Discover effective dietary strategies to manage eczema, including foods to incorporate and avoid. Learn about anti-inflammatory diets, key nutrients, and personalized elimination plans to reduce flare-ups and support skin health. Consulting healthcare providers for tailored advice is recommended for optimal results.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly called eczema, causes dry, itchy skin. Its exact cause is unclear, but it’s linked to an overactive nervous response to irritants. Besides topical treatments, dietary habits and lifestyle changes can help lessen flare-ups.

Who Is at Greater Risk?
Those with a family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever are more vulnerable. Children born into allergic families also face higher chances of developing eczema.

Foods That May Aid Eczema Control
Since certain foods can trigger or worsen symptoms, identifying personal sensitivities is crucial. Common allergens include eggs, dairy, gluten, soy, shellfish, nuts, and seafood, but reactions differ among individuals. Consuming these doesn’t directly cause eczema but can lead to flare-ups. An eczema-friendly diet helps manage symptoms effectively.

An anti-inflammatory diet, focusing on foods that reduce inflammation, can be beneficial. Important foods include:

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, and herring, which contain omega-3s to decrease inflammation.

Probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and fermented cheeses to boost gut health.

Fruits and vegetables rich in quercetin, including cherries, broccoli, kale, and spinach, which help fight inflammation.

Seven Eczema-Friendly Foods

Bananas, rich in potassium, support healthy skin.

Potatoes, providing potassium, vitamin C, and fiber.

Homemade broth from chicken or beef for amino acids aiding skin repair.

Green onions, high in vitamin K, promote skin strength.

Rice milk, hypoallergenic and free from chemicals, safe for sensitive skin.

Buckwheat, a gluten-free anti-inflammatory grain.

Mung bean sprouts, alkalizing foods that can soothe irritated skin.

Since reactions can vary, it’s important to observe how your body responds to certain foods. An elimination diet—removing suspected triggers for two weeks and then gradually reintroducing them—can help identify problematic foods. Reactions may appear hours or days later; patience is essential.

Foods like citrus, gluten, soy, certain spices, nuts, and tomatoes may worsen eczema symptoms. Avoiding them can help minimize flare-ups. Consulting a healthcare provider for a personalized elimination diet is advisable.

While no diet offers a cure, eating foods rich in antioxidants—such as those in Mediterranean or anti-inflammatory diets—may ease symptoms. These diets emphasize vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and fish. Always seek professional guidance if symptoms persist.