Eczema Triggers: Common Foods That Could be Making It Worse

The term eczema refers to a collection of inflammatory skin disorders that include blisters, scaly patches, rashes, dry skin, itching and skin infections. There are seven different kinds of cutaneous eczema. Although eczema cannot be cured, numerous therapies can help you manage it. When they experience one or more aggravated eczema symptoms or side effects from persistent itching, many eczema sufferers refer to this period of their condition as a flare. This phase might endure for many days or even weeks. In addition to rashes and itchy skin, severe eczema can cause infections that, if not addressed, can result in hospitalisation.  

What is eczema?

Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy and bumpy. It is a kind of dermatitis, which is a group of conditions that cause skin inflammation. This condition weakens the skin’s barrier function, which is responsible for helping the skin retain moisture and protect the body from outside elements. Each person who has been diagnosed with eczema may have a varied appearance. An eczema rash might be grey, brown or purple if you have dark skin. An eczema rash may appear pink, crimson or purple. It can appear on any part of the body, like neck, elbow, hands, ankles, feet, face and lips. Eczema is divided into several types, and it is possible to have more than one type of eczema at the same time. 

These types include:

• Atopic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic eczema
• Neurodermatitis
• Nummular eczema
• Seborrheic dermatitis

What are the symptoms of eczema?

The common symptoms of eczema include:

• Dry skin
• Itchy skin
• Skin rash
• Bumps on the skin
• Thick, leathery patches of skin
• Flaky, scaly or crusty skin
• Swelling  

What are the causes of eczema?

Several factors cause eczema, including:

• Immune system: The immune system overreacts to little allergens or irritants in the surroundings during this condition. When you come in contact with a trigger, the immune system interprets these little irritations as potentially harmful foreign invaders, such as bacteria or viruses. Consequently, the triggers set off the body’s defence mechanisms. Inflammation is the protective mechanism of the immune system. Eczema symptoms are brought on by inflammation.  
• Genes: You are more likely to have eczema if there is a history of eczema or dermatitis in the family.  
• Environment: Numerous things in the surroundings have the potential to aggravate the skin. Exposure to smoke, air pollution, harsh soaps, woolen clothes and some skin care products are a few examples. Dry air, or low humidity, can make the skin feel dry and irritated. Sweating brought on by heat and high humidity can exacerbate the itching.  
• Emotional triggers: Your skin’s condition may be impacted by the mental state, which might result in an exacerbation of the eczema symptoms. Eczema flare-ups may occur more frequently if you suffer from high levels of stress, worry or despair.  

Eczema triggers

Eczema affects different persons in different ways. Some of the common triggers that cause eczema include:

• Dry weather
• Fabrics
• Makeup or skin care products
• Smoke and pollutants
• Soaps and detergents  
• Stress or the emotional well-being
• Touching something you’re allergic to  

Foods that cause eczema

It’s unknown how food allergies and eczema are related. One of the reasons you should avoid certain foods if you have dietary allergies is that they may trigger or exacerbate the eczema symptoms. Although food may not be the direct cause of eczema, it can exacerbate or trigger flare-ups of symptoms. It is particularly valid if you consume a meal to which you are allergic or sensitive. While not everyone will experience problems with the following foods, common food allergies linked to eczema include:

• Cow’s milk
• Peanuts
• Eggs
• Soy products
• Wheat
• Tree nuts
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Dairy products  

Foods that help eczema go away

Certain foods help eczema to go away and help to manage the symptoms. Foods that are deemed eczema-friendly may cause flare-ups in people who have an allergy to them. However, even if you don’t follow a particular diet, some foods may help with eczema. They involve:

• Fatty fish: Salmon and herring are examples of fatty seafood that may help lessen the symptoms of eczema. Omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties, are abundant in fish oil. However, more research is required to determine the benefits of fish oil supplements for eczema. The primary source of omega-3 fatty acids in the body is your diet. If at all possible, take them through meals rather than supplements.  

Foods containing quercetin: Quercetin is a flavonoid derived from plants. These organic substances contribute to the vibrant colour of many fruits, vegetables and flowers. In addition to being a potent antioxidant, quercetin may also reduce inflammation. Quercetin may help treat inflammatory skin conditions, including eczema. Foods high in quercetin include:  

• Apples
• Berries
• Dark cherries
• Red grapes
• Broccoli
• Onions
• Citrus fruits
• Green tea  

Foods containing probiotics: Probiotics, such as yoghurt, contain live cultures that affect the gut bacteria and help support a strong immune system. Some of the probiotic-rich foods include:  

• Miso soup
• Naturally fermented pickles
• Unpasteurised sauerkraut
• Kombucha
• Kefir
• Tempeh  

Eczema diet

Although there isn’t a single diet that works for everyone with eczema, consuming a diet high in antioxidants may manage symptoms by promoting general health. Certain dietary regimens are founded on ideas that might help you control the symptoms. There is a 30-day eczema diet that may include:  

Dyshidrotic diet: Dyshidrotic eczema may be easier to treat with the dyshidrotic diet. The symptoms of dyshidrotic eczema include little blisters on the hands and feet. Nickel and cobalt exposure can cause this kind of eczema. A dyshidrotic diet involves limiting foods that may contain the elements that help reduce flare-ups among people with hypersensitivity to these metals. These foods include:

• Whole grains like wheat, oats and buckwheat
• Legumes like chickpeas and soy products
• Nuts and seeds like Brazil nuts and flaxseeds
• Meat, liver and other organ meats
• Dairy products like milk
• Fruits and vegetables  
• Elimination diet: An elimination diet may help those who don’t know their eczema triggers. It involves removing potential food removing potential food triggers from the diet for a time and adding them slowly, one at a time, to monitor symptoms. It is crucial to work with a dietitian to plan for an elimination diet to ensure you get nutrients.  
• Gluten-free diet: A gluten-free diet eliminates glutens by consuming gluten-free foods.  

Conclusion

To conclude, eczema is an inflammatory disorder that affects the skin of many regions of the body, such as the hands, feet, neck, etc. It causes blisters and allergies on the skin. Many foods cause this condition. Hence, be mindful of what you eat. If a certain food triggers a flare-up of the eczema, you might have a food allergy. Pay attention while you eat!