Brenda Khan
There is a link between diet and eczema, but it is complex and not yet fully understood. While diet does not cause eczema, certain foods may trigger flare-ups in some people. People with eczema are more likely to have food allergies or sensitivities, and it is important to distinguish between the two. Food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, while food intolerances may cause bloating, abdominal pain, and a rash. Eliminating trigger foods from your diet may help reduce eczema symptoms, but it is not a cure. Specific diets, such as the Mediterranean diet, anti-inflammatory diets, and the dyshidrotic diet, may also help manage symptoms. However, it is important to consult a doctor or dietitian before making significant dietary changes, as they can have risks, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing eczema through diet.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can diet cure eczema? | No, but it can help keep the symptoms at bay. |
| Are there specific diets to reduce eczema symptoms? | There is no one-size-fits-all diet for eczema. However, some diets like the Mediterranean diet, anti-inflammatory diet, dyshidrotic diet, and elimination diet may help. |
| What foods may trigger eczema? | Eggs, citrus, soy products, tomatoes, nightshade vegetables, sugar, wheat, nuts, milk, gluten, alcohol, and highly processed foods. |
| What foods may help with eczema? | Fatty fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel (which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids), vegetables, organic foods, and foods containing flavonoids and probiotics. |
| What drinks may help with eczema? | Black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and water. |
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What You'll Learn
Food allergies and eczema
There is a definite association between food allergies and eczema. Research has shown that people with atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, have a higher risk of food allergies. Food allergies are a known comorbidity, or related health condition, of atopic dermatitis.
Food allergies can sometimes cause eczema in young children. However, after the age of three or four, it is rare. An allergic reaction to dairy products, eggs, nuts, soy, or wheat may cause hives or other skin problems that look like eczema, but they are not the same. If a child with eczema consumes milk every day, and milk is an allergen, this can lead to poor eczema control.
Food elimination diets for atopic dermatitis are not recommended as they come with risks. In some cases, patients try to “cure” their eczema with such a severe elimination diet that it can lead to other health issues without helping their eczema. However, some eczema patients have found it helpful to cut dairy products, simple carbs, and/or gluten from their diets, as they are all linked to inflammation.
There is no one-size-fits-all diet for eczema, but eating a diet rich in antioxidants may help reduce symptoms by supporting your overall health. Specific eating plans, such as an anti-inflammatory and Mediterranean diet, may benefit people with eczema. The Mediterranean diet includes anti-inflammatory foods like nuts, grains, and fish.
If you think a specific food is repeatedly causing your eczema to flare, talk to your doctor about it so they can help you figure out a diagnostic and treatment plan.
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Elimination diets
While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for eczema, some people with eczema have found it helpful to cut out certain foods. However, it is important to note that food is rarely the root cause of eczema, and eliminating certain foods from your diet can increase the risk of developing food allergies.
There is conflicting evidence regarding the effectiveness of elimination diets for eczema. Some studies have shown that eliminating certain foods can slightly lower eczema severity in some people, but other studies have found no overall benefit. For example, a 1987 paper reported that out of 675 adult patients with atopic dermatitis placed on elimination diets for one month, 262 experienced improvements in symptoms. However, a more recent systematic review of scientific literature on atopic dermatitis concluded that there was no improvement in symptoms within the first few weeks of starting an elimination diet, no long-term improvement in the number and severity of flares, and no long-term reduction in treatment regimens.
It is important to note that even if a particular food is identified as a potential trigger, avoiding it may not lead to notable symptom improvement. An older review found that among adults with a proven food allergy, only 50% saw eczema improvements when they eliminated that food from their diet. Additionally, elimination diets can lead to unbalanced eating and increased food costs.
If you think a specific food is causing your eczema to flare up, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor about it so they can help you figure out a diagnostic and treatment plan.
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Anti-inflammatory diets
Diet is linked to many aspects of health, including skin health. While there is no specific eczema diet, certain foods can either calm or irritate eczema. Adjusting your diet can help manage flare-ups and improve skin health over time.
Research has shown that people with atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema) have a higher risk of food allergies. However, while people with atopic dermatitis may be more prone to food allergies, food is rarely the root cause of the disease.
Food elimination diets are not recommended as they come with risks. In some cases, patients try to “cure” their eczema with a severe elimination diet, which can lead to other health issues without improving their eczema. Eliminating certain foods can also increase the risk of developing food allergies.
However, some eczema patients have found it helpful to cut out dairy products, simple carbohydrates, and/or gluten from their diet, as these are linked to inflammation.
An anti-inflammatory diet involves eating less of the foods that may trigger inflammation in the body and more of the foods that help fight it. It is important to pay close attention to dietary fats, which can influence the overall amount of inflammation in the body. Trans fats and saturated fats, found in fried foods, red meats, full-fat dairy, and poultry skin, promote inflammation and may worsen eczema symptoms. Omega-6 fatty acids, found in large quantities in vegetable oils, may also promote inflammation.
On the other hand, omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish, seafood, nuts, seeds, and flax oil, have anti-inflammatory properties. An anti-inflammatory diet may also include fermented foods and yogurt, which are rich in probiotics that promote a diverse gut flora.
In addition to an anti-inflammatory diet, some other dietary changes that may help with eczema include:
- Eating more vegetables and organic foods
- Consuming tea, which may help relieve symptoms
- Eating foods rich in antioxidants to support overall health
- Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin D
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Omega-3 fatty acids
While there is no specific eczema diet, some foods may help reduce symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and fish oil, are known to help fight inflammation and may help with eczema.
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 reduced scratching. A study in mice found that treatment with DHA and EPA 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.
However, it is important to note that not all studies have shown positive results, and future research is needed to better understand how fish oil and omega-3 fatty acids may benefit people with eczema.
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Probiotics and flavonoids
While there is no specific eczema diet, dietary changes can help reduce eczema symptoms. Research has shown that people with eczema have a higher risk of food allergies and sensitivities. It is important to identify and avoid known allergens to reduce symptoms.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be ingested or applied topically to improve health. They are considered "good" bacteria that help keep the digestive system healthy. Probiotics are commonly found in yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and some forms of dark chocolate. They are also available in supplement form.
Probiotics may help reduce eczema flares by adding beneficial bacteria to the body. Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are the most common probiotic supplements. Research on the effectiveness of probiotics for eczema has yielded mixed results. Some studies suggest that probiotics may slightly lower eczema severity, while others found no significant difference in symptom improvement.
Flavonoids are a group of natural substances found in plants, known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Flavonoids can be found in a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, tea, and red wine. While there is limited research specifically on flavonoids and eczema, their anti-inflammatory properties may potentially help reduce skin inflammation associated with eczema.
Overall, while probiotics and flavonoids may provide some benefits for eczema management, more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes or starting new supplements to ensure safety and effectiveness.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no specific diet or food that will cure eczema. However, diet is linked to many aspects of our health, including our skin. Research has shown that people with eczema are more prone to food allergies and sensitivities. Eliminating certain foods from your diet can help identify food triggers and reduce symptoms.
An elimination diet involves removing potential food triggers from your diet and slowly adding them back in one by one to monitor symptoms. It is important to work with a dietitian to plan for an elimination diet to ensure you get enough nutrients.
Doctors recommend pairing a well-balanced diet with regular exercise. Drinking plenty of water is key to eczema outbreak prevention and helps to moisturize the skin. Anti-inflammatory diets that limit dairy, whole grains, red meat, flour, sugar, and highly processed foods while emphasizing vegetables, fruits, and fatty fish like salmon and mackerel may help reduce symptoms.
