Eczema and the Liver: Debunking Myths and Understanding the Real Connection

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes itching, redness, and dryness. While it’s commonly treated with creams, antihistamines, and moisturisers, there’s ongoing conversation about the role internal organs—particularly the liver—might play in managing or even causing eczema. For many, this has led to confusion between myths and scientific reality. So, does the liver really have a connection to eczema? Let’s break it down.

The Myth: “Eczema Is Caused by Liver Toxins”

A popular belief, especially in alternative health circles, is that eczema is the result of a “toxic” liver — essentially, the idea that when the liver can’t detoxify the body properly, waste builds up and exits through the skin, causing eczema.

This theory is appealing in its simplicity, but it’s not entirely accurate. The liver is indeed responsible for filtering toxins and supporting metabolic processes, but eczema is not directly caused by a buildup of toxins in the liver. Instead, eczema is a complex condition influenced by genetics, immune system activity, environmental factors, and skin barrier dysfunction.

The Real Link: Liver Function and Inflammation

While the idea of “toxins” causing eczema is overstated, the liver’s health still plays an important indirect role.

Here’s how the liver may be connected to eczema:

• Inflammation control: The liver helps regulate inflammation by processing fats, hormones, and other immune-modulating substances. A sluggish or overburdened liver may contribute to systemic inflammation, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms.
• Fat metabolism: Essential fatty acids are important for skin health. The liver plays a key role in metabolising these fats. Poor liver function may affect the availability of skin-protective fats.
• Detoxification pathways: Although not a root cause of eczema, inefficient detoxification may worsen skin sensitivity or trigger flare-ups when the body is dealing with environmental toxins, medications, or processed foods.
• Histamine regulation: The liver helps break down histamine, a chemical involved in allergic reactions. Impaired liver function may lead to higher histamine levels, potentially increasing itchiness and skin irritation in eczema.

When to Consider Liver Health in Eczema

While liver issues are rarely the root cause of eczema, it makes sense to support liver health when:

• Eczema is accompanied by digestive issues, fatigue, or hormonal imbalances
• There’s a history of alcohol overuse or long-term medication intake
• Blood tests reveal elevated liver enzymes or signs of fatty liver
• Eczema doesn’t respond to typical treatment and flares up after consuming certain foods or medications

Supporting Liver Function Naturally

Focusing on liver-friendly habits can help reduce internal inflammation and support overall skin health. However, this should be done as part of a comprehensive eczema management plan.

Helpful dietary and lifestyle choices:

• Eat green leafy vegetables, beetroot, and carrots — all rich in compounds that support liver detoxification.
• Include good fats like flaxseed, walnuts, and moderate amounts of ghee to nourish the skin barrier.
• Stay hydrated to support both liver and kidney function.
• Reduce processed foods, refined sugar, and excess fried items that burden the liver.
• Limit alcohol, which can aggravate both liver function and skin inflammation.

Daily habits that support the liver:

• Regular physical activity to boost metabolism
• Adequate sleep for proper detoxification and cell repair
• Mindful stress management, as chronic stress can burden the liver over time

A Holistic Viewpoint

Traditional systems like Ayurveda often associate chronic skin conditions such as eczema with Pitta imbalance and internal accumulation of toxins (Ama), which includes the liver’s role in purifying the blood.

The liver may not be the sole cause of eczema, but its function can influence the body’s inflammatory response, fat metabolism, and toxin processing — all of which affect skin health. Rather than blaming the liver for eczema, it’s more accurate to see it as one piece of a much larger puzzle. Supporting liver health through diet, lifestyle, and, where appropriate, gentle natural approaches may contribute to more balanced skin and fewer flare-ups over time.