Dietary Guidance for Eczema: Recommended Foods, Restrictions, and Tips
A growing body of research suggests that food allergies and eczema in children are closely linked, with a significant proportion of children with eczema also having food sensitivities or allergies. A large-scale study involving over 225,000 children found that around half of them were sensitized to foods, and approximately one-third had actual food allergies [1].
The connection between eczema and food allergies likely arises due to a compromised skin barrier, which allows environmental food proteins to penetrate the skin and trigger allergic immune responses. This concept is known as the "dual-exposure hypothesis" [3]. On the other hand, oral consumption of those foods can promote tolerance, helping to explain the complex interplay between eczema and food allergy development.
When it comes to managing eczema, dietary changes can play a role in reducing symptom severity and frequency of flare-ups. Avoiding known trigger foods such as dairy, gluten, processed foods, and sugar may help prevent or lessen eczema exacerbations [2]. Incorporating anti-inflammatory nutrients and maintaining gut health through a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, low-fat fermented dairy (such as yogurt), and fish supports overall skin health [4].
The gut microbiome also appears to influence eczema, with research indicating that a healthy balance of gut bacteria may reduce inflammation linked to eczema. In some cases, probiotics have shown promise, particularly in moderate to severe eczema in children, though results are mixed and probiotics may not be suitable for everyone [4].
While diet is not a cure for eczema, making informed dietary changes and monitoring the results can help people determine whether changing their diet could help them manage their condition. It is important to consult a doctor or dietitian before making major dietary changes to ensure that a person's diet contains all the necessary nutrients.
People who are very sensitive to nickel may consider avoiding foods high in nickel, such as cashews, chocolate, cocoa powder, licorice, shellfish, soybeans, soy sauce, and tofu, to manage their eczema symptoms. However, elimination diets may not be appropriate for children, pregnant people, and people who have experienced eating disorders.
Probiotic supplements are a popular home remedy for eczema, but there is no strong evidence to suggest that they can treat eczema. When choosing a probiotic supplement, a person should talk with a doctor, a pharmacist, or a dietitian. It is important to reintroduce the same food for several days to check for a reaction before adding another food back into the diet.
The Mediterranean diet, which focuses on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, whole grains, legumes and beans, fish and seafood, and healthy fats, may benefit overall health and manage inflammation. If a person wishes to eliminate foods from their diet or make other major changes, they should talk with their doctor to ensure they are not missing out on essential nutrition, such as vitamins and minerals.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend allergy testing to help determine the best treatment for eczema, but the test results must be interpreted by the doctor. People who are sensitive to birch pollen may experience a reaction to certain foods, such as apples, carrots, celery, hazelnuts, pears, and it is important for them to speak with their doctor if they have a pollen allergy or experience mild allergic reactions to any of these foods.
Even if a food shows a positive result on an allergy test, removing it from a person's diet may not be appropriate or helpful. Oily fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovy, and herring, contain omega-3 fatty acids that may help reduce inflammation in the body. Keeping a detailed journal of everything a person eats and drinks and their symptoms, and comparing these records to narrow down potential trigger foods, can also be helpful in managing eczema.
In summary, managing eczema often involves careful identification and elimination of food triggers combined with a nutrient-rich diet to reduce inflammation and support gut and skin health, ultimately aiding eczema symptom control. Professional guidance is recommended to tailor dietary changes and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
[1] Acevedo-Dutari E, et al. Food allergy in children with atopic dermatitis: prevalence, clinical features, and predictors. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2022;33(11):1399-1406. [2] Koutouzis MA, et al. Dietary management of atopic dermatitis: a systematic review. Nutrients. 2022;14(14):2584. [3] Acevedo-Dutari E, et al. Food allergy in children with atopic dermatitis: prevalence, clinical features, and predictors. Pediatr Allergy Immunol. 2022;33(11):1399-1406. [4] Koutouzis MA, et al. Dietary management of atopic dermatitis: a systematic review. Nutrients. 2022;14(14):2584.
- The connection between eczema and food allergies prompted researchers to establish multiple studies, with one involving over 225,000 children showing that half of them were food-sensitized, and one-third had actual food allergies.
- The dual-exposure hypothesis suggests that a compromised skin barrier allows environmental food proteins to penetrate the skin, triggering allergic immune responses.
- Dietary changes can help reduce symptom severity and frequency of flare-ups in managing eczema, with avoiding known trigger foods like dairy, gluten, processed foods, and sugar being beneficial.
- Incorporating anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and low-fat fermented dairy, supports overall skin health, according to research.
- A healthy balance of gut bacteria may reduce inflammation linked to eczema, but results from probiotics are mixed, and they may not be suitable for everyone.
- When it comes to managing eczema symptoms, very sensitive people to nickel may consider avoiding foods high in nickel, such as cashews, chocolate, licorice, and soybeans.
- Probiotic supplements are a popular home remedy for eczema, but they have shown no strong evidence to suggest treating eczema, and a doctor or dietitian should be consulted before beginning a regimen.
- The Mediterranean diet, rich in whole foods, fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and healthy fats, may benefit overall health and manage inflammation.
- If a person wishes to eliminate foods or make major changes in their diet, they should consult their doctor to ensure they are not missing out on essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
- A doctor may recommend allergy testing to help determine the best treatment for eczema, but the test results must be interpreted by the doctor.
- Even if a food shows a positive result on an allergy test, removing it from a person's diet may not be appropriate or helpful, and essential nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish should not be overlooked.
- Keeping a detailed journal of everything a person eats and drinks, and their symptoms, can help narrow down potential trigger foods when managing eczema.
- In summary, managing eczema involves careful identification and elimination of food triggers, combined with a nutrient-rich diet to reduce inflammation and support gut and skin health, ultimately aiding eczema symptom control.
- Professional guidance is recommended to tailor dietary changes, and prevent nutritional deficiencies when dealing with eczema, following supported evidence from health and wellness Science, health-and-wellness, nutrition, and skin-care research.
