Milly Gaines
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes red, dry, itchy, scaly skin, and sometimes tiny blisters. While there is no cure for eczema, there are several over-the-counter medications and therapies that can help reduce symptoms. Many people with eczema also have food allergies or sensitivities, and dietary changes can help manage symptoms. This involves eliminating specific food groups to identify triggers and embracing an anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants and probiotics. In addition, drinking plenty of water is essential for preventing outbreaks and keeping the skin hydrated.
What helps with eczema: diet or medicine?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | Anti-inflammatory diets are recommended, which include vegetables, fruits, fish, olive oil, nuts, seeds, flax oil, and lean protein. |
| Probiotic foods such as yoghurt, miso soup, tempeh, kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut are also recommended. | |
| Flavonoid-rich foods such as apples, broccoli, cherries, blueberries, spinach, kale, citrus fruits, and tomatoes are beneficial. | |
| Vitamins such as C, E, and D can help improve skin health. | |
| Minerals such as zinc and potassium can help reduce inflammation and improve skin health. | |
| Water intake should be increased to keep the body and skin hydrated. | |
| Elimination diets can help identify food triggers, but may not be suitable for everyone and should be done under medical supervision. | |
| Specific diets such as the Mediterranean diet, Ayurvedic diet, and dyshidrotic diet may be beneficial. | |
| Allergen-free diets that avoid known triggers such as milk, eggs, wheat/gluten, soy, nuts, and tomatoes may help. | |
| Medicine | Emollients and corticosteroid creams are first-line treatments to moisturize and protect the skin and minimize inflammation. |
| Oral corticosteroids or injectable biologics may be used if the skin does not respond to topical treatments. | |
| Over-the-counter (OTC) creams, medications, and supplements may help reduce symptoms. |
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What You'll Learn
Elimination diets
An elimination diet is a technique that can help determine what foods may be causing an allergic reaction, which in turn can worsen eczema symptoms. This diet involves avoiding specific foods that one suspects might be responsible for their eczema symptoms and then reintroducing them to observe if the symptoms return. Common food triggers for eczema flare-ups include milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, and wheat.
The benefit of an elimination diet is that one may successfully identify a food that triggers skin issues, helping to avoid flare-ups by cutting that food from the diet. However, there are downsides to this approach. Elimination diets can lead to unbalanced eating if entire food groups are ruled out, which may result in malnutrition. It is important to consult a doctor or dietitian before starting an elimination diet, as they can provide guidance on replacement foods and ensure that one is not missing out on important nutrients.
Research on the effectiveness of elimination diets for eczema is mixed. 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. One to three years later, 144 of those patients reported long-term improvements. However, a recent systematic review of scientific literature on atopic dermatitis concluded that there is no overall benefit to food elimination for patients with this condition. The review found no improvement in symptoms within the first few weeks of starting an elimination diet and no long-term reduction in flares or treatment regimens.
Another concern with elimination diets is that they may increase the risk of developing food allergies. A review found that among adults with a proven food allergy, only 50% saw eczema improvements when they eliminated that food from their diet. Furthermore, the risks of elimination diets may outweigh the potential benefits. Instead of complete avoidance, there may be a threshold dose of a tolerated food that can be consumed for eczema management, preventing the development of immediate-type food hypersensitivity.
It is important to note that dietary changes are not a one-size-fits-all solution for eczema. While adapting one's diet can make a difference, there is no single diet that reduces eczema symptoms in everyone. A good rule of thumb is to avoid foods that seem to worsen symptoms and focus on a nutritious diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein. Specific eating plans, such as an anti-inflammatory or Mediterranean diet, may also be beneficial.
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Anti-inflammatory diets
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause red, dry, itchy, and scaly skin. While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for eczema, an anti-inflammatory diet may help manage symptoms by reducing inflammation in the body.
An anti-inflammatory diet for eczema involves consuming foods that help fight inflammation and avoiding those that trigger it. It is important to pay attention to dietary fats, as these can influence the overall amount of inflammation in the body. Oily fish, such as salmon and herring, are recommended as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, flax oil, and marine algae supplements.
It is suggested to limit foods high in omega-6 fatty acids, as large quantities may promote inflammation. These include vegetable oils, hydrogenated oils, some margarine brands, french fries, and other fried foods. Additionally, saturated fats found in red meats, full-fat dairy products, butter, and poultry skin should be consumed in moderation, as they can also promote inflammation.
Probiotic-rich foods, such as fermented foods and yogurt, are recommended as they promote a diverse and healthy gut microbiome, which is linked to reduced inflammation. A diverse gut microbiome, including specific strains of probiotics such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, supports a strong immune system.
Vitamins and minerals can also help support skin health and reduce inflammation. Ensuring adequate intake of zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and vitamin D can be beneficial. Zinc can be found in seafood, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, and lean red meat. Vitamin C is abundant in brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, as well as rosehip. Vitamin E is present in sunflower seeds, almonds, pine nuts, avocado, and dried apricots. Vitamin D is best absorbed from sunlight during the summer months.
In addition to specific foods and nutrients, it is important to maintain a balanced diet overall. This includes consuming wholegrain carbohydrates, lean protein, and plenty of fruits and vegetables, which provide antioxidants and support overall health.
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Probiotics
A recent discovery by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has led to the development of a novel probiotic for eczema. This probiotic is based on the bacteria Roseomonas mucosa, which is naturally present in healthy skin. R. mucosa-based interventions have been found to reduce eczema-related skin inflammation and enhance the skin's natural barrier function in both adults and children. Most participants in clinical studies experienced greater than a 75% improvement in eczema severity and needed fewer corticosteroids to manage their eczema.
While probiotics may not directly treat eczema in those who already have it, they can provide other health benefits and help prevent the condition in high-risk babies.
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Omega-3 fatty acids
Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can help manage symptoms of atopic dermatitis by reducing lesion severity, skin inflammation, dryness, and itching. A 2012 review of three studies found that fish oil supplements significantly improved quality of life and reduced itchiness in people with eczema. Another 16-week study found that daily supplementation 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.
In addition to fish, omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in nuts, seeds, and flax oil. For those who cannot consume enough oily fish or take supplements, hemp hand cream containing omega-3 fatty acids can be useful for relieving symptoms.
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 may benefit people with eczema. Additionally, dietary changes should be made in consultation with a doctor or dietitian, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing eczema through diet.
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Vitamins and minerals
While there is no cure for eczema, certain vitamins and minerals may help ease the symptoms.
Vitamin D is one of the most commonly recommended supplements for eczema. Some studies suggest that people with severe eczema may be deficient in vitamin D, and that taking a vitamin D supplement every day may help improve symptoms. Vitamin D3, a form of vitamin D, has shown the most promise in helping to reduce eczema symptoms. However, it is important to note that studies on vitamin D have produced conflicting results, and more research is needed.
Vitamin E is another vitamin that may be beneficial for eczema. Vitamin E is an essential micronutrient found in various skincare products, and supplementing with it may help improve skin health and reduce eczema symptoms. A daily dosage of up to 600 IU of vitamin E is considered safe and potentially beneficial.
Some studies also suggest that vitamin B12 may offer some improvements to eczema symptoms.
In addition to vitamins, certain minerals may be helpful for eczema. Zinc is a mineral that can be found in many food sources, including meat, seafood, dairy, and legumes. However, if you have a zinc deficiency, supplementation may be beneficial, as it has been shown to reduce eczema severity.
Probiotics, which are live bacteria and yeast, may also be helpful for eczema. Probiotics are thought to improve overall health and treat specific diseases. Some studies suggest that probiotics may help treat and prevent eczema, but the research is conflicting, and more studies are needed.
It is important to note that supplements may have safety concerns and can interact with medications. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements or making any dietary changes to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you.
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Frequently asked questions
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that can cause red, dry, itchy, scaly skin. It can also cause tiny blisters and skin splitting, which can be painful.
There is no one-size-fits-all diet for eczema, but certain foods may help reduce symptoms. Eating fatty fish, such as salmon, is beneficial due to its high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Probiotic-rich foods, like yogurt, can also support a strong immune system, which may help with eczema. In general, eating a nutritious diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and lean protein may help reduce flare-ups.
An elimination diet involves removing certain foods from your diet to identify any allergic reactions or food sensitivities. This can be done under the guidance of a medical professional. While there is limited evidence, some research suggests that elimination diets may slightly ease eczema symptoms, especially for those with known food allergies or sensitivities.
Specific eating plans, such as the Mediterranean diet, may benefit people with eczema due to its emphasis on anti-inflammatory foods. The Ayurvedic diet is similar and includes various spices with anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric and ginger.
First-line treatments for eczema include emollients to moisturize and protect the skin, and corticosteroid creams to minimize inflammation. If these traditional therapies are ineffective, oral corticosteroids or injectable biologics may be considered. Over-the-counter creams with ingredients like Manuka honey may also help due to its natural antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
