What is the spiritual meaning of eczema and skin rashes like dermatitis or psoriasis? This article has ideas based on my experience. As it is not medical advice, I urge you to work with your intuition and healers to find your own solutions. This post was lasted updated in August 2022.
Do you have sensitive skin? Me too! The joys of being a highly sensitive person. Within weeks of birth, I had full body eczema and it’s come and gone since then. Being itchy is something I’ve had to make peace with.
Update: See my Develop Your Intuition webinar for tips on healing your self-trust and reducing your inner critic, plus psychic protection exercises and meditations. Essential if you have Silk/ psychic skin or identify as an empath. I am also being treated for undermethylation (e.g. with zinc picolinate supplements), which has helped my skin and moods a lot.
My eczema is minimal, now that I have a joyful job with great clients, drink high quality water, eat mainly organic, don’t have gluten or dairy and express my words through blogs, videos and my Patreon study group! I am much more comfortable with my sexuality (I love bellydancing!) and appearance, and allow myself to be ‘seen’ in a way that is positive, not just painful. An autism diagnosis in 2021 also helped me to stop comparing myself to others.
What is eczema, anyway?
The Oxford Dictionary defines eczema as “a medical condition in which patches of skin become rough and inflamed with blisters which cause itchy and bleeding.” Eczema comes from Latin/ Greek words, which mean to boil over, or break out. That’s definitely how you feel when you have it! Did you know that Australia has one of the highest eczema rates in the world?
Let’s be honest – eczema is expensive, painful and embarrassing. I’m currently healing from a breakout under my arms. To my partner’s amusement, whenever I scratch myself, I look like a monkey (funnily, that’s my sign in Chinese Astrology). It’s hard to focus on the serious side of psychic readings when you can barely sit still. Thank goodness I meditate.
Eczema is a humbling reminder to stay present and in your body. To love yourself unconditionally, especially your sensitivity and sensuality – need for loving touch.
Like many healers, I believe that all illness has a physical and spiritual cause. There are books by Louise Hay and Inna Segal about this connection. Also look up Lise Bourbeau and read this post on eczema, psoriasis and irritation by the radical healer which I found online.
I feel that eczema arises when you’re ‘letting people get under your skin’ and trying to avoid your truth – that you’re a sensitive, intuitive being.
Some questions to ask when your eczema flares up – scan the list and notice which ones ‘pop’ out at you.
Why are you uncomfortable in your skin? (the location of your eczema can be telling – e.g. behind an ear if you dislike people gossiping about you, on an arm if you feel held back, or on your back if you think people are talking about you behind your back!)
Who or what is rubbing you raw?
Are you prone to making ‘rash’ decisions or judgements? Where are you being ir-rash-ional (irrational)?
Are you letting fear rule you?
Where are you holding in toxic anger and frustration, instead of letting it rocket you forwards? As they say, the secret to using anger is to ‘get angry at the right person, in the right time, in the right amount’.
Where is it time to bring to the surface? What we suppress, must express.
Is it time to shed a layer of yourself?
Where are you going through separation anxiety?
Do you absorb criticism instead of asserting yourself? You teach people how to treat you. When you say no to abuse, you say yes to sanity.
Do you see sensitivity (and sensuality) as a gift or curse? Where do you present a ‘thick skin’ when, deep down, you’re hurting?
How often do you celebrate your inner beauty, instead of focusing on your appearance and figures (e.g. size or income)? Is it time for a detox?
Your eczema is a message that change is sorely needed (excuse the pun). When you accept that your body is your Soulmate, ultimate healing becomes possible.
Please remember, broken (skin) is still beautiful! You are sacred and loved by the Universe, no matter what your mind tells you…
Tips for healing your eczema
*Heal your gut & identify food allergies or intolerances. I was put on cow’s milk formula as a baby. Like many Chinese, I couldn’t digest it, and developed eczema. My Dad’s words were ‘we thought you’d never get married – you looked like you had crocodile skin’. Once a paediatrician (Dr. Maureen Rogers – a pioneering doctor) switched me to a soy formula, my skin cleared up.
For me, diet is only part of the solution. I ate lactose and gluten throughout my 20’s, but gave them up in my 30’s. If I have lactose or gluten, my eczema flares again. I have tried Lacteeze (enzyme tablets). They help but I still feel queasy. Interestingly – some people find that applying breastmilk can help eczema – I think this has helped my toddler with his rashes.
You may also want to look into salicylates, egg and other food issues. Homemade meals help my stomach and skin a lot. Also, when I exercise, my food sensitivities are less obvious. More blood flow, better digestion (body brushing is also great)! A spiritual look at gluten and dairy sensitivities
*Minimise junk food – especially when it’s takeaway made by people in a hurry! You’re eating energy, after all. I am sensitive to MSG. It gives me eczema, sore muscles and hayfever. Sugary foods bring back my rashes. Although I like green smoothies, I limit them as I find these are a ‘fast’ and buzzy food. Once I return to home cooking, organic fruit and vegetables, soups and slow-pressed juices, my skin calms down again.
On occasion, I take fish oils, however some people are sensitive to amines and may not be able to take these. I’ve heard there’s a Candida link to eczema, which could be related to gut and intestinal issues. I’ve also heard of a link to gut parasites but not explored this fully myself.
Thyroid issues could also be affecting your psoriasis (my husband has this). Some people recommend probiotics or diets (like GAPS or Medical Medium) but I am cautious as I had an eating disorder and need to eat a wide range of foods for weight reasons. Everyone needs to find their own solutions.
*Deal with ‘letting go’. Constipation and eczema are related (especially if you look into Chinese Medicine/ acupuncture), so drinking good quality water, eating regularly and making time to go to the bathroom are essential. Sitting down exacerbates constipation so consider having a chair-free day on the weekends – the more you move, the better you’ll, um, move!
There are stools you can buy to help you squat while using the toilet. Practice exhaling or puffing, instead of holding your breath during a bowel movement e.g. ‘breath of fire’ from Kundalini yoga. I find that putting my thumb in my mouth and blowing up my cheeks also makes a difference, as this stimulates your vagus nerve. That’s a tip from pilates and pelvic floor healer Danni Gillham.
If you eat meat, buy or make organic bone broths, which are soothing for upset stomachs and encourage regular bowel movements. Warm foods and baths (e.g. with oatmeal or magnesium) help relax the intestines and calm the skin. I’m also a fan of floats/ flotation tanks.
To add a spiritual dimension, you can chant mantras such as Kali Durge (from Dave Stringer’s album Joyride) or music by Deva Premal and Miten or Snatam Kaur, to overcome the fear of change. Chanting and deep breathing boost our energy and ability to move on.
*Hydrate! If you’re sensitive enough to have eczema, you’re may know that water has a vibration (i.e. Dr Emoto’s work). I’ve heard stories from parents whose intuitive children will only drink filtered water. We drink two litres of water a day and eat two kilograms of food so it is a large proportion of our energy intake.
I drink more water when I like its taste, that’s why we bought water from Montville Mist while living in Brisbane – now we get Wild Oasis water on the Gold Coast. I also keep the kettle filled up. As mentioned, in Chinese, we believe that drinking warm water preserves your Chi, or life force, especially in winter.
If you keep herbal teas, lemon, lime or ginger on hand, it makes the water more interesting to drink. Eating fresh fruit also helps, as do baths, ocean swims etc. especially if you feel like a ‘fish out of water’, or relate strongly to Atlantis, mermaids and sea creatures…perhaps you have a strong need to be around and in water to feel whole again.
I also use a humidifier when the heater is on, and installed a shower head filter that removes chlorine and fluoride. The latter has improved my skin a lot. I no longer have to moisturise as much after bathing. Read more on Water, Fluoride and Your Third Eye. Some people associate ‘hard water‘ with eczema and dermatitis.
*Try oil pulling. After waking up, I do oil pulling before I drink anything. You simply swish a tablespoon of extra virgin organic coconut oil around your mouth for 10-15 minutes (no longer, or you reabsorb the toxins that have been released). Oil pulling is my secret to glowing skin – it does wonders for your complexion, digestion, teeth and gums (mine no longer bleed). I sit and meditate outside while oil pulling, to make the most of the quiet time. Read more on teeth issues.
*Stay warm and keep your circulation up. My eczema is worst when I’m in cold weather, around heaters or don’t move. It improves when I walk, and do morning Reiki and Shiatsu (a Japanese healing technique). After oil pulling, I massage myself from head to toe and send gratitude to all parts of me for working as a team. When possible, I do dry skin brushing and a homemade oatmeal honey body scrub, but not during active flare ups.
*Get sunlight on your skin. Sunlight powers up our third, or solar plexus chakra. Getting 10-20 minutes of sun a day, especially on your stomach can improve your mood and digestion. Eczema is linked to ‘not feeling powerful to protect yourself’ so this is a self-love exercise that you can do regularly.
*Find the right skin care and laundry products. I cannot use most essential oil based products, especially ones with lavender. I avoid supermarket shampoos, soaps and handwashes. Most perfumes are out. They give me rashes and sinus issues. I’ve found a few products that are fine – Evohe facial lotion for example.
For body lotion, I use Vegesorb, and sometimes Manuka honey or Calendula cream for flare-ups. Shea butter and coconut oil products are also fine, but occasionally leave me more itchy. For showering, I use a coconut-based product called EnviroCare Earth for Sensitive Skin or natural soaps. When it comes to washing my clothes, I use Eco Store products, or Bosisto’s. If I wear clothes washed in normal detergent my skin goes red.
Note: I used to use steroid creams for my eczema but they only worked briefly, so I had to look for other solutions (hence this article).
*Identify other physical triggers. My eczema comes back if I’m around cats, especially the long-haired variety. I also get a rash if I wear wool clothing, thermals or scarves. Bamboo or cotton clothing is fine. I reduce dust mite exposure by sunning our bedding and washing the sheets often.
*Learn to say what you mean, mean what you say, but not say it mean (from Al-Anon). Sensitive people often feel more at home in the mental or spiritual realms than here on earth. Eczema can be a sign that you feel trapped in your body – part of you wants to break out, or break off from the pain of being mortal.
I know that my eczema is linked to rage. When I feel ignored or bullied (especially by authority), I break out in a rash on my face and arms that disappears once I find my centre. Instead of judging myself, I laugh and tell people ‘hey I’m getting a stress rash – let’s get to the bottom of this issue instead of letting it drag on’.
To reduce my stress, I’ve changed my lifestyle so I have time to meditate, sleep, spend time with my partner, and stay fit. I also studied Holistic Counselling, and work with my Spirit Guides to delegate my worries.
*Forgive yourself, others, and the Universe. Embody your truth. I
believe that we come to Earth to heal an aspect of our Soul (revealed in our date of birth – find your life path). Some of us, myself included, choose to be Spiritual Messengers. We come with features like extreme empathy and delicate skin/ psyches. Many of us also see 11:11 or other signs of spiritual awakening.
Your skin is the only physical barrier between you and the world. ‘Silks’ have fine, soft skin, that often shows their veins. When people touch them, they might say ‘ooh, what moisturiser do you use?!’
Silks have many lines on their palms, a healing touch and natural empathy. They are like psychic sponges. Silks can look much younger or much older than their age, depending on their lifestyle. They’re happiest when they learn to shield themselves (I clean my aura daily – it only takes a few minutes) and to choose harmonious environments with positive energy and people. More on forgiving your family.
As a Silk Skin in Palmistry, I feel unspoken conflict, and it shows up in my skin. It’s a common feature among those who are psychic. No wonder I developed cystic acne when my parents argued. At the time, I was put on Roaccutane, which helped, but also left me with side effects – it’s not a path I would recommend. Unfortunate, my doctor at the time said ‘diet has nothing to do with acne’, and I believed him. Very few doctors learn about nutrition in detail at medical school. It’s something to be aware of.
On the topic of forgiveness – when nothing will heal your eczema physically, you need to look at childhood or past life issues. During a recent outbreak, it seemed like none of my usual cures were working, so I booked in to see ALL my favourite healers, namely: Alison Lee (Heartwork Counselling), Jane Sleight-Leach (Tapping and Matrix Reimprinting) and Deniz Akan (Dimensional Healing) – see my review of her sessions
Here’s what happened. After the first few treatments, my eczema got worse, not better. I knew this was a good sign. If you’ve ever heard of the Herxheimer reaction, you’ll know what I mean.
I ended up releasing painful memories related to my gender. In China, girls are often aborted or killed as they are perceived as less valuable than boys. My parents wanted a firstborn son, so from day dot, I knew I was a disappointment. Perhaps this contributed to my infant eczema. I don’t blame them for their beliefs – they were just being my spiritual teachers. It’s actually a cultural issue, e.g. my family tree book (which goes back 500 years) only contains the names of male descendants.
I have been clearing this baggage for years, through The Work of Byron Katie, Family Constellations, past life regressions and self-induced trances. Having incarnated as a Master 29/11 lifepath in numerology (Spiritual Messenger) to be an innovative healer, I have learned to embrace my history rather than ignore it. Find your lifepath
They say that you teach your greatest wounding. No wonder I work with so people on honouring their Divine Feminine, intuition and inner child. The way you treat your feelings is the way you treat your women.
*Check your Personal Year. Maybe you’re in a healing period?
In numerology we live in 9 year cycles. As I’m in a 9 Personal Year, I’m completing a life lesson. 2015 is an exam period for me where I’m being tested on what I’ve learned since 2006 (I launched my psychic career in 2007). Find your Personal Year
9 Personal Years are fantastic for rewriting history, letting go of chronic conditions, and being a mentor. Perhaps this is the year I stop ‘opening old wounds again and again’ (isn’t that the story of eczema?) See my BONUS section on eczema and the eighth chakra at the bottom of the page.
The final step to healing that eczema outbreak was to process a past life where I had killed people. I can’t tell you how sad this made me. We’ve all been male, female, sinner and saint, but sometimes it’s hard to own it. After that realisation, and a lot of crying, my itching stopped for the first time in weeks. I feel ready for the next chapter of life now.
In conclusion, ‘if you’re going through Hell, keep going’. It’s the same with eczema! Commit to eliminating the problem, or at least, making peace with your reality.
Look at where you keep your toxic feelings hidden and find a safe way to express them. What goes in, must come out. Perhaps it’s time to clean up your self talk? These days, if I feel an itch, I pause and ask ‘what’s below the surface – what is not being said?’
Please, experiment with the ideas listed here, and let me know what works for you! Beauty is more than skin deep. Love yourself no matter what you look like. You only have one body for a lifetime – marry it for better or worse, in sickness and in healthy. Know that healing is always possible. Spirit doesn’t want us to suffer – it wants us to learn. You are a Divine Soul and deserve the very best in life. Keep growing and glowing.
Related Links
Class – Why You Chose Your Mother – a family numerology webinar includes meditations and video to help you find peace and closure with your mother and creator. Now $33, was $88
Class – Develop your Intuition and Banish Self-Doubt webinar, was $66, now $33
Class – Love is Always in Your Hands – a relationship palmistry webinar, was $143 now $66
5 Spiritual Causes of a Stiff Neck – Healing the Throat Chakra
33 Ways to Say No (and Stay in Your Spiritual Power)
Secrets of a Psychic: Cheese, Lactose Intolerance and Depression
The Spiritual Meaning of 9 Common Diseases
You can also look up medical intuitive writers like Lise Bourbeau and Inna Segal and Louise Hay.
Also see Natural New Age Mum’s Natural Renedies for Eczema Suggestions
BTW singer LeAnn Rimes has gone public with her battle with psoriasis – she did this at her life path age turning point of 38 (she is a 38/11/2 life path Spiritual Messenger in numerology). I am also an 11. Find your life path
Bonus – for the Numerology Fans
In numerology ECZEMA adds to 5+3+8+5+4+1 = 26/8. This is the same vibration as the word FAITH or THINK. Breaking 26/8 down gives insight into the spiritual cause of eczema, namely:
-An imbalance in the second chakra (sacral chakra), which rules our emotions and hip/ lower belly area. When our second chakra is balanced, we find relationships easy. When it’s underactive, we suppress our intuition and go numb (think of someone who never cries). When it’s overactive, we can’t stand being alone and take everything personally. This chakra is healed through conflict resolution, finding pleasure in the small things and balancing giving and receiving. Its ultimate goal is peace and going with the flow.
-An imbalance in the sixth chakra (third eye chakra), which rules our brain and vision (including our ESP, hence the term the sixth sense). When our sixth chakra is balanced, we see the good and bad in every situation, feel on purpose, and keep an open mind. When our sixth chakra is underactive, we overanalyse things, worry a lot and are sceptical of spiritual matters. We follow others rather than create our own lives. When our sixth chakra is overactive, we have headaches, nightmares or become ungrounded/ spaced out. This chakra is healed through visualisation, study, self-care and time in nature. Its goal is love for self, the planet and all life.
-Overall, ezcema is an opportunity to heal the eighth chakra (Karmic Patterns). The number 8 looks like an infinity symbol on its side and represents our connection to God/ Spirit/ Source. Issues with the 8 chakra invite us to ‘break old patterns’. When our eighth chakra is underactive, we’re addicted to ‘doing the same thing, expecting different results’. We keep waiting for someone to save us. When our eighth chakra is overactive, we turn into a bully – wanting everyone to live up to our standards instead of letting them evolve at their natural pace.
When our eighth chakra is balanced, we embrace life as a series of endings and beginnings. We believe in karma (what goes around, comes around – like the figure 8) and have the strength to stand up for our convictions. We know when to push, and when to wait. We work with Spirit in a respectful way and exude gratitude.
I have an 8 challenge in numerology, maybe this is linked to my skin…Perhaps the blessing of eczema is to teach us to surrender to our natural sensitivity (2) and to honour our intuition (6). To break the cycle of self-doubt and to STOP letting other people dictate our lives (8). Sound good? Then let the healing begin! Love x Sarah
