Can Eczema Be Controlled With Diet Changes? Find Out Here

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that results in redness, itching, dryness, and irritation. While medications and topical ointments are the first lines of defense, research indicates that what you eat can affect your skin health. As per our expert, dietary alterations can manage flare-ups and enhance general skin resilience, although they do not treat the condition by themselves.

Read ahead to know everything Dr Adithi Jain, Consultant, Dermatology at CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, shared with us.

How Diet Affects Eczema

Eczema is associated with the overreaction of the immune system to environmental stimuli, resulting in inflammation of the skin. According to Dr Jain, "Some foods can increase inflammation or cause an allergic response in people with eczema, while others can help fortify the skin barrier and decrease oxidative stress.”

An anti-inflammatory diet that is well-balanced, containing lots of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats can help the body's own healing abilities. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and vitamins A, C, D, and E are important in helping to maintain skin integrity and regulation of inflammation.

Also read: Expert Shares The Safe Way Of Using Coconut Oil For Skin Allergy

Food That Can Potentially Control Eczema

Here is a list of expert-approved food items that can help control eczema:

1. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties that help diminish eczema severity.

2. Probiotic Foods

Yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi assist in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, which can have a beneficial effect on immune regulation and skin inflammation.

3. Fruits and Vegetables

Antioxidants and vitamins present in them counter oxidative stress and boost the immune system. Berries, leafy greens, and carrots are especially valuable.

4. Whole Grains and Legumes

They possess fibre and necessary nutrients that maintain gut and general well-being, which can indirectly enhance the state of the skin.

5. Hydrating Foods

Cucumbers, watermelon, and celery have great water content, which helps to keep the skin hydrated and avert dryness.

Also Read: Can Your Mental State Trigger Skin Flare-Ups? Dermat Tells

Foods That Might Cause Eczema Breakouts

Some foods can serve as triggers, especially in those who are sensitive to them. Dr Jain said, "Dietary culprits can vary from person to person, but some of the typical offenders include dairy, eggs, soy, gluten, nuts, and seafood."

Processed foods with high amounts of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and trans fats can exacerbate inflammation as well. "They raise insulin levels and inflammatory cytokines, which can produce skin flares," highlighted Dr Jain. Personal triggers need to be determined individually through an elimination diet under a doctor's supervision, instead of self-diagnosis.

Link Between Gut and Skin 

Recent research emphasises the connection between gut health and skin inflammation, better known as the gut-skin axis. A balanced gut microbiome enhances a balanced immune response, which can contribute to symptoms of eczema decreasing. "Adding probiotics and prebiotics to your diet can rebalance your gut, which in turn will do your skin good," shared Dr Jain.

In addition to diet, hydration, stress control, and proper rest are just as crucial. Stress worsens eczema, and dehydration aggravates dryness and inflammation of the skin. Proper exercise, mindfulness, and proper rest optimise overall health and minimise flare-ups.

Dr Jain also pointed out, "Food management should supplement, not substitute, medical care. Get an opinion from a dermatologist or allergist before making significant changes in diet."

Bottomline

Diet can't cure eczema on its own, but the appropriate dietary choices can largely reduce inflammation, better the skin barrier, and decrease flare-ups. However, noted that a personaised dietary change with a medical professional can help the eczema management more efficiently and comprehensively.