your individual needs.
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