Dairy products, seafood, and gluten rich foods are regarded as diet triggers for eczema.
Eczema is a long-lasting skin problem that makes the outermost layer of the skin itchy and inflamed. The inflammation of the skin is followed by development of rash. In many people, eczema subsides and flares up at regular intervals, no matter what treatment is undertaken. The solution to stop recurring eczema often lies in eating the right food. Doctors opine that one of the best ways to manage and prevent this skin problem is to distance oneself from common eczema triggers. This chronic skin condition worsens with the intake of certain foods, and hence, excluding them from the diet becomes necessary for the effective management of eczema.
Diet triggers for eczema contain foods that are notorious for aggravating this annoying itchy skin problem. So, following a eczema diet that specifically discards foods known to make this condition difficult to control is necessary. Those suffering from recurring episodes of eczema should stay away from the food items mentioned below:
Dairy Products
Dairy products are the ones that are obtained from milk. Milk is subjected to various processes to derive dairy products like cheese, yogurt and butter. It is observed that dairy products are high in casein, a type of protein. Casein can trouble the skin and trigger development of itchy rash. There have been a number of cases, wherein people experienced eczema symptoms after having dairy products, and studies show that casein is the main culprit behind this sudden onset of eczema. So, those who are prone to eczema, should necessarily stay away from dairy products. Also, existing eczema will certainly go away if dairy products are excluded from the diet.
Seafood
Skin rash is a common complaint among people who regularly eat seafood. This is pinpointing to allergy towards seafood. Seafood allergy is bound to aggravate eczema. No wonder seafood comes in the list of foods to avoid with eczema. People diagnosed with eczema may undergo some terrible transformations in their looks, that may manifest in the form of a swollen face and hives. Following are the seafood that can cause and trigger eczema, depending upon individual health:
- Shrimp
- Prawns
- Crabs
- Lobsters
- Shellfish
Gluten Rich Foods
Gluten that is present in abundance in almost every wheat meal can elevate discomfort of eczema sufferers. Hence, wheat products like pastas, breads, pastries and pizzas have to be avoided, to prevent eczema from worsening. Even sausages and pickles are considered diet triggers for eczema, as they contain gluten.
Citrus Foods
Certain fruits and vegetables are categorized as citrus foods, as they contain a high concentration of citric acid. Highly acidic products can also trigger eczema outbreaks. There are reports of skin irritation associated with citrus foods, which may worsen eczema. Some of the acidic foods that can aggravate eczema, are given below:
- Oranges
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Tomatoes
Nuts
Nuts and eczema do not go well together. Every year, quite a few people are being diagnosed with allergy to nuts. Eating nuts like cashew nuts, almonds, peanuts and walnuts, can cause an allergic reaction that may affect the skin and cause itchy red bumps. Eczema patients may experience their skin problem aggravating after consuming even a handful of nuts. Hence, patients who wish to speed up the healing of eczema, need to eliminate nuts from their diet.
Eggs
In order to alleviate eczema symptoms, one has to put eating eggs on the backburner. The proteins in egg white could aggravate the itchy feeling linked with eczema. Proteins in eggs are no doubt good for health, but can negatively affect skin that is prone to eczema.
Fruits with Seeds
‘Fruits are good for health’, Well, this statement may not hold true for eczema patients. Eating fruits with seeds, like strawberries, apricots, figs and peaches, may reignite the symptoms of eczema. So, to be on the safe side, one should minimize or avoid consumption of these fruits.
Intake of soy based products such as tofu, soy sauce, mayonnaise, and even caffeinated beverages can also worsen eczema. Considering this fact, it would be wise to discard these products from one’s diet. Overall, a natural way to heal and manage eczema is to avoid the aforementioned foods. Remember, eczema is preventable, provided the right food choices are added to one’s menu.