One of the most common issues my GAPS clients deal with is eczema. It often lessens when people remove their allergens in the first place and then flares a bit periodically as toxins are discharged through the skin.

Over time the GAPS program will completely remove symptoms of eczema and dry skin (it’s true – I’ve seen it!). In the meantime there are several topical remedies you can use. Here are Dr. Natasha’s recommendations for all skin issues. Different things work for different people so expect a little trial and error to find out what soothes your skin.

• Do not use any soap or other chemicals on the skin and hair. Wash only with water in order to maintain your protective oils and the skin’s pH balance. Soaps and other chemicals wash off protective oils and dry out your skin. At the same time they wash off the habitat for your beneficial skin flora, which leaves your skin open to invasion by pathogens. (This one was key for me in getting over acne and dry skin).
• Baths can be very helpful. On the first night use ½ cup of baking soda, the second night try 3-5 tablespoons of seaweed powder, the third night try running the hot water through a cotton bag full of gluten-free oatmeal. After the bath apply one of the following: ripe avocado mashed with a fork, homemade yogurt, kefir, or sour cream, sesame oil, olive oil, or coconut oil.
• For severe eczema patches make overnight applications of raw honey or seaweed powder. To do that apply honey thickly over the eczema, then cover with cling wrap or a piece of flannel covered with cling wrap and taped on. Sleep like this, and in the morning wash the honey off and apply one of the following: ripe avocado mashed with a fork, homemade yogurt, kefir, or sour cream, sesame oil, or coconut oil. On the second night try an application of seaweed powder made by mixing 2 tablespoons of seaweed powder with a small amount of hot water to form a paste. Apply this just like the honey and follow up the same way.
• For less severe eczema patches or areas of dry skin apply ripe avocado mashed together with a capsule of two of probiotics. Do this twice a day until the skin gets better.
• Swimming in the sea and sunbathing do wonders for eczema, psoriasis, and other skin problems, so engage in these activities as often as you can.
• For diaper rashes apply homemade kefir or kefir cream (sour cream made with kefir culture) at every diaper change. Coconut oil can also be used.

Whether you follow the GAPS™ Diet or not, these natural remedies can help you manage eczema and other skin conditions without putting more toxins on to your already irritated skin.

Please share these tips with anyone you know who suffers with eczema, psoriasis, or other skin conditions, and when you’re ready to tackle them for good, consider the GAPS Diet.

This information is gathered from training materials from Dr. Natasha, but is not designed to be medical advice. Please use it with care.