Eczema is a common, chronic skin disorder that produces inflamed, itchy sores in children and adults. Eczema flare-ups can result from triggers such as airborne allergens, food allergies and cigarette smoke. Aside from an allergy to certain foods, most will not affect your eczema. Once a physician diagnoses your food allergy, it's best to avoid consuming that particular food.
Dairy
A dairy allergy occurs when your immune system develops a malfunction to cow protein in milk products. Often mistaken for the same condition, dairy allergies and lactose intolerance are different. Lactose intolerance occurs when lactase enzymes fail to break down sugar ingredients in cow milk. Dairy allergies develop due to your immune system's hypersensitivity to milk proteins. Common symptoms of a dairy allergy include eczema, gastrointestinal issues and asthma. According to the Cleveland Clinic, you may experience wheezing, chest discomfort and shortness of breath within minutes of ingesting dairy.
Tree Nuts
Tree nut allergy is a typical food allergy that leads to eczema flare-ups. Tree nuts include almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts. Tree nuts do not include peanuts, but they possess similar proteins, which can cause the same allergic reactions, according to KidsHealth.org. Tree nut allergies are caused by your body's hypersensitivity to various tree nuts. As a result, your body's immune system mistakes the proteins as a bacteria or virus to protect it. Histamine, which triggers eczema, is produced as the result of the antibody attack. The FDA requires that all pre-packaged foods disclose tree nut ingredients.
Eggs
Egg allergies are common food allergies that contribute to eczema flare-ups. MayoClinic.com suggests that egg allergies can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines. Eczema and allergy symptoms are the result of high antihistamine levels in the blood. Antihistamines work to provide relief by blocking your body's ability to produce histamine.
Fish
Most eczema patients have fish allergies from shellfish such as shrimp, lobster and crab. While the normal shellfish reaction causes the lips to swell, it can also produce eczema symptoms. CNN Health recommends that eczema patients with shellfish allergies avoid eating fish products and by-products.
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