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Read below to know about the foods to avoid for eczema sufferers and those that help reduce the symptoms.
Before we jump into the diet tips for eczema, let’s understand what exactly eczema is? Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a skin condition where a person develops itchy and dry skin patches all over the body. These patches develop due to skin inflammation.
So, following a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods might help in getting rid of some symptoms.
Some foods can exaggerate the symptoms of eczema by releasing T cells, which causes inflammation along with the production of IgE, which is a type of antibody that results in the formation of certain triggering factors. Some of the food items which result in inflammation include milk, wheat, or nuts.
People suffering from eczema need to be specific about what to eat and what not to eat. Certain foods for eczema skin enhance the condition by releasing the compounds in the immune system which flare up eczema. Choose anti-inflammatory foods which include:
FOODS RICH IN PROBIOTICS:
Probiotics are certain bacteria that aid in promoting better gut health. Examples of such foods include miso soup, yoghurt, tempeh, kombucha, kefir, or sauerkraut.
FOODS RICH IN QUERCETIN:
This plant-based flavonoid is found in vegetables, flowers, or fruits, giving them vibrant colours. Quercetin is a powerful antihistamine and antioxidant which reduces the levels of inflammation within the body. Foods rich in Quercetin include spinach, kale, broccoli, blueberries, apples, and cherries.
FISH:
This natural food source is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which fight against inflammation. There are fish in the market that are rich in omega-3 like tuna, mackerel, salmon, herring, or sardines.
Eating anti-inflammatory foods prevents you from further aggravation of eczema.
Foods that trigger eczema reactions occur during 6-24 hours once the person consumes that food. These reactions can also delay, but they do occur.
Try using the elimination diet, which helps an individual to identify the real culprit in your diet, which might be exaggerating the condition. Before you eliminate any food items from the diet, try adding each food item to your diet slowly and gradually while waiting for a month or two till you find any sensitivity to certain foods. If your symptoms get worse after adding certain food items, then eliminate them from your diet.
However, if the symptoms do not resolve even after removing that food item, then you don’t need to remove that food from the diet. Have a look at the common foods to avoid for eczema sufferers:
· Eggs
· Citrus fruits
· Wheat or gluten
· Spices like cloves, cinnamon, or vanilla
· Soy
· Tomatoes
· Nuts such as peanuts, cashews, almonds, or walnuts.
· Foods rich in artificial flavours and preservatives can also exaggerate the symptoms associated with eczema.
· Foods rich in Trans fats like processed foods, margarine, or fast foods can also enhance the symptoms of eczema. Avoid sugary foods like sodas, smoothies, cakes as well to avoid the aggravation of eczema.
· For people suffering from dyshidrotic eczema in which the symptoms appear in hands or feet. It is advised to avoid nickel-rich foods like kale, oranges, bell peppers, cauliflower, strawberries
· Some people suffer from eczema with oral allergy syndrome where they have a sensitivity to certain pollen; in this condition, a person should avoid eating pears, hazelnuts, celery, green apples, or carrots.
The most common foods that cause eczema in babies are eggs, milk, and peanuts.
Allergies can occur due to many other foods including; wheat, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, soy, lentils, strawberries and other fruits.
But babies can also get eczema from various foods. So, it’s better to consult a paediatrician who’ll closely monitor your baby’s meals to see which food triggers eczema.
There is no specific cure for eczema. However, there are treatment options that aim at relieving the symptoms of inflammation. The treatment plan is decided based on symptoms, age, along with current health status.
Home care for eczema includes lukewarm baths, application of moisturizer, wearing soft or cotton fabrics, using mild soaps, air-drying the skin, avoiding rapid temperature changes, and others.
Medications for treating eczema include ointments or topical corticosteroid creams, antibiotics, antifungal or antiviral drugs, topical calcineurin inhibitors, skin repair moisturizers, and phototherapy.
Other than these treatment options, laser therapy is another therapeutic option that helps in relieving eczema symptoms. This treatment option is available in Pakistan, especially in Karachi, Islamabad, or Peshawar.
This laser treatment in Pakistan delivers a concentrated amount of UV light over the affected areas, which helps in treating eczema.
A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology shows the comparison between corticosteroid ointment and lasers in 13 patients. The recent findings suggest that when topical cream fails to treat the condition in such patients, then laser therapy serves as the perfect therapeutic option.
This laser therapy suppresses the blown-up immune system against the inflammatory response of the body. It precisely targets the problematic skin area preventing the surrounding healthy areas. The benefits of Bioflex laser therapy are long-lasting when compared to ointments.
The use of BioFlex laser therapy aids in the revitalization of the dermis along with the regeneration of the skin and underlying connective tissues. It enhances the production of elastin and collagen, which improves the skin condition and prevents any flare-ups.
The use of laser therapy increases the production of beta-endorphins, which control the pain sensation. Along with the beta-endorphins, the laser enhances the production of cortisol and ATP, leading to improvement in cellular metabolism.
It also improves mitochondrial activity, which in turn increases the regeneration and replacement of abnormal cells. It eliminates the painful symptoms and enhances the immune response of the body leading to improved healing.
You can visit for this laser treatment in Karachi, Islamabad, Rawalpindi or Peshawar.
Dietary changes do help a person suffering from eczema and that’s why you should know about foods to avoid for eczema sufferers. These changes prevent any flare-ups in an individual suffering from the disease.
While you make these changes, make sure that you monitor whether your dietary changes have helped in relieving the symptoms or have exaggerated the condition.
Focus on a healthy lifestyle with exercise and a wholesome diet plan, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Other than the dietary changes do visit your consultant for a specific treatment plan.
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