What is your skin is trying to tell you?

Acne, Eczema, Hives & Perioral Dermatitis: The Gut-Hormone-Histamine Connection

Do you ever feel like your skin is reacting out of nowhere?

Whether it’s persistent acne, itchy eczema, unexplained hives, a stubborn rash around the mouth (perioral dermatitis), or the thick, scaly plaques of psoriasis — your skin is never just about your skin.

As a naturopath I support people of all ages who are suffering from all types of skin condition. The skin is a reflection of internal health, and the gut microbiome plays a significant role in skin condition. An imbalanced microbiome can contribute to skin issues such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. This occurs through systemic inflammation and the gut-skin axis, where gut health directly influences skin health.

From hormonal acne in your 40s to eczema in a sensitive child, or acne or hives in a stressed-out teen — every skin flare is a clue your body is trying to tell you something.

Let’s break it down.

1. Your Gut: The Foundation of Clear Skin

Your gut is responsible for absorbing nutrients, clearing waste, and managing your immune system — all essential for healthy skin.

If you’re experiencing:

• Bloating, constipation, or loose stools

• Food sensitivities

• Skin flare-ups that worsen after eating

...you may have leaky gut, gut dysbiosis, or SIBO, all of which can trigger inflammatory skin conditions.

🔍 Fun fact: About 70% of your immune system lives in your gut — and many skin conditions are immune-related!

 

2. Histamine Overload: When Itchy, Red, and Reactive Becomes the Norm

Histamine is a natural compound involved in immune responses, digestion, and hormone regulation. But when your body struggles to break it down (hello, DAO enzyme deficiency or gut issues), it builds up and causes symptoms like:

• Hives

• Flushing

• Eczema flare-ups

• Perioral dermatitis

• Headaches or sinus issues

Many women in perimenopause become more histamine-sensitive due to the hormonal shifts affecting enzyme production and immune balance.

3. Hormones and Skin: A Delicate Dance

Estrogen and progesterone strongly influence sebum (oil) production, skin hydration, and inflammation. Imbalances — especially during perimenopause — can lead to:

• Hormonal acne around the chin and jaw.

• Dry, sensitive skin or eczema.

• Poor skin healing and inflammation.

When estrogen is too high (or too low), or if your liver and gut aren’t clearing excess hormones efficiently, it shows on your skin.

 

4. Understanding the Different Types of Acne

Not all acne is created equal. Knowing what type you’re experiencing helps reveal what’s going on underneath:

Hormonal Acne

• Appears along the jawline, chin, and lower cheeks

• Often deep, painful cysts that flare around your period or during perimenopause

• Linked to estrogen/progesterone imbalances, poor liver detox, and gut sluggishness

Inflammatory Acne (Papules, Pustules)

• Red, swollen bumps (sometimes with white heads)

• Can be triggered by food intolerances, gut dysbiosis, or chronic stress

• Often worsens with high-sugar or high-dairy diets

Fungal Acne (Malassezia folliculitis)

• Tiny, itchy, uniform bumps often on forehead, chest, or back

• Linked to imbalanced skin flora, overuse of antibiotics, or high-sugar/high-histamine diets

Comedonal Acne (Blackheads + Whiteheads)

• Caused by blocked pores due to excess sebum and dead skin

• Often linked to sluggish detox pathways and overgrowth of bacteria in the gut

🔄 No matter the type, acne is a sign your body is seeking balance — from the inside out.

5. Psoriasis: More Than a Skin Condition

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the skin cells turn over too quickly, leading to:

• Thick, scaly patches (commonly on elbows, knees, scalp or hairline and lower back). 

• Itchiness or pain. 

• Affects both women and men.

• Flares linked to stress, infection, cold weather, or hormonal shifts.

What’s behind it?

• Stress – Psoriasis often worsens during emotional stress due to its impact on immune and nervous system function.
• Gut dysbiosis – Poor microbial balance can fuel systemic inflammation.
• Immune dysregulation – Often linked to food sensitivities, leaky gut, and toxin overload.
• Hormonal shifts – Many women notice changes during their menstrual cycle, postpartum, or menopause.

Psoriasis isn’t just a skin issue — it’s an internal inflammation issue with a loud skin voice.

6. Other Common Skin Conditions

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) - Often seen in sensitive individuals — both adults and children — and linked to immune system overactivity, leaky gut, and histamine overload.
• Perioral Dermatitis - More common in women, especially during hormone shifts, or after overuse of topical steroids or skincare. A sign of gut imbalance and immune dysregulation.
• Hives (Urticaria) - Sudden, itchy, red welts. Often linked to histamine issues, stress, allergies, or gut-related immune activation. Hives can affect anyone and tends to flare under high emotional stress or hormonal changes.
• Autoimmune Urticaria - Another skin condition I often see in clinic is which is a chronic form of hives that occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues, leading to persistent, itchy welts or flare-ups. While antihistamines may provide temporary relief, the root cause often lies deeper in immune dysregulation, gut health, and histamine overload.

Stress, hormonal shifts, and hidden food triggers can also play a significant role. As a naturopath, I support clients by calming the immune response, identifying contributing factors through testing (like microbiome or FoodFit), and using gentle, anti-inflammatory protocols to help bring the body back into balance.

How I Help You Heal from the Inside Out

As a naturopath, I support your skin health by addressing the root cause, not just the symptoms:

• Gut healing protocols – to repair the gut lining, restore balance to the microbiome, and reduce inflammation. 
• Hormonal support – particularly through perimenopause, PMS, puberty, hormonal acne. 
• Nervous system regulation – through Body Balance Treatments, muscle testing, and naturopathic stress support. 
• Individualised nutrition plans – including anti-inflammatory, low-histamine, or skin-calming diets.
• Support for both women and men – because skin speaks to your whole system, regardless of gender.

You Don’t Have to “Manage” Your Skin – You Can Heal It

Whether you're dealing with eczema, psoriasis, acne, or something that still doesn’t have a name — your skin is communicating with you. I’m here to help you understand what it’s saying and how to restore balance.

The Emotional Layer of Skin Conditions

I often incorporate muscle testing into skin health appointments, because the skin is also a reflection of what we’re holding beneath the surface — emotionally and energetically.

As Louise Hay so wisely said:

“Skin represents our individuality. Skin problems usually mean that we feel our individuality is being threatened in some way. We feel that others have power over us and we’re irritated by it.”

Whether it’s long-standing irritation, self-consciousness, or feeling “on edge” in your own skin — emotional support can make a powerful difference.

This is where Body Balance Treatments can help clear emotional triggers stored in the skin and nervous system, so true healing can take place.

💚 Book a naturopathy consultation (online or in clinic) to get to the root of your skin concerns.

📍Springfield Lakes - Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 

📍Highfields, Toowoomba from June 23 – July 8 and then I'll be back up for monthly appointments face to face on the 4th Friday and Saturday of the month. 

Body Balance Treatments also available in Springfield Lakes and Highfields - for emotional clearing + skin stress support.

Book your appointment

Yours in health and wellness,

 

Katrina