Have you tried everything to fight constant itching, irritation, and dry skin, but find that your problem just won’t go away? When it comes to eczema at Omaha’s Elkhorn Dermatology, we believe the future of chronic skin condition treatment lies in addressing the root causes, not just the symptoms. Unlike conventional approaches to eczema treatment that often rely on temporary relief through external interventions, we focus on integrative,
whole-body care that targets underlying factors such as skin and gut dysbiosis, SIBO, and allergies.
We specialize in advanced care rooted in the gut-skin connection and microbial balance, offering holistic solutions tailored to you. By targeting inflammation triggers and supporting the body’s natural systems, we help manage eczema and promote resilient, healthy skin without the need for biologics or invasive treatments.
Research increasingly shows that our gut plays a powerful role in chronic skin conditions, including eczema. Home to trillions of bacteria, both helpful and harmful, your gut’s delicate balance can directly impact your skin. When this balance is disrupted, it can trigger inflammation, cause your immune system to be hypersensitive, and lead to frustrating flare-ups like eczema or dermatitis.
Below are descriptions of eczema and other common skin conditions often linked to allergens, gut imbalances, and skin triggers:
If you struggle with eczema, you know how flare-ups of redness, itching, dryness, and swelling can disrupt your daily life. Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin condition, isn’t just influenced by your environment or genetics—it’s also affected by what’s happening inside your body. Research shows that poor gut health can trigger inflammation, which worsens eczema symptoms.
Additionally, harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus often overgrow on eczema-prone skin. This overgrowth weakens your skin’s protective barrier, leading to more irritation, inflammation, and even infections during eczema flare-ups. Managing your gut health and addressing bacterial imbalance on your skin can play a crucial role in reducing eczema severity and restoring your skin’s integrity.
Are you dealing with itchy, inflamed patches of skin after exposure to allergens like fragrances, metals, or chemicals? This may be allergic contact dermatitis—where your immune system goes into overdrive when it encounters certain triggers. Managing your skin irritation often starts with identifying and avoiding the allergens affecting you—but did you know your gut health could also play a major role?
Imbalances in your gut, such as “leaky gut syndrome,” allow allergens and toxins to leak into your bloodstream. This overstimulates your immune system, making skin irritation worse and recovery slower. By focusing not only on removing allergens from your environment but also on improving your gut health, you can help calm inflammation and support healthier, clearer skin from the inside out.
Seborrheic dermatitis, a common skin condition, leads to redness, dandruff, and flaky patches in oily areas like the scalp, face, chest, and back. This condition is linked to an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, which disrupts the skin’s microbiome. Studies on the gut-skin connection reveal that gut microbiome imbalances, or gut dysbiosis, can worsen inflammation and weaken your skin’s barrier, creating an environment where Malassezia thrives. Restoring gut health and managing yeast growth on the skin can help reduce symptoms naturally and improve overall skin health.
If you have perioral dermatitis or hand eczema, these conditions are often caused by irritants, allergens, or repeated exposure to harsh substances—especially if you work in professions like healthcare or cleaning. Genetics may also increase your risk of developing hand eczema and perioral dermatitis. You might experience redness, dryness, and itching. By identifying your triggers and using targeted treatments, you can effectively manage symptoms and find relief from hand eczema and more.
If you’ve been battling chronic skin issues, including eczema, true healing starts with your gut health. By restoring balance to your microbiome, calming inflammation, and addressing allergens, you can improve your skin from within. Targeted therapies designed to support both your gut and skin offer lasting relief, so you can enjoy healthier, more resilient skin.
“Dr. Kettelhut never makes me feel rushed during a visit. I was a mess when I first saw him and over the years, he has turned me into a healthy person. My asthma and allergies are now under control. He has a great sense of humor and I feel we are good friends as well. I have recommended him to friends who have also been pleased with his care.”
Our experienced specialists are equipped with a variety of tools to get to the bottom of what’s causing your eczema and other skin issues. Think of our diagnostic services as your personal solution toolbox. Whether it’s identifying allergens, assessing bacterial imbalances, checking gut permeability, or uncovering signs of gut inflammation and digestive issues, we’re here to provide clear insights and effective solutions tailored to your needs. These comprehensive tests include:
An in-depth analysis of gut health detects imbalances in bacteria, such as dysbiosis, or conditions like SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth).
A thorough examination of both visible and microscopic changes in the skin’s structure and appearance is a holistic evaluation that helps uncover underlying root causes and provides a clear roadmap for targeted skin care and treatment.
A precise histological analysis of a small skin sample can diagnose inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, infections, or suspicious growths. This detailed examination allows us to confirm complex diagnoses and determine the best course of action.
A comprehensive review of factors such as medical history, dietary habits, sleep patterns, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices can uncover hidden contributors to skin issues. This step ensures a multi-faceted approach to your skin care.
A targeted evaluation of hormone levels identifies imbalances associated with acne, premature aging, or chronic skin concerns. Understanding hormonal influences allows us to effectively address the deeper causes of persistent skin conditions.
At Elkhorn Dermatology, we emphasize a whole-person approach to skin health and skin integrity. Therefore, our strategy combines traditional dermatology methods with advanced diagnostics to tackle both surface symptoms of problems like eczema, as well as their underlying causes. Our treatments are personalized for your unique needs to ensure long-term solutions.
“Guided by our board-certified dermatologist and allergist-immunologist on our Scientific Board, we ensure that every product and recommendation is grounded in proven dermatological expertise and science.“
Allergic and inflammatory skin conditions like eczema can be effectively managed by addressing root causes like allergens, inflammation, and the gut-skin connection. By focusing on healing from within— through practices like intestinal barrier repair, detox strategies, and allergen elimination—you can achieve healthier, clearer skin naturally.
Discover more about Elkhorn Dermatology and our experienced providers, and learn why families throughout our community trust us for personalized, high-quality dermatologic care.
Monday – Friday:
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
