Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition. Also known as atopic dermatitis, it can cause skin irritation, oozing blisters, and itchy rashes. It can also result in leathery skin patches appearing over time.
Eczematous dermatitis has many causes. One of the most common is a condition called atopic dermatitis. Atopy is a very common condition, and it affects all races and ages, including infants. About 1%-2% of adults have the skin rash, and it is even more common in children. Most affected individuals have their first episode before 5 years of age. For most, the dermatitis will improve with time. For an unlucky few, atopic dermatitis is a chronic, recurrent disorder.
While there is no cure for eczema, eczema flares are sometimes triggered by an allergic reaction to specific foods, suggesting some people with eczema can benefit from following diets tailored to their allergies.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Eczema
Eating anti-inflammatory foods may help lessen or reduce eczema symptoms. This includes:
1)Fatty fish
You may be able to reduce your symptoms by eating fatty fish, such as salmon and herring. Fish oil contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory. You may also consider taking an omega-3 supplement.
In general, it’s recommended that you get at least 250 mg of omega-3 fatty acids daily, preferably from food.
2)Foods containing quercetin
Quercetin is a plant-based flavonoid. It helps give many flowers, fruits, and vegetables their rich color. It’s also a powerful antioxidant and antihistamine. This means it can reduce inflammation as well as levels of histamine in your body.
Foods high in quercetin such as apples, blueberries, cherries, broccoli, spinach, kale etc.
3)Foods containing probiotics
Probiotic foods, such as yogurt, contain live cultures that help support a strong immune system. This may help reduce flare-ups or allergic reactions.
Probiotic-rich foods include:sourdough bread, miso soup, naturally fermented pickles, soft cheeses, such as Gouda, unpasteurized sauerkraut, kefir and tempeh.
Other dietary interventions, such as regularly drinking water to keep the body and skin hydrated may also reduce eczema flares and symptoms.While individual studies may suggest some of these supplements work for eczema, literature reviews have no strong evidence to recommend people with eczema use these products.Be sure to discuss with your doctor any supplements, vitamins, or home remedies before you try them.
Posted on May 5, 2023