Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) often occurs alongside other conditions, such as asthma and hay fever, a constellation known as the ‘atopic march’ [1]. The only common link between eczema and these conditions is that some irritants or allergens trigger them.
According to one study, up to 33-63% of young children who already have eczema also have food allergies, establishing a potential connection between food allergies and eczema, particularly in those with moderate-to-severe disease [2]. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the types of food that might worsen symptoms if you have a history of eczema or a known food allergy.
This article shares tips on controlling eczema with diet and what dietary strategies to consider if you have a history of allergies or eczema. Always consult a dermatologist or an allergist before making significant dietary changes, especially for children [3].
Dietary Strategies to Help Manage Eczema Symptoms
Since eczema is an inflammatory condition, a nutritious, anti-inflammatory diet may help maintain overall health and ease symptoms of eczema. The following are some examples of foods and components that may have anti-inflammatory properties:
1. Omega-3 Rich Foods (Fish)
Consumption of foods rich in Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may help decrease the intensity of inflammatory symptoms [4]. Omega-3 fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
While results from studies are mixed, some research suggests that daily consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids may help manage inflammatory eczema symptoms [4]. Some recommended fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids are fatty fish like salmon, herring, sardines, and tuna. It is always best to prioritize food sources over supplements unless advised by a healthcare professional.
2. Foods Containing Quercetin
Quercetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid that comes from plants. Preliminary research suggests it may help reduce inflammation and histamine levels in your body due to its strong antioxidant and potential antihistamine properties [5].
Examples of fruits and vegetables naturally high in quercetin include:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Cherries
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Kale
3. Probiotic-Rich Foods
Probiotics are groups of living microorganisms that help your body by nourishing your gut microbes. Beyond acting as a digestive aid, research suggests probiotics may also help to strengthen the gut barrier and potentially reduce systemic inflammation, which could benefit eczema [6].
Some examples of probiotic-rich food:
- Yogurt with live and active cultures
- Miso soup
- Kefir
- Kombucha
- Sauerkraut
4. Other Flavonoid-Rich Foods
Flavonoids are a broad group of natural substances with documented anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties [7]. They are often found in the skin of various fruits and vegetables. While research is ongoing, increased intake of flavonoid-rich foods is generally associated with a healthy diet. Some examples are:
- Tomatoes
- Soybeans
- Berries
- Red peppers
- Tea
Eczema Elimination Diet: Potential Triggers to Monitor
Please note: A person’s diet may not cause eczema, but specific food triggers can certainly worsen it in susceptible individuals, especially those with confirmed IgE-mediated food allergies. If a person is not allergic to a particular food, the reaction may occur within minutes to hours, or between 6 and 24 hours or longer after consumption (a non-IgE mediated or delayed reaction) [2].
An elimination diet should only be attempted under the guidance of a doctor or registered dietitian to ensure nutritional completeness and accurate identification of triggers.
The foods which are most commonly reported to cause eczema symptoms, particularly in children with established food allergies, are as follows:
1. Foods High in Refined Sugar
When you consume excessive refined sugar, it can promote a rapid rise in insulin levels, which may lead to or exacerbate systemic inflammation [2]. To reduce inflammation, it’s best to limit or avoid foods like soda, cakes, energy drinks, and highly processed sweets if you notice they aggravate your skin.
2. High-Saturated and Trans-Fat Foods
Trans-fats, typically found in highly processed and fried foods, and high intakes of saturated fats, found in red meat, butter, and full-fat dairy products, may promote inflammation when consumed in excess and potentially worsen eczema symptoms [2]. Choosing healthier fats like monounsaturated (olive oil) and Omega-3s is a generally recommended dietary strategy.
3. Cow’s Milk (Dairy)
Cow’s milk contains proteins (casein and whey) that are common allergens, which may act as an allergen to trigger these conditions [2]. Since many babies and children consume milk, it is essential to test for milk allergies if a child has moderate-to-severe eczema that is poorly controlled, as a food allergy may be a contributing factor [2].
4. Common Allergic/Irritant Foods (e.g., Citrus, Nuts, Wheat, Eggs)
While not a universal trigger for all eczema sufferers, citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruit, can sometimes cause irritation or an allergic reaction in some individuals. Citrus fruits contain acidic compounds that may worsen eczema symptoms due to direct skin contact or by acting as a nonspecific histamine releaser. Similarly, common allergens like eggs, wheat, soy, and nuts can be triggers in allergic individuals and should be monitored and tested if a link is suspected [2].
Conclusion
While diet is only one component in the management of Atopic Dermatitis, a proper diet can help manage and ease its symptoms, particularly in individuals with diagnosed food sensitivities or allergies [2]. Making carefully tracked and observed dietary changes in consultation with a healthcare professional can help a person determine if these changes are beneficial.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information is general and should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any medical condition. We strongly recommend you consult your dermatologist, allergist, or a qualified healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or taking any medication or dietary supplements mentioned in this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best diet for eczema?
There is no single ‘best’ diet for everyone with eczema. A personalized anti-inflammatory diet that focuses on whole foods, Omega-3 rich foods, flavonoid-containing foods, and probiotics is generally recommended. The best approach involves identifying and avoiding known personal food triggers.
What foods should to avoid when you have a history of eczema?
Foods to avoid are highly individualized and depend on specific allergies or sensitivities. However, common triggers for individuals with eczema and confirmed food allergies include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, and highly processed foods rich in refined sugar and unhealthy fats [2].
Which vitamins help with eczema?
Vitamin D and Vitamin E are the most commonly studied vitamins that may help in managing eczema symptoms [3]. Deficiencies in Vitamin D, in particular, have been linked to worse eczema severity in some studies.
Does yogurt help with eczema?
Yogurt with live and active cultures is a natural probiotic that may help to improve gut health and potentially relieve eczema symptoms by reducing systemic inflammation [6].
Can sugar make eczema worse?
Yes, excessive intake of highly processed foods and refined sugar may potentially worsen eczema by promoting a systemic inflammatory response [2].
Can diet cure eczema?
No, dietary changes cannot cure eczema. Eczema is a complex condition with genetic and environmental factors. However, appropriate dietary management can significantly help to manage and minimize eczema symptoms [2].
Is there a diet that can help improve eczema symptoms?
Yes, including anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables (rich in flavonoids), and probiotics in your diet may help improve eczema symptoms by supporting overall skin health and reducing inflammation [4, 6].
What are the different eczema diet recipes?
Eczema diet recipes should focus on minimally processed, whole foods and should emphasize anti-inflammatory, flavonoid-containing foods, and probiotics, while consciously excluding known personal triggers.
References
[1] Spergel, J. M. (2016). Immunology of atopic dermatitis. The New England Journal of Medicine, 375(1), 161–172. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1404116
[2] Katta, R., & Schlichte, M. (2014). Diet and dermatitis: Food triggers. The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 7(3), 30–36. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3970830/
[3] Palmer, C. N. A., & Krog, R. B. (2020). Diet and nutritional management of atopic dermatitis. Nutrients, 12(7), 1968. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071968
[4] Niseteo, T., Hojsak, I., Ožanić Bulić, S., & Pustišek, N. (2024). Effect of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on clinical outcome of atopic dermatitis in children. Nutrients, 16(17), 2829. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16172829
[5] Irtiqa Shabir, Vinay Kumar Pandey, Shams, R., Aamir Hussain Dar, Kshirod Kumar Dash, Shafat Ahmad Khan, Bashir, I., G. Jeevarathinam, Alexandru Vasile Rusu, Tuba Esatbeyoglu, & R. Pandiselvam. (2022). Promising bioactive properties of quercetin for potential food applications and health benefits: A review. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, 999752. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.999752
[6] Cristofori, F., Dargenio, V. N., Dargenio, C., Miniello, V. L., Barone, M., & Francavilla, R. (2021). Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of probiotics in gut inflammation: A door to the body. Frontiers in Immunology, 12, 578386. https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2021.578386
[7] Ginwala, R., Bhavsar, R., Chigbu, D. I., Jain, P., & Khan, Z. K. (2019). Potential role of flavonoids in treating chronic inflammatory diseases with a special focus on the anti-inflammatory activity of apigenin. Antioxidants, 8(2), 35. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox80200035
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