Eczema, otherwise called atopic dermatitis, is a condition where patches of the skin get dry, rough, itchy, and inflamed. It may even cause an individual’s skin to blister. An approximate figure for people affected by eczema in the US is 31.6 million, covering over 10 percent of the population.
Some people will grow out of this condition, however, a lot of them continue having symptoms throughout their adult life.
Various foods can trigger eczema symptoms because people who have eczema realize that they get flare-ups after they consume certain types of foods. They often diagnose these people with having food allergies.
However, it may be a case of having a food sensitivity rather than a food allergy. It’s recommended that you pay close attention to what triggers your eczema after consuming any food. Doing so will help you eliminate food that triggers your eczema. But before you decide to take out any food from your diet, contact your physician first.
They’ll help you safely eliminate food triggers from your diet. Below, you will find some foods that have been linked to eczema flare-ups.
1. Cow’s Milk
Cow’s milk is one of the most common trigger food for people with eczema, especially children. However, doctors caution parents on completely removing cow’s milk from their child’s diet. Completely taking out dairy from a child’s diet can cause them to develop vitamin defects and other health issues.
Taking milk out of your child’s diet should only be used for children battling severe eczema. Your doctor will also let you know about other substitutes that you can use in place of the milk. However, the good news is that children who have a milk allergy eventually grow it out.
2. Peanuts
Most people who suffer from eczema also have a peanut allergy. If your child develops a peanut allergy, and it causes their eczema flare-up, you should consider getting an allergy test done to ensure they’re indeed suffering from a peanut allergy.
3. Eggs
Eggs are another trigger for people suffering from eczema, especially in children and babies. One of the best ways to avoid getting an eczema flare-up apart from avoiding eating eggs is by avoiding bread and any other food that contains eggs. The good thing is that avoiding eggs may not be necessary long term because, as with a milk allergy, egg allergies can be outgrown.
4. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits contain an exorbitant amount of Vitamin C and contain a lot of juice and are very delicious to the taste. However, the unfortunate part is that these fruits contain an allergen known as Balsam of Peru, which can be a trigger for persons with eczema.
5. Gluten
Gluten or wheat is also a trigger for people with eczema, which causes it to flare. Unfortunately, gluten can be found in many foods such as gummy bears, sauces, and soups and anyone who’s suffering from eczema can attest to this.
If you realize that gluten is causing your eczema to flare up, you can start looking for food that is gluten-free. You can also check the ingredients on the packaging so you can know if gluten is included.
6. Soy
People who suffer from eczema also tend to be allergic to soy. Some people also believe that they have eczema flare-ups because of soy that is present in their food. The best way to avoid eating food that contains soy is to read the packaging label carefully. Doing so will show you which food has soy contents such as your favorite tea may have by-products of soy present.
7. Fish
An interesting fact about fish is that certain fish such as herring, sardines, and salmon are high in fatty acids like Omega 3, which can help the body fight inflammation. However, there are other doctors who believe that fish can also cause allergic reactions to persons suffering from eczema. So, until you know how fish affects your eczema, take precautions when consuming it.
8. Canned Foods
If your doctor diagnosed you with dyshidrotic eczema, you may have nickel sensitivity. Therefore, eating food that contains nickel can cause small blisters to appear on your hands and feet. Apart from canned foods, nickel can also be found in wheat, rye, oat, cocoa, and chocolate. Nickel can be found in canned foods because manufacturers use it when producing cans which are then used to store food.
9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes, like citrus fruits, are a trigger for people with eczema. Even though they may not cause an allergic reaction, they may experience flare-ups after eating tomatoes or food containing it.