Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid for Eczema

Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid for Eczema

Eczema is an atopic condition of the skin that can cause redness and itching. Some common symptoms include dry skin, itching, small raised bumps, or cracked scaly skin. Most commonly it occurs in children but can affect people of any age. The occurrences may only be on occasion, however, it is considered a chronic condition. There is not a cure for eczema, but there are topical and home remedy treatments that are commonly used to treat the symptoms, including oatmeal or apple cider bath or using aloe vera on the affected areas.
In addition, there are some specific foods that may affect the severity of a flare-up, such as:

1. Citrus fruits
Citrus foods are a treat most people like to enjoy due to their high concentrations of vitamin C and other natural minerals. However fruits do contain an allergen that can cause problems with people who experience eczema. Myroxylon Pereirae can cause flare-ups and irritation of the eczema condition caused by foods high in acidity.

2. Dairy
Dairy products can make eczema symptoms worse if you have an allergy to these products. If you aren’t allergic, a study was completed in 2019 that showed some fermented yogurt products can help relieve inflammation by helping the body improve the gut microbiome which can reduce the inflammation in a person’s body.

3. Gluten or wheat
Wheat contains a protein called gluten which can cause inflammation in some people which not only can cause intestinal issues but can also affect the skin. People don’t necessarily have to be allergic to the food, it can still cause an outbreak in people who may be sensitive to gluten. Symptoms of eczema caused by gluten include redness, itching, and swelling of the skin.

4. Soy
Soy is a common allergy in people and can exacerbate eczema in people with this allergy. A study completed in the Journal of Dermatology found that when people avoided soy-based foods for a time of 3 months the symptoms dramatically improved.

5. Cinnamon
Spices such as cinnamon affect the body by bringing blood up to the skin. Cinnamon mixed with honey has been used as a treatment for easing the effects of eczema successfully. However, if you have an inflammation in your face it is strongly discouraged. It could cause symptoms to intensify and makes the condition worse. If a person is allergic to cinnamon it can cause inflammation and make the symptoms of this skin condition very uncomfortable.

6. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a healthy vegetable that most people enjoy as a healthy snack or topping on your favorite burger. However, if you tend to have flare ups of eczema this would not be the best choice. This vegetable is considered an irritant to people with eczema. Being exposed to this allergen can cause severe rashes and swelling in the skin.

The FDA has approved a teen eczema treatment with a medication called Dupixent. Some healthy fats benefit eczema and may also help reduce redness and itching. Some foods are used like Fatty omega-3 rich fish (i.e., salmon, mackerel, tuna, etc.) to soothe eczema.