Healing Eczema at the Root: A Homeopathic Case Study
Eczema is typically described as a combination of skin barrier dysfunction and immune dysregulation, often with a genetic predisposition. However, emerging studies suggest that immune system stimulation, such as that from vaccines, may contribute to the onset or exacerbation of eczema, particularly in genetically susceptible children. One study found a notable link between live attenuated vaccines (like the MMR) and increased eczema incidence in children with a predisposition.¹
In my practice, I’ve observed that effective and lasting healing of eczema often requires a two-fold approach:
Detoxification of environmental and pharmaceutical triggers
Addressing the deeper miasmatic or epigenetic susceptibility that made the child more prone to developing atopic conditions in the first place.
What Is a Miasma and Why Does It Matter?
In homeopathy, a miasm represents the energetic imprint of inherited tendencies; patterns passed down from generation to generation. In modern language, this aligns with what we understand as epigenetics: changes in gene expression that don’t alter the DNA sequence itself but are influenced by factors like toxins, stress, environment, and diet.
What this means is that a child may carry a genetic predisposition for eczema, but it only manifests when the vital force is disrupted by toxins, diet, environmental stressors, or pharmaceutical interventions. When this happens, the epigenetic switch is flipped, and disease expression begins.
Miasmatic remedies in homeopathy are aimed at clearing these inherited imprints, either by helping to "turn off" dysfunctional gene expression or by preventing its activation altogether. Interestingly, in vitro and animal studies have shown that homeopathic remedies like Arsenicum album, Thuja occidentalis, and Carcinosin can modulate gene expression related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell repair. For instance:
Arsenicum album: A study demonstrated that Arsenicum album 30C modulated protein biomarkers and gene expressions in yeast exposed to arsenate, indicating potential in reducing oxidative stress and enhancing cellular repair mechanisms.
Thuja occidentalis: Research has shown that Thuja occidentalis exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting its role in modulating pathways associated with oxidative stress and inflammation.
Carcinosin: A study reported that Carcinosin 30C protected pancreatic islets against streptozotocin-induced beta-cell dysfunctions in mice, indicating its potential in modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.
While more research is needed, clinical homeopaths have been working from this angle for generations.
By combining miasmatic healing with homeopathic detox therapy, we’re able to address not only the external trigger that activated the disease expression but also the inherited susceptibility that allowed it to manifest in the first place. This layered, root-cause approach is what makes deep and lasting healing possible, moving beyond symptom relief to true resolution at the core.
Case Study: Avoiding Dupixent in a Child with Severe Eczema
A young child came to me with severe eczema after having seen multiple providers, including MDs and integrative doctors. The consistent recommendation? Dupixent.
Dupixent is a monoclonal antibody that blocks the IL-4/IL-13 receptor to suppress an overactive Th2 immune response this is the same pathway involved in eczema. While it can reduce symptoms by dampening immune reactivity, it doesn’t address the underlying imbalance. There’s also concern about the long-term impact of using such pharmaceuticals in young children. When we suppress a visible warning sign like eczema, we risk pushing the dysfunction deeper into the body.
In naturopathic medicine, we are taught that suppression of skin conditions like eczema can often lead to the development of deeper conditions, such as asthma. This is why suppression may have long-term consequences that unfold over time.
In this child’s case, the eczema flared significantly after a round of routine vaccinations. My treatment approach was fourfold:
A constitutional remedy that mirrored the child’s total symptom picture
A miasmatic remedy to address his inherited susceptibility
Acute remedies to support the skin—relieving weeping, itching, and redness while promoting repair of the skin barrier
Homeopathic tautopathy (remedies made from the vaccines he received) to detox potential side effects from immune system triggers
As treatment progressed, the child’s skin steadily improved. As shown in the photos, the healing was gradual. The severity of the eczema slowly diminished until the skin eventually became clear. Occasionally, he experienced flares after starting a new vaccine detox remedy, which in homeopathy is often seen as a positive sign that the original insult is being brought to the surface and processed. This reflects true healing, not suppression, but a gradual unwinding of the deeper layers of disease and dysfunction.
Before working with me, this child had also undergone an elimination diet and gut-healing protocol with another naturopath. While that approach was helpful and necessary, it didn’t lead to full resolution. The introduction of targeted homeopathic remedies proved to be the turning point, shifting the focus from temporary symptom relief to deep, lasting recovery.
Final Thoughts
This case highlights why we must always consider natural, root-cause approaches first, especially in chronic childhood conditions like eczema. Pharmaceuticals like Dupixent have their place, but they should not be the first, and certainly not the only, option for a developing child.
Healing now means protecting long-term health later.
And in this case, we were able to do just that - without resorting to immunosuppressive drugs.
Olesen AB, Juul S, Thestrup-Pedersen K. Atopic dermatitis is increased following vaccination for measles, mumps and rubella or measles infection. Acta Derm Venereol. 2003;83(6):445-50. doi: 10.1080/00015550310014997. PMID: 14690341.
Olah NK, Burtescu R, Balta C, Rosu M, Herman H, Hermenean A, Dinischiotu A. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of a Thuja occidentalisMother Tincture for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Sep 19;8(9):416. doi: 10.3390/antiox8090416. PMID: 31546840; PMCID: PMC6770683.
Bellavite P, Signorini A, Marzotto M, Moratti E, Bonafini C, Olioso D. Cell sensitivity, non-linearity and inverse effects. Homeopathy. 2015 Apr;104(2):139-60. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2015.02.002. Epub 2015 Mar 12. PMID: 25869978.
Dandanayakula, Ramakrishna & Kotikalapudi, Nagasuryaprasad & Gouri, Venu & Pothani, Suresh & Venkatesan, Vijayalakshmi. (2015). CARCINOSIN 30 C PROTECTS ISLETS AGAINST STZ INDUCED BETA CELL DYSFUNCTIONS. World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 5990. 753-768.