What Foods Can Cause Eczema?

Eczema is a skin inflammation that can be either acute (short term) or chronic (lasting more than six months). Eczema is usually characterized by red, itchy and dry patches on the skin. Eczema is caused by a variety of factors. Eczema can be hereditary or caused by skin allergies or bacteria on the skin. Food sensitivities or allergies have also been attributed to eczema. Learn some of the foods normally associated with causing outbreaks of eczema.

Dairy

Dairy products have been known to cause eczema symptoms. If after you eat milk, cheese, yogurt or ice cream your eczema symptoms appear, the dairy may be the culprit. Casein, the milk protein, can often be the cause of eczema. People who have casein allergies may avoid milk and milk products. However, they may be unaware that soy products also contain casein. Some products that are considered "lactose free" may also contain casein, which can stimulate an allergic reaction and cause eczema to flare up.

Wheat

Having an allergy to wheat products might cause symptoms of eczema. See if your symptoms occur when you eat breads, muffins, crackers or pretzels. If so, it is likely that you have a wheat allergy that is causing the eczema. Some people may have a gluten intolerance that may cause eczema flare-ups. Gluten is a protein found in cereal and bread. However, gluten is not found in all types of grains. Grains such as buckwheat and quinoa are safe for people on a gluten-free diet.

Seafood

Seafood allergies are common and can also cause eczema symptoms. Likely culprits are lobster, shrimp, clams, crabs, mussels or oysters. Eliminate seafood from your diet to see if the eczema symptoms disappear.

Nuts

Eliminating nuts from the diet of someone who is experiencing problems with eczema may help. Any type of peanut, walnut, cashew, almonds or even hazelnuts and pistachios should be avoided if eczema appears.

Elimination Diet

If you think food might be causing your eczema symptoms, try a simple elimination diet and keep a log of foods you eat. Eat a diet of very bland food for a period of time, and then add the above groups of foods back into your diet one at a time. If after you eat a certain food you experience eczema symptoms, you may want to avoid that food for a prolonged period of time. Doing so may stop the eczema for occurring.