Diet is important not only for overall health, but also for the skin – for example, it is well-known that acne is triggered by eating oily foods. The effects of diet are especially important for someone with eczema: identifying triggers and reducing inflammation can help minimize unpleasant symptoms.
If you struggle with eczema, you have probably already realized that certain foods drastically worsen the condition of your skin. In the following, we will reveal which are some common foods that, whether you noticed or not, may trigger your symptoms.
Eight foods that trigger eczema
Food sensitivities are a complex issue: it’s easy for seemingly healthy foods to worsen your condition that you wouldn’t even think about. Nutritionist Karen Fischer explained the main triggers of eczema symptoms and shared a list of foods to avoid in her book.
According to Karen Fischer, broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard and kale can aggravate eczema symptoms, as they are rich sources of salicylates and amines, which can increase itching.
While avocados are a healthy addition to your diet, they are not recommended for eczema sufferers due to their fat content.
Dried fruits are loaded with “problem chemicals,” including salicylates, amines, MSG, and sulfites.
Both oranges and orange juice are highly acidic and contain salicylates and amines, which can cause itching.
One study has found a link between egg consumption and worsening eczema.
Tomatoes, like dried fruits, contain salicylates, amines, and natural MSG, which can also worsen symptoms.
Besides nutritional factors, air pollution, lack of exercise and stress further increase the incidence of eczema.