If you're one of the estimated 31.6 million Americans suffering from eczema, chances are just hearing the word eczema is enough to make your skin crawl. The term is a bit of a catch-all to describe a number of skin conditions marked by itchy, red, inflamed skin. But when people talk about eczema, typically they're specifically talking about atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema, which affects an estimated 18 million adults in the U.S. Atopic dermatitis tends to strike young and rarely starts in adulthood (so if you're currently eczema-free, you're probably in the clear). About 90 percent of eczema-sufferers will experience their first bout with eczema before they blow out the candles at their fifth birthday party. Certain environmental factors can trigger eczema flare-ups, such as stress, certain fabrics or detergents, or dry skin - as well as what you put into your body. Though not fully understood yet, there's a definite connection between eczema and food, too, as about 30 to 40 percent of babies and children with atopic dermatitis have food allergies.It is now well accepted that skin barrier dysfunction is implicated in a variety of important inflammatory skin diseases including acne, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis. Following the epidermis as it rounds the lips and becomes the lining of the oro-digestive tract, it does not seem unreasonable that barrier impairment could continue internally as well. In fact, similar to the function of the cutaneous epithelium, the intestinal epithelium separates luminal contents from the interstitium, and impairment of this function leads to increased intestinal permeability, sometimes called "Leaky Gut."Increasingly, the concept of leaky gut is being touted by alternative and holistic practitioners as being fundamentally important in many chronic illnesses. Though it has perhaps not yet garnered much conventional medical attention, many patients seem aware of this entity and are asking questions about it.