About

About Tess Connell

Clinical nutritionist specialising in eczema and topical steroid withdrawal

My work focuses on helping adults and children better understand the underlying factors that may be influencing their skin, and supporting eczema through a personalised, evidence-based approach.

Book call

Why I focus on eczema

My interest in eczema is not just clinical, it is also personal.

I have experienced eczema myself and understand how frustrating and overwhelming it can feel, particularly when you are navigating flare-ups, treatments and conflicting advice.

At times, it can feel as though you are constantly trying new approaches without fully understanding why your skin is reacting in the way it is.

This experience shaped how I view eczema.

It led me to look more deeply into the underlying factors that may influence skin health, including the role of the immune system, the gut microbiome and nutrition.

Over time, this developed into a more focused clinical interest, and I now specialise in supporting individuals with eczema and topical steroid withdrawal.

My aim is to combine both clinical knowledge and lived understanding to provide a more structured and supportive approach.

My approach

Eczema is a complex inflammatory condition that often involves more than the skin alone.

In my clinical work, I take a root-cause perspective, considering factors such as:

Gut microbiome
The gut plays an important role in immune regulation and inflammation.

Immune function
Eczema involves immune system dysregulation and inflammatory pathways.

Nutrient status
Key nutrients support the skin barrier and immune balance.

Genetics
Genetic variations can influence processes such as inflammation, detoxification and skin barrier function. Where appropriate, I use insights from genetic testing to help inform a more personalised approach.

Lifestyle and environmental factors
Sleep, stress and environmental exposures can all influence eczema symptoms.

My aim is to help you better understand your skin and support it through a structured, personalised approach.

Clinical background

I am a qualified clinical nutritionist specialising in eczema and inflammatory skin conditions.

Before retraining in nutrition, I worked as a lawyer. This background has shaped a structured and analytical approach to my clinical work, particularly when reviewing complex health histories and identifying potential underlying factors.

My work is informed by emerging research in areas such as:

The gut–skin connection
Immune function
Nutrition and skin health

I have also published research exploring the role of vitamin D and antimicrobial peptides in atopic dermatitis.

Working together

I work with clients through structured programmes designed to provide the time and support needed to understand the individual drivers of your eczema more deeply.

This includes: