Posted on by Scott Guenthner
No one wants dry, itchy, red skin but the truth is 31.6 million people suffer from atopic dermatitis, or more commonly known as eczema. While there is no cure for eczema currently, there are many over-the-counter medications as well as various creams to help reduce the inflammation caused by eczema. Some patients have even reported a reduction in their eczema symptoms by including certain foods into their diet. Read on to learn about some of the types of foods to include and their potential benefits.
- Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, sardines, and herring.These foods can help alleviate the dry skin that comes with an eczema flare-up.
- Foods that contain a high level of probiotics: Yogurt with live and active cultures, miso soup, and tempeh. Other fermented foods and drinks, such as kefir, kombucha, and sauerkraut, may also contain probiotics. If you are not a fan of any of these foods, you may consider taking an over-the-counter probiotic supplement! Some eczema suffers have found that adding probiotics to their diet provides some relief and reduction in the number of flares.
- Vegetables and fruits that are high in inflammation-fighting flavonoids: Apples, broccoli, cherries, blueberries, spinach, and kale. Flavonoids have been found to help improve the overall health of a person’s skin and fight problems such as inflammation (which is associated with eczema).
- Vegetables and fruits that are high in Vitamin C: Bell peppers, oranges, strawberries, cauliflower, pineapple, and mangoes. Vitamin C is antioxidant which helps protect your body from allergic responses.
- Potassium high foods: Bananas, avocados, acorn squash, sweet potatoes, white beans, and salmon. Potassium is another inflammation-fighting food that can help reduce eczema symptoms.
- Foods that have high skin protecting and building values: Green onions (high in Vitamin C), buckwheat (great for those with allergies), beef or chicken broth (provides skin-repairing amino acid glycine), and oats (contains Vitamin E and silica).
To determine which foods may be causing your flare up, try eliminating one of the common foods that cause eczema for 14 days and then reintroduce it back into your diet to see if it causes a reaction. Some common foods that can cause flare-ups are: citrus fruits, milk, eggs, wheat/gluten, soy, tomato, and certain types of nuts.
If you have tried treating your eczema with OTC products and adding/eliminating foods and are still not having ideal results, call our office to schedule an appointment. Not only do we provide medications that can help with your eczema, we also offer Clinical Trials that you may qualify for.
Disclaimer:This blog provides general information and discussion about medical, cosmetic, mohs, and surgical dermatology. The words and other content provided in this blog, and in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. If the reader or any other person has a medical concern, he or she should consult with an appropriately-licensed dermatologist or other health care worker.
