When it comes to eczema, many people who suffer it also have food allergies. But those without diagnosed food allergies notice they experience flare-ups of their eczema after they eat certain foods.
However, this may be a food sensitivity rather than an allergy and it's worth paying careful attention to how your diet affects your eczema in case it might help to avoid specific foods.
But you should bear in mind that there certain foods that have the tendency of causing a flare-up of your eczema; these include:
Canned Foods
If you suffer from a type of eczema called dyshidrotic eczema, you may be sensitive to nickel. If so, eating foods containing nickel can exacerbate symptoms, like the small blisters that may appear on your feet and hands. Nickel can be found in a number of foods, including wheat, legumes, oat, rye, chocolate, and cocoa. But since many manufacturers use nickel in the production of cans for food preservation, nickel can also show up in those canned foods.
Nuts
It's very common for people with eczema to be allergic to peanuts. If you seem to have developed allergic symptoms, including eczema flare-ups, after eating peanuts, peanut butter, or any other food containing peanuts, you may want to consider allergy testing.
Milk
Cow's milk is one of the most commonly cited culprits of eczema flare-ups in young adults. Also, experts caution, that parents shouldn't just routinely eliminate milk or milk-based products from their children's diets. If it is completely removed from the diet, they may develop vitamin deficiencies and other issues.
This kind of elimination diet should only be reserved for people with severe eczema; so speak with your doctor about the appropriate food substitutes.
Eggs
In babies and young children, eggs are another common trigger of eczema exacerbation. If you're trying to avoid them, it may be easy enough to avoid scrambled or fried eggs, but be vigilant about dishes like bread and other baked goods that may contain eggs. Keep in mind it might only need to be a short-term avoidance strategy; as with milk allergies, some children with egg allergies also outgrow them, too.
Fish
Interestingly, some experts note that certain types of fish, including salmon, sardines, and herring, are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can fight inflammation in your body. But others warn that fish is on the list of foods that commonly cause allergic reactions. You may want to be cautious until you know how your body reacts.
Ultimately, before you completely eliminate any foods from your diet, consult with your doctor. He or she can help you determine what steps to take when safely cutting out different food products.
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