Approximately 15 million people living in the United States suffer from eczema, a condition that causes itchy red skin rashes, according to 2011 information from University of Maryland Medical Center. But the good news is that the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that it may be possible to control eczema by changing the foods you eat.
Eczema Causes
While researchers haven't yet pinpointed a clear cause of eczema, they don't think that any particular foods directly cause it, reports the AAD. Many people who suffer from eczema, however, also suffer from food allergies -- and those food allergies may trigger eczema. Eczema that develops in infants and children seems to be associated with sensitivities to food, notes the AAD. Other types of allergens and irritants, such as plants and chemicals, may also cause eczema, as may genetics or living in a climate with low humidity.
Eliminating Allergens
If you can identify specific types of food that seem to trigger your eczema, you may be allergic to those foods, and it may be helpful for you to eliminate them from your diet. The AAD reports that eliminating foods that seem to trigger eczema can reduce both the extent and severity of any eczema breakouts you may experience in the future. The foods that most often cause allergies associated with eczema are nuts, shellfish, and dairy products. Other foods that may cause allergies that lead to eczema are eggs, tomatoes, citrus fruits, corn, wheat and soy products.
Eating Fewer Inflammatory Foods
You should also try to avoid foods that cause inflammation in your body. Foods that are especially likely to cause such inflammation are sugar, meats and poultry that contain saturated fats, and refined foods like white bread.
Eating More Foods that Reduce Inflammation
It's also important to eat more foods that decrease the inflammation that can trigger an eczema breakout. Nuts, seeds, fish, berries, vegetables, and whole grain foods such as brown rice, can all fight eczema by reducing inflammation in your body. Additionally, substances called flavonoids that berries contain may also help reduce your body's allergic reactions.
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