Insights from Dr. Barbara Paldus of Codex Labs
Eczema is more than just a skin condition—it’s a sign of internal imbalance rooted in the gut. I had the pleasure of speaking with Barbara Paldus, a Stanford PhD, biotech engineer, clean beauty pioneer, and fellow eczema mom, about the gut-skin connection and how to heal eczema from the inside out. Barbara is the founder of Codex Labs and DecodeMe, where she has developed clinically tested treatments that support the skin-brain-gut connection. Her work has been recognized by the National Eczema Association and featured in Vogue, Allure, and more.
In our home, we’ve incorporated her prebiotic packets, along with our own prebiotic tea, to keep eczema at bay. In this episode, Barbara shares why you can never get enough prebiotics, how histidine powder and probiotics support long-term skin health, and the science behind it all.
Read on for powerful takeaways from my conversation with Dr. Barbara Paldus, a mom, scientist, and total eczema game changer. Use code ECZEMAKIDS at Codex Lab Corp for 15% off your order!
Listen Below For The Entire Episode on The Eczema Kids Podcast
What’s Really Happening When a Child Develops Eczema
Barbara explains that eczema is an inflammatory condition triggered by allergies. Children have a higher surface-to-volume ratio than adults, making them more sensitive to environmental allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and irritants.
The issue often starts with “leaky skin,” where the skin barrier is compromised and allows allergens to penetrate. When these allergens get through, dendritic cells in the immune system activate T-helper cells, triggering inflammation, itching, and worsening skin damage. The result? A vicious cycle of scratching, increased inflammation, and further skin barrier breakdown.
“Until you fix the gut lining, there’s no point in taking a probiotic.” -Dr. Barbara Paldus
How the Gut Barrier Impacts the Skin Barrier
The gut barrier and the skin barrier are the two main protective layers of our body. The gut’s surface area is ten times larger than the skin, meaning what happens in the gut directly affects the skin.
Barbara highlights that children with eczema often have gut permeability issues (leaky gut). This allows toxins, allergens, and pathogens to enter the bloodstream, increasing systemic inflammation and worsening skin reactions.
Key Steps to Support Gut Health for Eczema Healing
- Moisturize strategically – Prevent skin dryness and maintain the barrier.
- Eliminate common allergens – Dairy, eggs, gluten, and nuts are major triggers.
- Reduce inflammatory foods – Avoid processed foods and excess sugar.
- Prioritize gut-supporting nutrients – Prebiotics, resistant starches, and amino acids like histidine are critical.
- Limit harsh soaps and chemicals – Choose microbiome-friendly skincare.
The Link Between Eczema, ADHD, and Systemic Inflammation
Did you know kids with eczema are 50% more likely to develop ADHD? Barbara explains that leaky skin, leaky gut, leaky lungs, and leaky brain are interconnected. The same genetic mutations that weaken the skin barrier also affect gut health, neurological function, and immune responses.
If left unaddressed, chronic inflammation from eczema can lead to more severe issues, including asthma, ADHD, and autoimmune diseases. That’s why treating eczema holistically—by supporting the gut, skin, and nervous system—is so essential.
Why Prebiotics Are Essential for Healing Eczema
After your child’s bath, pat their skin dry with a 100% cotton towel. The next steps are vital for ensuring Many people jump straight to probiotics when healing the gut, but Barbara emphasizes that prebiotics are the real foundation.
“Until you fix the gut lining, there’s no point in taking a probiotic.”
Prebiotics feed the good bacteria in the gut, allowing them to thrive and rebuild a strong microbiome. Kids with eczema often lack essential gut bacteria like Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Akkermansia, making prebiotics even more important.
Best Prebiotics for Eczema Healing
- Resistant starches – Found in cooked and cooled rice, potatoes, and green bananas.
- Chicory root and oligosaccharides – Improve the gut bacteria balance.
- Marshmallow root and slippery elm – Soothe gut inflammation.
- Glutamine – Repairs the gut lining and tight junctions.
- Antioxidants (pomegranate, berries, ginger) – Reduce oxidative stress.
In our home, we use Codex Labs prebiotic packets in addition to the Eczema Kids prebiotic tea (marshmallow root, slippery elm, and licorice root).
Understanding Corticosteroids and Eczema Treatment
Most doctors prescribe steroid creams to manage eczema symptoms, but Barbara warns of long-term consequences. Corticosteroids mimic cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, and while they reduce inflammation, they also:
- Suppress the immune system (leading to more infections)
- Thin the skin (increasing vulnerability)
- Affect mood and behavior (causing irritability, anxiety, or even steroid withdrawal)
- Can lead to Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) when overused
Instead of relying on steroids, focus on strengthening the skin barrier, reducing inflammation naturally, and supporting gut health.
The Skin-Gut Connection in Action: A Holistic Approach to Healing
Barbara shared the journey of her own son, who has struggled with eczema and allergies his whole life. She discovered that natural plant-based balms, histidine supplementation, and prebiotics helped him heal without relying on steroids.
Key Takeaways for Healing
- Reduce stress and inflammation – Sleep, hydration, and movement are essential.
- Eliminate trigger foods – Cut out dairy, gluten, eggs, and processed foods.
- Strengthen the skin barrier – Use microbiome-friendly, natural skincare.
- Rebuild the gut – Prioritize prebiotics, resistant starches, and amino acids.
- Limit harsh soaps and chemicals – Stick to gentle, non-stripping cleansers.
Looking for More Information on the Gut-Skin Connection?
Can we ever get enough? Check out Gut Health and Eczema, Gut Health and Detoxification for Children and Gut-Healthy Foods To ADD Into Your Eczema Diet.
Focusing on whole, unprocessed foods with prebiotic-rich ingredients can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
This conversation with Barbara was truly eye-opening! If you want to try Codex Labs prebiotics or histidine powder use code ECZEMAKIDS for 15% off at codexlabscorp.com.
Have questions or experiences to share? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments or tag me on Instagram @eczema.kids!
FAQ
Can probiotics help heal eczema?
Yes, but only if the gut lining is healthy. Kids with eczema often lack the right gut bacteria, but prebiotics should come first to create an environment where probiotics can thrive. Once the gut is repaired, adding the right probiotic strains (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium) can further improve skin health.
What foods should I avoid to reduce eczema flare-ups?
The top eczema-triggering foods include:
- Fermented foods (for histamine-sensitive kids)
- Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Eggs
- Gluten and wheat
- Nuts and seeds
- Processed foods and sugars
