Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a skin condition that occurs because of inflammation in the body and results in patches of itchy and dry skin, oozing blisters, and skin irritation. Over time, it could also cause the appearance of leathery skin patches.
Eczema mainly occurs in children below two years old but could also appear in older children and adults. Some children may grow out of it, while others do not.
While the main cause of the skin condition is not certain, it could be hereditary and could also happen due to environmental conditions. Certain foods could also trigger eczema because of allergic reactions.
Currently, there is no cure for eczema, but there are some over-the-counter medications that could reduce its severity.
Also, the doctor may recommend that the patient stop taking foods that trigger it. Those foods trigger the body to release more T cells, which cause inflammation and IgE, an antibody that the body produces when there is a threat.
Some of those foods may not cause eczema, but they could trigger a flare-up or worsen the symptoms if you already have a skin condition. Many people who have eczema have had a history of food allergies.
However, everybody is different, and some foods could affect people differently. Some of the min foods that you should avoid if you have eczema include;
This is one of the main foods that cause eczema flare-ups, especially in children. If you are experiencing flare-ups because of milk, it’s recommended that even though you limit it in your diet, do not eliminate it because you may have nutrient deficiencies.
Instead, look for other substitutes that give you the same benefits without the reactions. If you have serious flare-ups, consult your doctor for advice on the best substitutes for cow milk.
These are also common triggers, mainly because many people get allergic reactions to them. Like with milk, do not eliminate it, and instead, add foods that have small amounts of eggs for the nutritional benefits.
This is one of the hardest things to avoid in a diet because a lot of foods and snacks have it. However, Read the labels of everything you buy and ensure that the foods you buy are gluten-free.
These fruits are sweet and a great source of vitamin C. Unfortunately, they have high amounts of Balsam of Peru or Myroxylon pereirae. This is an allergen that could trigger eczema.
Unlike other foods that cause an allergic reaction that leads to eczema, tomatoes cause you to have a flare-up.
If you are suffering from dyshidrotic eczema, you could have a nickel sensitivity which causes symptoms like blisters on your hands and feet to get worse. Nickel is present in soil though not in high amounts, which could also be present in some foods.
Some of the foods with high nickel levels include black tea, beans, chocolate, lentils, peas, seeds, wheat, rye, oats, nuts, and shellfish.
You should also avoid canned foods because many companies use nickel in the production of their food cans.
Fish is a great source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, which help in preventing inflammation. However, there are some types of fish, especially those with nickel, that could trigger an allergic reaction, causing your eczema symptoms to worsen.
Many people report that the allergies they get from eating soy cause their eczema to get worse. Soybeans also contain nickel with is a high eczema trigger. Before buying any food products, read the ingredients to ensure there is no soy.
These are some of the most common allergy triggers in people, and those allergies are related to worsened eczema symptoms and flare-ups. You should also be careful with any other types of nuts.
Foods like sodas, cakes, and sweets increase your insulin levels which in turn results in inflammation.
Foods that have artificial flavors and colors or preservatives could make your eczema symptoms worse. These foods include processed foods, fast foods, and margarine.
Other people with eczema could also have birch pollen sensitivity or oral allergy syndrome, which may react to other foods. Some of those foods include carrots, green apples, hazelnuts, celery, and pears.
Sometimes, you may not see reactions to the foods you eat until after about 6-24 hours, and some reactions could last longer.
When you visit the doctor, they will first ask you what foods are triggering your eczema. If you are certain, they suggest how to eliminate the foods while still getting the nutrients. They mostly do that by recommending a substitute or supplements.
However, if you are unsure which food is worsening your eczema, the doctor will mostly suggest an elimination diet. This is a diet where you have to avoid some of the foods that mostly cause eczema or eczema flare-ups.
However, before you start eliminating them, you have to start adding them to your diet gradually, then monitoring your eczema for around four to six weeks.
If the symptoms get worse, the best thing is to eliminate the foods from your diet. However, if the symptoms don’t get any better after eliminating the food, elimination is unnecessary.
Your doctor may also suggest that you add other foods to your diet that could help manage the symptoms, including;
• Foods with quercetin like cherries, apples, kale, spinach, broccoli, and blueberries. Quercetin is a powerful antihistamine and antioxidant.
• Foods with probiotics like miso soup, kimchi, tempeh, kefir, soft cheese, yogurt, and sourdough bread. Probiotics help strengthen your immune system and also reduce allergic reactions.
• Fatty fish like salmon and herring, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.