Atopic dermatitis, otherwise commonly known as eczema, affects both children and adults. Eczema is usually a result of allergic inflammation in the body that causes red, itchy, dry patches of skin. Eczema is related to a gene variation that doesn’t protect the skin against irritants, bacteria and allergens. With no one stop shop cure, there are still many things you can do to help with treatment for eczema.
As with many health issues, a balanced diet can be a crucial factor for helping control skin flare ups. According to the NEA (National Eczema association), food allergies have a significant correlation to Eczema, where certain foods can contribute to increased inflammation of the body:

1. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, limes, kiwi’s and grapefruits have been shown to irritate eczema, in some cases even contact with the peel can be enough to cause further irritation such as red, burning, itchy skin. The strong acidity and salicylates in citrus fruits can further irritate and inflame eczema symptoms.

2. Dairy
As dairy is a common food allergen, more specifically a common allergy in kids, the allergic reaction from consuming dairy, and even more specifically cows milk, can lead to eczema outbreaks. By avoiding or cutting back on your dairy intake you can help minimize flare ups.

3. Soy
Certain types of eczema can often be triggered by high amounts of nickel, which can be found naturally in common foods such as soybeans. By paying attention to what irritates your skin, you can be able to identify other irritants that might be causing flare ups. For example, if you have a soy sensitivity, you may also want to avoid peanuts, chestnuts and certain citrus.

4. Gluten
With a few studies linking celiac’s disease, or gluten sensitivities, to eczema, cutting gluten out of your diet may help you see a big improvement in your skin. Thankfully with many gluten alternatives out on the market, this means you won’t have to say goodbye to bread for good!

5. Cinnamon
Although rarer, cinnamon allergies have been known to exacerbate eczema. If a cinnamon allergy is present, products containing cinnamon, such as certain lotions, perfumes, candles and foods can cause contact dermatitis, a non-life threatening rash that leads to red irritated skin.

6. Tomatoes
Tomatoes which are naturally rich in salicylates, are a common trigger of eczema. Salicylate is a naturally occurring chemical found in many plants and is also used in over the counter products like aspirin and toothpaste.

Since everyone is different, talk with your doctor about finding the right balance of treatment that works for you. While avoiding trigger foods can help, proper skin care treatment is also another aspect to helping keep skin flare ups down. By avoiding harsh soaps, regularly using medicated lotions, and over the counter remedies like Goldbond eczema treatment, you can feel more confident in your skin and in yourself! Talk to your doctor and see what course of action will work best for you.