An online article published by PaleoHacks lists eight foods that it says may help ease eczema and seven food allergens that it says may trigger symptoms. The article states that more than 31 million Americans have the skin disorder and that diet can play a role in symptom control.
Eczema is an inflammatory condition marked by redness, inflammation and itchy skin. According to the article, the condition can be caused by immune reactions, allergies, irritants or genetics, and it can begin in infancy. The report presents the listed foods and avoidance measures as natural strategies for managing symptoms; it does not present original clinical trial data in the provided text.
Background: Eczema Described as Inflammatory Skin Condition
The article states that "eczema" describes a group of conditions that cause redness, inflammation and itchy skin. It lists six types: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, stasis dermatitis, nummular eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. According to the article, atopic dermatitis is the most common form and is caused by skin barrier issues or a malfunctioning immune system.
Symptoms cited in the article include red, itchy, dry, swollen, crusting, scaly and darkened patchy skin. Separate reference material notes that both atopic and contact dermatitis cause changes in how the skin's repair mechanism works, with the repair process permanently activated but never completed [1].
The article's figure of more than 31 million Americans affected by eczema is consistent with other published estimates.
Eight Foods Cited in Report
The article lists fatty fish such as wild-caught salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines, stating they contain omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation. It suggests two 3.5-ounce servings per week and notes that fish may be a trigger for some people. The anti-inflammatory role attributed to omega-3 fatty acids is described in reference material, which states that omega-3s stop inflammation by halting prostaglandin and leukotriene production and that the active forms, EPA and DHA, are found only in animals, with cold-water fish as the best source [2].
It lists berries as sources of flavonoids, probiotic-rich foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi and kombucha as supports for immune and allergy control, and coconut oil as having antibacterial and antifungal properties. A Cleveland Clinic source lists coconut oil among natural remedies for eczema [3], and a separate clinical blog recommends adding yogurt with live cultures, kefir, miso, sauerkraut, kombucha and tempeh to the diet [4].
The article also lists pineapple, which it says contains bromelain; manuka honey, which it says has antibacterial properties; bone broth, which it links to gut health; and vegetables such as dandelion greens, asparagus, leeks and Jerusalem artichokes as prebiotic sources. A Health.com article notes that foods rich in fiber, probiotics, antioxidants and healthy fats can reduce inflammation and help manage eczema symptoms [5]. The article stated that 'since it is an inflammatory condition, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can be very helpful.'
Food Triggers and Non-Dietary Measures Discussed
The article states that cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, nuts and fish are estimated to be responsible for about 90% of food allergies in children with atopic dermatitis. It also stated that "one-third of children with atopic dermatitis also have food allergies" and suggests eliminating common allergens to see if symptoms improve. The National Eczema Association lists milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans among common food allergens and notes that doctors do not recommend avoiding these foods just because a person has eczema [6].
Non-dietary tips in the article include reducing stress, avoiding environmental irritants such as perfume and scented laundry detergent, testing for food sensitivities and following an anti-inflammatory diet. The article names a Paleo diet as one approach that eliminates gluten, dairy, soy, food colorings, additives and artificial ingredients. A GoodRx article states that some foods that may trigger eczema include sugar, ultra-processed foods, dairy and gluten, and that having eczema increases the risk of developing food allergies [7].
The article's emphasis on dietary strategies is one of several approaches discussed in online coverage. A Medical News Today article notes that eczema has links with inflammation in the body and that eating an anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce symptoms [8]. A SingleCare article states that eczema triggers vary from person to person but that a diet minimizing inflammation and food allergies can help improve symptoms [9].
Conclusion
The article states that eczema can be chronic but that symptoms can be controlled through trigger identification and avoidance of dietary and environmental irritants. According to the article, an anti-inflammatory diet and other lifestyle changes 'may be just what you need to help gain better control over your eczema symptoms.'
The article presents the listed foods and avoidance measures as natural strategies; it does not present original clinical trial data in the provided text. The report's claims are presented as the article's own statements and are not accompanied by citations to peer-reviewed research in the provided excerpt. A separate HealthCentral slideshow recommends leafy green vegetables and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and herring as part of an eczema-friendly eating plan [10].
References
- Japanese herbal medicine the healing art of kampo by Rister Robert
- Boosting Your Immunity For Dummies by Wendy Warner and Kellyann Petrucci
- Stop the Itch: Home Remedies To Help Manage Eczema. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/home-remedies-for-eczema
- How Changing Your Diet Could Finally Calm Your Eczema. https://www.socalallergy.com/blog/healthy-diet-for-eczema/
- Foods That Can Help Manage Eczema Symptoms - Health. https://www.health.com/eczema-diet-8786891
- Diet & Nutrition for Eczema: What to Eat and Avoid. https://nationaleczema.org/eczema-management/diet-nutrition/
- 8 Foods That Cause Eczema. https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/eczema/diet-eczema
- Eczema Diet: Foods to eat, avoid, and tips - Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320855
- Eczema diet: Foods to eat and avoid - SingleCare. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/eczema-diet/
- Eating Better for Eczema. https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/easy-ways-to-eat-healthier-for-eczema
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