Madeleine Hull
Eczema is a common skin condition characterised by itchy, inflamed, dry, and scaly skin. While there is no cure for eczema, certain dietary changes may help to manage symptoms. Research suggests that there is a link between food and eczema, with some foods potentially triggering flare-ups. However, the specific foods that trigger eczema vary from person to person, and there is no one-size-fits-all diet for managing the condition. Some common foods that have been linked to eczema flare-ups include eggs, citrus fruits, soy products, tomatoes, nightshade vegetables, sugar, wheat, nuts, milk, gluten, and alcohol. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet that limits added sugars, simple carbs, and highly processed foods, and focuses on lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy oils may be beneficial for some people with eczema. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is important for eczema outbreak prevention and skin moisturisation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect of diet on eczema | There is no evidence that specific foods cause eczema or make symptoms flare up. However, some people say their symptoms get worse after they eat a particular food. |
| Food items that trigger eczema | Eggs, citrus, soy products, tomatoes, nightshade vegetables, sugar, wheat, nuts, milk, gluten, and alcohol. |
| Diet to follow to reduce eczema | Anti-inflammatory diet, Mediterranean diet, dyshidrotic diet, and a well-balanced diet. |
| Food items to include in the diet | Lean proteins, fresh fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, healthful oils, fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, whole grains, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. |
| Food items to avoid | Added sugars, simple carbs, highly processed foods, and foods containing nickel and cobalt. |
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What You'll Learn
Anti-inflammatory diets
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition with flare-ups that may be triggered by certain foods. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for eczema, an anti-inflammatory diet may help to manage the condition.
An anti-inflammatory diet involves avoiding foods that may cause inflammation when consumed in excess. This includes added sugars, simple carbs, and highly processed foods. Instead, the diet focuses on lean proteins, fresh fruit, vegetables, leafy greens, and healthful oils. Some spices, such as turmeric and ginger, are also known for their anti-inflammatory benefits and are recommended.
Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, may have a beneficial effect on eczema. Probiotics, found in naturally fermented foods, may also help to reduce inflammation throughout the body and promote good gut health, which is linked to eczema.
For those who don't know their eczema triggers, an elimination diet can be a useful strategy. This involves removing a potential trigger food from the diet and then gradually reintroducing it after a period of time to see if it coincides with an increase in symptoms. It is important to work with a dietitian when planning an elimination diet to ensure adequate nutrient intake.
In addition to dietary changes, drinking plenty of water is key to eczema outbreak prevention and skin moisturization.
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Elimination diets
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition with flare-ups that may be triggered by certain foods. An elimination diet involves removing potential food triggers from your diet for a period of time and then adding them back in slowly, one at a time, to monitor symptoms.
Some studies and patient anecdotes suggest that what someone eats and drinks can affect the frequency and severity of flare-ups. For some patients, specific foods have been found to play a role in the recurrence of symptoms. These include eggs, citrus fruits, soy products, tomatoes, sugar, wheat, nuts, milk, gluten, and alcohol.
A 1987 paper reported that out of 675 adult patients with atopic dermatitis placed on elimination diets for one month, 262 experienced improvements in their symptoms. Of these 262 patients, 144 reported long-term improvement in their symptoms, which they attributed to the elimination diet. However, this study had its limitations, as the elimination of foods was not specified for each patient, and there was no real control group.
It is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all diet for eczema, and eating certain foods does not appear to cause eczema, although it may trigger a flare-up if you already have the condition. Elimination diets can lead to unbalanced eating and malnutrition if entire food groups are ruled out. They may also lead to increased food intolerance and sensitivity to the eliminated food in the future. Additionally, they can be challenging to stick to, especially for children, and may be costly.
If you are considering an elimination diet, it is recommended to work with a dietitian to ensure you are still getting enough nutrients. It is also important to consult a physician or allergist before eliminating any foods, as there are more well-established treatment options for eczema, such as topical medications, that should be explored first.
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Omega-3 fatty acids
While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for eczema, some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can help manage eczema symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, nuts, seeds, and supplements.
Some studies have found that taking fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids can significantly improve quality of life and reduce itchiness in people with eczema. One study found that after 4 months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in the severity of eczema and the use of topical corticosteroids, as well as improvements in itch intensity, sleep quality, and overall quality of life. Another study found that supplementing daily with omega-3 fats, along with omega-6 fats, zinc, vitamin E, and a multivitamin, reduced eczema severity by more than 50% in over 80% of participants.
Animal studies have also shown positive results. A rodent study found that rats with eczema who were orally supplemented with fish oil for 30 days showed significant improvements in skin hydration and reductions in scratching behaviour. Additionally, a study in mice found that treatment with DHA and EPA (types of omega-3 fatty acids) decreased eczema scores and reduced levels of inflammatory proteins and immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE is an antibody produced by the immune system in response to allergens, and high levels of it are associated with eczema.
It is important to note that not all studies have shown positive results, and future research is needed to fully understand how omega-3 fatty acids and fish oil may benefit people with eczema.
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Food allergies
Eczema is a common skin condition characterised by dry, scaly, itchy, and inflamed skin. It is not caused by food allergies, but there is a correlation between the two. Food allergies are considered an official comorbidity of eczema, and up to 30% of people with eczema also have food allergies.
To identify specific trigger foods, an elimination diet is often recommended. This involves removing potential trigger foods from the diet for a period of time and then slowly reintroducing them one at a time while monitoring for symptoms. It is important to work with a dietitian when planning an elimination diet to ensure adequate nutrient intake.
Additionally, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can be beneficial for people with eczema. This type of diet focuses on lean proteins, fresh fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, and healthy oils while avoiding added sugars, simple carbohydrates, and highly processed foods.
It is important to note that everyone's experience with eczema and food allergies is unique. Consulting with a trusted healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes is crucial to ensure a well-rounded and safe approach to managing eczema.
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Well-balanced diets
While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for eczema, some well-balanced diets can help manage symptoms. Firstly, it is important to note that eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, and certain foods can trigger flare-ups. These include eggs, citrus fruits, soy products, tomatoes, and other nightshade vegetables. Sugar, wheat, nuts, milk, gluten, and alcohol have also been associated with eczema flare-ups in some people.
To manage symptoms, some people adopt an anti-inflammatory diet, which involves avoiding added sugars, simple carbs, and highly processed foods. This diet focuses on lean proteins, fresh fruit, vegetables, leafy greens, and healthy oils. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, are believed to have a beneficial effect on eczema. Probiotics, prebiotics, and flavonoids, found in colourful fruits and vegetables, may also help.
The Mediterranean diet is also recommended by some sources, as it focuses on whole foods and can help manage inflammation. This diet includes moderate amounts of red wine, which contains the plant compound quercetin.
For those with dyshidrotic eczema, a specific type of eczema characterised by tiny blisters on the hands and feet, a low-nickel and low-cobalt diet may help reduce flare-ups. This involves limiting foods that contain these metals, such as chocolate, legumes, almonds, and raisins.
It is important to note that dietary changes should be made in consultation with a doctor or dietitian, as everyone's personal food needs are different, and there are many triggers for eczema outside of diet.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but diet can affect eczema for some people. Eating certain foods doesn't appear to cause eczema, but it may trigger a flare-up if you already have the condition.
An elimination diet involves removing potential food triggers from your diet for a time and then slowly reintroducing them one by one to monitor symptoms. It's important to work with a dietitian when planning an elimination diet to ensure you get enough nutrients.
Some foods that have been linked to flare-ups include eggs, citrus, soy products, tomatoes, nightshade vegetables, sugar, wheat, nuts, milk, gluten, and alcohol.
An anti-inflammatory diet limits foods that cause inflammation in the body, such as dairy, whole grains, red meat, flour, and sugar. It emphasizes foods that reduce inflammation, such as vegetables, lean proteins, fruits, and fish.
Yes, some people find that adding probiotics, prebiotics, and foods containing flavonoids and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce eczema symptoms. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding known allergens and irritants can also help.
