Eczema Diet: Can Foods Cause Eczema or Help Treat It?

Eczema is a lifelong skin condition that affects people of all ages. The symptoms can make your skin feel dry, itchy, and even painful. There are effective treatments for both mild and severe eczema. But it’s common to wonder what else you can do to keep your eczema from flaring up. Some people find relief in natural remedies and essential oils. And many report making dietary changes to help their skin. 

To be clear, food doesn’t cause or cure eczema. No one diet can completely get rid of eczema. But there are several dietary changes you can make to help manage it. The relationship between eczema and food allergies is complex. Here’s what the research shows about which foods can worsen or improve eczema. 

What foods can cause eczema flare-ups?

Not everyone’s eczema is the same. Foods may be a trigger for some people’s eczema, whereas it might not be for others.

People with food allergies need to avoid those allergens for obvious reasons, but it may not make a difference in their eczema. Only allergy to egg whites has data that shows it’s related to more severe eczema flares.

What are inflammatory foods, and why should you avoid them if you have eczema?

Inflammation is a natural part of your body’s healing response. But sometimes your immune system responds with too much inflammation and for too long. And long-term inflammation can create a range of problems and health conditions — including eczema. 

Researchers are still working to understand the relationship between foods and inflammation. But it seems fairly clear that some foods may contribute to inflammation in the body even without triggering a specific allergic reaction. And some foods may increase inflammation in certain people but not in others. This is why a term like “inflammatory food” can be misleading. 

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Simply put, individual people respond in different ways to the same food. This is why it’s important to pay attention to how you respond to specific foods. 

When it comes to eczema, there are common food items that people think may cause their flares: 

• Gluten hasn’t been shown to be a major risk factor for eczema flares. A study of over 64,000 women with atopic dermatitis didn’t find gluten to increase their risk of atopic dermatitis. But some people do have a true allergy to gluten. So, if you’re concerned, you can ask a healthcare professional about getting tested for it. 

• Dairy can cause allergy in some people, whereas others can be intolerant or sensitive to it due to inflammation. Remember that dairy is a good source of calcium, which you need for muscle and bone growth. So, if you’re avoiding dairy, consider connecting with a dietary professional to be sure you’re getting enough calcium. 

• Sugar can increase inflammation in the skin and can be a potential trigger for eczema for some people. Not all sugar is equal. Added simple sugars, like those in sodas and candy, are different from the natural sugars in fruits and vegetables. Limiting added simple sugars may be helpful for some people with eczema. 

Keep in mind that there isn’t conclusive evidence to show that these foods cause inflammation or eczema flares. But, if you notice your eczema gets worse when you eat these foods, you may consider limiting how often you eat them. 

What’s the relationship between food allergies and eczema?

Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema in children and adults. Atopic dermatitis is a part of a trio of related atopic conditions including allergies, asthma, and eczema. In other words, people who have atopic dermatitis are more likely to have asthma and/or allergies. 

Research suggests that 40% of children with atopic dermatitis have food allergies, compared to about 8% of the general population. 

Having atopic dermatitis, or a family history of it, increases your risk of having a food allergy. Food allergies are more related to eczema in children than adults. That’s why experts recommend that children under 5 years old who have eczema should be tested for food allergies. The most common food allergies in kids are to:

• Cow’s milk

• Eggs

• Soybean

• Fish

• Wheat

• Peanuts 

• Tree nuts

• Sesame 

Scientists are still trying to understand the exact relationship between eczema and food allergies. But some believe that certain foods may trigger an allergic reaction, which might lead to hives and worsening eczema. And some foods may be more likely to trigger inflammation and worsen eczema without a real immune response. 

What foods help with eczema?

Making dietary changes may help lessen your eczema flare-ups. And doing your best to follow a nutritious diet is great for your overall wellness — including your skin. But keep in mind that your diet alone can’t totally get rid of your eczema symptoms. 

Here are some general tips and foods that may help you manage your eczema: 

• Balanced diet: There are lots of ways to eat a balanced diet. In general, it means including lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole foods. And it includes fewer simple sugars and saturated fats. You can follow a balanced diet and still satisfy your sweet cravings. Dark chocolate, for example, contains antioxidants and “good” carbs.

• Colorful fruits and vegetables: All fruits and vegetables are good for you. But some veggies, like broccoli and kale, are particularly dense in nutrients. Berries and other foods are a good source of antioxidants, which may also reduce inflammation.

• Omega-3 fatty acids: These fats may have anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids are in many different types of fish, fish oil supplements, and some plant-based sources. 

• Probiotics and prebiotics: Some studies suggest that probiotic and prebiotic supplements may help with eczema symptoms in babies and young children. But evidence is mixed, and any benefit may depend on the probiotic strain. As with any supplement, connect with a healthcare professional first.

Do elimination diets help eczema symptoms?

Overall, strict elimination diets aren’t effective in the treatment of eczema for most people. The American Academy of Dermatology’s guidelines for managing eczema flare-ups don’t recommend food-elimination diets or supplements. 

There’s some limited research to suggest that elimination diets may slightly lessen the severity of eczema symptoms. But this small possible benefit may not outweigh the risks of elimination diets, including the potential to increase the risk of food allergy. 

Good to know: Elimination diets can be dangerous without professional guidance. Restricting food groups can lead to infections, severe malnutrition, and vitamin deficiencies that are potentially deadly. Not to mention that the stress of starting and upholding a strict diet can be a trigger for eczema in itself. 

People with true allergies to certain foods should avoid those foods. But strict diets should be avoided. It’s best to discuss your specific needs with a nutritional counselor before starting any food-restriction diet. 

What are some other lifestyle changes that can help with eczema?

Core parts of eczema treatment include skin care routine staples such as moisturizing and rebuilding the skin barrier. Lifestyle changes that reduce stress and promote a positive mindset may improve eczema. For example, studies show that laughter can directly lower the skin’s allergic response. Yoga, mediation, dance, and music may also help. 

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Written by:

Alina Goldenberg, MD, MAS, FAAD

Alina Goldenberg, MD, MAS, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in private practice in San Diego. She is also an assistant clinical professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine.

Edited by:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Mandy Armitage, MD

Mandy Armitage, MD, has combined her interests in clinical medicine with her passion for education and content development for many years. She served as medical director for the health technology companies HealthLoop (now Get Well) and Doximity.

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