Self-care has become a huge part of taking care of our physical, mental, and spiritual health. It includes more than simple indulgences like skincare and haircare; it also includes exercising and eating well. Self-care also includes seeing a dermatologist when skin issues that we are unsure of start to flare up. Please continue reading to discover what eczema is, how it gets treated, and most importantly, some game-changing diet tips to control eczema.
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that leaves individuals with dry, itchy patches of skin. Caused by allergens and an imbalance in the immune system, eczema causes inflammation. Eczema leaves skin red, and flare-ups can be intense and painful.
Depending on the severity of eczema, treatment options are different. Some treatment options are:
Topicals
Topicals are prescription creams, lotions, or gels that patients rub on the affected area. Many contain steroids to control itching and pain. Some prescription topicals get used alone, and some get combined with other medicines. They help control and reduce the inflammation once applied.
Light Therapy
For many patients who suffer from eczema, their conditions improve during the warmer months or in the summer. That is where the thought of light therapy comes in. Used alone or with other treatments, UVB and UVA light increase patients' exposure to Vitamin D and help them heal from their eczema flare-ups.
Oral or Injectable Medicine
Oral or injectable medications get eczema directly into your immune system from the inside. They are only recommended for short-term use but significantly improve the condition rapidly.
In addition to medicine, some tips for controlling eczema are:
Keeping skin moisturized.
Use fragrance-free products - soap, cleansers, detergents
Track your triggers - food, lotions, etc.
Check for infection when you have a flare-up
Although not a treatment for eczema flare-ups, as an allergen, food has a lot to do with eczema flare-ups. Some eczema diet tips that will change the game for eczema sufferers include:
Sugar and processed foods are known to spike your insulin levels and cause a rise in gut flora, which leaves the immune system susceptible to harm. Therefore, cutting out sugary and processed foods are a huge help. Some ways to do that to control eczema are by:
Read food labels and avoid sugar additives
Lessen your intake of sugar to less than 5% or 6 tsp a day.
Cut processed foods and move towards whole foods.
Swap sugary snacks like candy for fruit or nuts.
Gluten is a protein found in certain foods. In addition to triggering inflammation, people who suffer from gluten triggers suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms and skin issues like eczema. If you have a gluten intolerance, you should avoid the following:
White bread
Whole wheat bread
Potato bread
Rye bread
Certain spices
Wheat crackers
Flour tortillas
Couscous
Soy Sauce
Some salad dressings
Omega-3 fat is part of the polyunsaturated fats in foods. They have several health benefits, such as reducing the risk of inflammatory disease, increasing energy, lessening the risk of depression, and helping avoid eczema. Some foods with Omega-3 fatty acids are omega-3 fatty acids are:
Seafood such as salmon, oysters, trout, tuna, herring, and sardines.
Seeds and nuts such as flaxseed, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts.
Plant oils such as soybean oil and canola oil.
Anchovies
Eggs
Milk
Margarine
Oatmeal
Cereal
Pasta
Fruit and vegetables are essential to a healthy diet. They contain plant chemicals, minerals, fiber, and essential vitamins. A diet containing a variety of fruits and vegetables can protect against cancer, help fight heart disease, and help ward off a flare-up of eczema. Some of the best fruit and vegetables to do that are:
Apples
Cherries
Spinach
Kale
Broccoli
Bell peppers
Bananas
Avocado
Oranges
Strawberries
Acorn Squash
Probiotics are bacteria that help your body fight off harmful bacteria. They are live bacteria yeasts that are great for your stomach and help keep your digestive tract cleaned. Probiotic-rich foods are good for combatting or warding off eczema because it strengthens the immune system. Some foods that are probiotic-rich are:
Soft cheeses such as Gouda.
Yogurt
Kombucha
Sauerkraut
Dark chocolate
Tempeh
Naturally fermented pickles
Miso soup
As you have read, eczema is often aggravated by the foods we eat. Foods can be triggers and cause inflammation that shows up on the skin as eczema. However, certain foods should be avoided, and certain foods that an eczema sufferer should eat more often because they are game-changers.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.