As many as 15 million people in the United States have eczema, while psoriasis affects more than 6 million people. Neither condition is contagious, but both can cause considerable physical discomfort to the afflicted person. In addition, people with these conditions are often embarrassed about the condition of their skin. While it is often impossible to pinpoint a specific cause of either condition, it is believed certain foods can sometimes trigger symptoms and some foods may help alleviate them.
Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema can refer to any type of non-contagious rash that itches. Some rashes may also form blisters that weep fluid. Among the skin conditions included under the umbrella term of eczema are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. Psoriasis is also non-contagious. It involves a buildup of dead skin cells that are rough, dry, raised and reddish-pink with silvery scales. Approximately 5 percent of people with psoriasis will also have psoriatic arthritis in the joints.
Food Triggers and Eczema
While eczema triggers can vary among individuals, food allergies can cause an outbreak. If you are allergic to soy, dairy, peanuts, citrus fruits, fish, eggs, corn, tomatoes or wheat, you may experience eczema. If you have gluten-sensitivity or celiac disease, you may experience eczema after consuming any gluten-containing grain, which includes wheat, rye or barley. If you suspect foods are triggering your outbreak, avoid them until your eczema clears up, then gradually reintroduce them one at a time to help identify the trigger.
Food Triggers, Weight and Psoriasis
Some psoriasis sufferers also find that exposure to gluten seems to trigger outbreaks, but scientists have not yet confirmed gluten as a trigger. However, heavy alcohol is known to trigger psoriasis outbreaks, as well as increase their severity. Avoid saturated fats and simple sugars, such as is found in commercial baked goods, as these seem to cause problems for some people. Finally, if you are obese, you are more likely to have severe bouts of psoriasis than if you have a healthy weight.
Anti-inflammatory Diet
An anti-inflammatory diet may help both eczema and psoriasis by reducing inflammation in the body. An anti-inflammatory diet stresses fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds and whole grains -- assuming, of course, that you are not sensitive or allergic to them. Reduce your intake of processed foods, simple sugars and saturated fat. Choose lean poultry, fish and low-fat or skim dairy products. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon and other fatty, cold-water fish, may be particularly helpful for reducing inflammation. Reasonable portions of anti-inflammatory foods also help with weight control, which may in turn, help control psoriasis outbreaks.
