Jeffrey Salazar
Eczema is a common skin condition characterised by dry, scaly, itchy and inflamed skin. While the exact causes of eczema are not yet clear, genetics, immune function and environmental factors are known to play a role. Food allergies are a known comorbidity of eczema, and people with eczema are more likely to have food allergies or sensitivities. However, it is important to note that food is rarely the root cause of eczema. Doctors recommend that people with eczema eat a healthy diet, including whole foods and antioxidants while avoiding processed foods and sugary foods, which can cause inflammation. Specific diets, such as an anti-inflammatory diet or a Mediterranean diet, may also help to manage eczema symptoms.
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What You'll Learn
Food allergies and eczema
Eczema is often linked to other conditions, such as asthma, hay fever, and food allergies. Food allergies are considered an official comorbidity or related health condition of atopic dermatitis. Research has shown that people with atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema, have a higher risk for food allergies.
There is a close link between eczema and food allergies, and it is believed that when the skin is already very inflamed, it makes a flare-up more likely to happen. Food allergies can contribute to poor eczema control over time, especially in severe cases. For example, if a child consumes milk every day and milk is an allergen, this can lead to poor eczema control.
It is important to note that food is not the root cause of atopic dermatitis, and there is no specific eczema diet. Eating certain foods does not appear to cause eczema, although it may trigger a flare-up if you already have the condition. Food sensitivities or intolerances lead to gastrointestinal symptoms, like bloating, gas, vomiting, and diarrhea. Common food sensitivity triggers associated with eczema include non-celiac gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance.
If you think a specific food is repeatedly causing your eczema to flare up, talk to your doctor about it so they can help you figure out a diagnostic and treatment plan. Before starting an elimination diet, a person should consult a doctor about their eczema symptoms and which foods could be causing problems. They may wish to create a list of possible "trigger foods" with a doctor's advice.
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Anti-inflammatory diets
Although there is no specific diet that can cure eczema, certain dietary changes may help manage its symptoms. This is because eczema is an inflammatory condition, and an anti-inflammatory diet may help lower inflammation in the body.
An anti-inflammatory diet generally includes foods rich in compounds that may reduce inflammation in the body. For example, spices like turmeric and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Flavonoids are anti-inflammatory compounds found in a range of foods, including the skins of colourful fruits and vegetables. Quercetin, a plant-based flavonoid, is a powerful antioxidant and may lower inflammation in your body. Probiotic foods, such as yoghurt, contain live cultures that affect your gut bacteria and help support a strong immune system, which may help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Fish is also a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help with inflammation.
It is important to note that the connection between diet and eczema is complex, and there are many triggers for eczema outside of what you eat. It is always recommended that you discuss major changes to your diet with a doctor first, especially if you have food allergies or other health conditions.
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Omega-3 fatty acids
The human body does not produce omega-3 fatty acids on its own, hence it is essential to include them in one's diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are primarily found in certain types of fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. Additionally, plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids include nuts, seeds, and oils like flaxseed oil and walnut oil.
Research has shown a link between omega-3 fatty acids and the management of eczema symptoms. Studies suggest that dietary supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce skin inflammation, dryness, and itching associated with eczema. For example, a 2012 review found that treatment with fish oil, a source of omega-3 fatty acids, significantly improved quality of life and reduced itchiness in people with eczema. Additionally, animal studies have shown positive results, with rodents exhibiting improved skin hydration and reduced scratching behaviour when supplemented with fish oil.
It is important to note that the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids in treating eczema may vary among individuals. While some studies show promising results, others indicate no significant improvement in symptoms. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids are just one component of a comprehensive treatment plan for eczema, which may also include medicated creams, oral medications, or injections.
To determine if your diet is lacking in omega-3 fatty acids and contributing to your eczema, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide guidance on eliminating potential trigger foods and reintroducing them to identify specific dietary triggers. Additionally, a healthcare provider can recommend appropriate omega-3 fatty acid supplementation if required, ensuring that you are not missing out on this essential nutrient.
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Probiotics and prebiotics
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that is linked to diet and food allergies or sensitivities. While there is no specific diet plan to reduce eczema symptoms, diet plans emphasizing whole and antioxidant-rich foods may help support overall health and manage inflammation.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that offer health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts. They are known to support a strong immune system and promote good gut health. Probiotic foods, such as yogurt, contain live cultures that affect your gut bacteria. Research suggests that this may help reduce inflammation throughout the body, which could be beneficial for managing eczema.
In addition to probiotics, prebiotics are also important for gut health. Prebiotics favor the growth of "good" bacteria, which can be beneficial for the skin and gut. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics recommends only 5 grams of prebiotics per day for maintaining gut health. Prebiotics enhance the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) with anti-inflammatory effects, reduce the generation of toxic fermentation products, and improve the Th1/Th2 ratio.
While oral probiotics are generally considered safe and well-tolerated, they are not recommended for individuals who are immune-compromised, have a serious underlying medical condition, have recently had surgery, or are being treated for cancer. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have a medical condition.
Some studies have shown that probiotics and prebiotics may be beneficial for individuals with eczema, specifically atopic dermatitis. Probiotics with Lactobacilli have been found to reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis in infants. Additionally, prebiotics administered in the first year of life may reduce the risk of asthma or food allergy, although the results on atopic dermatitis were inconclusive. More research is needed to establish clear recommendations for the use of probiotics and prebiotics in eczema management.
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Elimination diets
While diet is linked to many aspects of health, including skin health, there is no one-size-fits-all diet for eczema. However, certain foods may trigger flare-ups, especially if you have a food allergy or sensitivity. To identify and eliminate problem foods, some people try an elimination diet.
An elimination diet involves removing specific foods that you suspect are causing your eczema symptoms, monitoring your body's response, and then reintroducing the foods to see if symptoms return. If you discover a particular food is causing flare-ups, you can remove it from your diet.
Common food triggers for eczema include milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, wheat, gluten, spices, and some nuts. It is important to note that whole foods and diets rich in antioxidants may help manage inflammation and support overall health.
Before starting an elimination diet, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional to ensure you are not missing out on essential nutrients and to rule out any underlying food allergies. Elimination diets can lead to unbalanced eating and malnutrition if not carefully managed.
While some people have found success in reducing eczema symptoms through elimination diets, others have not seen improvements. Research suggests that dietary elimination may only lead to slight improvements in eczema severity, and it is not recommended as a long-term solution.
It is important to remember that food is rarely the root cause of eczema, and there are other well-established treatment options, such as topical medications, that should be considered in conjunction with dietary changes.
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Frequently asked questions
Eczema is a skin condition that causes patches of dry, scaly, itchy, and inflamed skin. It occurs in people of all ages, including newborns, children, and adults.
Diet is linked to many aspects of health, including skin health. While diet is not always a trigger for eczema, dietary changes can help manage the condition.
Doctors recommend that people with eczema eat a healthy diet, including whole foods and antioxidant-rich foods. Specific eating plans, such as an anti-inflammatory diet, the Mediterranean diet, and a dyshidrotic diet, may benefit people with eczema.
Processed foods, sugary foods, and foods that may trigger an allergic reaction or sensitivity should be avoided. Common food allergens for people with eczema include milk, eggs, wheat, nuts, gluten, soy, and shellfish.
An elimination diet can help identify specific trigger foods. First, a suspect food is removed from the diet, and then it is gradually reintroduced to see if it coincides with an increase in eczema symptoms.
