Do you walk down the supermarket aisles checking the ingredients list on rows and rows of food items? Are you allergic to dairy products, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat/gluten, fish, sesame, tomatoes, citrus fruits, and other such foods? If so, do not fret, for millions of people in the country are affected by eczema caused by certain foods they eat. Let’s explore the relationship between some of the foods you consume and consequential eczema you experience:

1. Food allergies

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a skin condition that primarily affects babies and young children but is also not so rare even in adults. Allergic reactions to certain food items are one of the leading causes of this inflammatory condition. For some people, eating foods with artificial colors and preservatives, and highly processed foods with trans fat and added sugar might cause eczema symptoms to worsen. It results in dry, itchy, sore skin that invariably produces rashes and oozing blisters anywhere in the body, but especially in the eyes, face, neck or feet. Symptoms typically occur anywhere between 6 to 24 hours after consuming a particular type of food. However, reactions could be caused much later too at times. This chronic skin condition hampers normal everyday life, but there is no known cure for it. Managing eczema with the right foods and medications is the only solution.

2. Food allergies vs. sensitivities

However, it is important to recognize the difference between experiencing sensitive reactions to certain foods like gas or bloating and having a serious food allergy. Food allergies could result in the body’s immune system producing abnormal reactions on various organs that can even be life-threatening. People with eczema, on the other hand, belong to neither of these two groups. They have an immune system that reacts to certain foods by producing skin rashes. And when there are even mild eczema symptoms, continuing to eat the food that triggers these results in intense flare ups on the skin.

3. Common external eczema triggers

Doctors’ opinions are divided and there is no conclusive research evidence to prove that food alone is a trigger for eczema symptoms. Stress, environmental factors and hereditary factors too are suspected to be a major inducer of eczema symptoms. But controlled trials of an elimination diet by patients with this skin condition has sometimes brought positive results in relieving eczema. Every individual has different symptoms and at times unique foods causing them. Hence, giving up one particular food item at a time might help in finding out the culprit that causes these allergic reactions on the skin.

4. Ideal eczema diet

Having said that, eating natural, plant-based foods that are wholesome and nutritious remains by far the best choice that people with eczema can make. Dietary changes if any have to be made only after consulting in-depth with experienced healthcare professionals about eczema caused by reactions to food. Intensive monitoring of the eczema symptoms and the effectiveness of an elimination diet is vital. Also, receiving supplements for acquiring the vitamins and minerals missed out because of an elimination diet is essential.