Ireland has notably high rates of both eczema and psoriasis. Studies suggest that atopic eczema affects approximately 20% of Irish children and 5–10% of Irish adults — among the highest rates in Europe. Psoriasis affects approximately 2–3% of the Irish population. The damp, changeable Irish climate, combined with genetic predisposition, dietary patterns, and gut microbiome factors, creates a complex picture for these inflammatory skin conditions.
Living with eczema or psoriasis can significantly affect quality of life — the itch, discomfort, visible skin changes, and social self-consciousness create a burden that is often underestimated. While conventional treatments (topical corticosteroids, immunosuppressants for severe cases) remain important, many Irish people are exploring natural complements to medical care. At The Honey Pot in Clonmel, naturopath Pat Coffey takes a whole-person approach to skin health.
Though both are inflammatory skin conditions, eczema (atopic dermatitis) and psoriasis have different mechanisms:
One of the most significant developments in dermatological research in recent years is the growing understanding of the gut-skin axis — the bidirectional communication between gut health and skin condition. Studies have found differences in gut microbiome composition between people with eczema and psoriasis compared to healthy controls.
Practically, this means that supporting gut health — through probiotics, prebiotic-rich foods, reducing ultra-processed foods, and addressing any underlying gut dysfunction — may have positive effects on skin inflammation. This is not a quick fix, but an important underlying principle of the naturopathic approach to skin conditions.
Specific probiotic strains with some evidence in skin conditions include Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Bifidobacterium lactis, both studied in atopic eczema.
Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) have anti-inflammatory effects relevant to both eczema and psoriasis. They modulate the production of inflammatory eicosanoids — signalling molecules that drive the inflammatory cascades in skin conditions. Several studies have found that omega-3 supplementation may reduce psoriasis severity and improve eczema symptoms.
For skin conditions, higher doses of fish oil (2–3g of EPA+DHA daily) are often recommended by naturopaths. Quality matters — fish oil should be molecularly distilled, free of heavy metals, and stored properly to prevent oxidation. Irish oily fish — Atlantic mackerel, herring, salmon — are excellent dietary sources.
Evening primrose oil (EPO) is one of the most widely used natural remedies for eczema in Ireland. It is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. People with eczema may have impaired ability to convert the omega-6 linoleic acid to GLA, potentially making direct GLA supplementation beneficial.
Multiple trials have investigated EPO for eczema with mixed results — some finding significant improvements in itching, redness, and overall severity, others finding less effect. Clinical experience in health food stores suggests many people with eczema find EPO helpful, particularly for itch and skin moisture. It is available in capsule form (typically 500–1,000mg daily) and can also be applied directly to affected skin. Borage oil (starflower oil) provides even higher GLA content and may be used as an alternative.
Aloe vera gel has a well-established tradition of use for inflamed, irritated skin. Its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties make it one of the most widely used natural topicals for eczema and psoriasis. Fresh aloe vera gel (from the inner leaf of the Aloe barbadensis plant) can be applied directly to affected skin. Commercial products vary significantly in quality — look for high-percentage aloe vera content without excessive additives or fragrances.
For psoriasis specifically, a small number of studies have found aloe vera gel may reduce scaling and plaque thickness when applied consistently.
Vitamin D plays an important regulatory role in skin immune function. Low Vitamin D levels are associated with both eczema and psoriasis severity. In psoriasis, Vitamin D has a specific therapeutic role — topical Vitamin D analogues (calcipotriol) are a first-line prescription treatment, acting on the Vitamin D receptors in skin cells to slow the accelerated cell production. Oral Vitamin D supplementation may have complementary benefits.
Given Ireland's endemic Vitamin D deficiency, supplementation is sensible for anyone with inflammatory skin conditions — year-round supplementation of 1,000–2,000 IU D3 is reasonable, with higher doses sometimes recommended for those with documented deficiency.
Zinc is essential for skin repair, wound healing, and immune regulation. Low zinc levels have been found in some studies of people with eczema and psoriasis. Topical zinc preparations have a long history of use in skin conditions (zinc oxide in barrier creams, zinc pyrithione in anti-dandruff and psoriasis shampoos). Oral zinc supplementation (15–30mg daily) may support skin health from the inside.
For both eczema and psoriasis, identifying and managing triggers is central to long-term management:
Eczema triggers commonly reported by Irish people:
Psoriasis triggers:
Maintaining the skin barrier is fundamental in eczema management. Emollients (moisturisers) should be applied generously and frequently. Natural options many Irish people prefer over chemical-laden commercial products include:
Eczema and psoriasis should be properly diagnosed and managed with medical involvement. See your GP if: your skin condition is significantly affecting quality of life; if there are signs of infection (hot, weeping, crusting skin in eczema); if you have joint pain alongside psoriasis (psoriatic arthritis requires treatment); or if topical treatments are not controlling symptoms. The Irish Skin Foundation (irishskin.ie) is an excellent national resource. The HSE provides skin condition information at hse.ie. Never stop prescribed treatments without discussing with your doctor.
Find evening primrose, omega-3, zinc, aloe vera & probiotics at The Honey Pot, Clonmel
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