There are many recognized triggers of eczema. <\/p>\n
However, the role that diet plays is a murky area of research. <\/p>\n
This article reviews the current evidence surrounding eczema treatment. <\/p>\n
What is Eczema? <\/p>\n
Eczema, also referred to as atopic dermatitis (AD), is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin condition that causes itchy, red, and swollen patches of skin. <\/p>\n
Unlike psoriasis, eczema most often appears on the inside of the elbows and knees. <\/p>\n
There are numerous types, butinfantile eczemais the most common developing in 1 in 5 infants (1). <\/p>\n
However, know that eczema can affect anyone at any age. In fact, 334 million people worldwide were said to have eczema in 2013, and 10-30% of people in the U.S (2). <\/p>\n
Unfortunately, rates have increased by 2 to 3-fold in Western countries over the past few decades (3). <\/p>\n
Summary: Eczema is a common inflammatory skin condition, and rates are on the rise. The most common type is infantile eczema (occurs in children less than 5 years old). <\/p>\n
What are the Causes of Eczema? <\/p>\n
Several factors contribute to the likelihood of developing eczema. <\/p>\n
Eczema risk factors include: <\/p>\n
Summary: Many factors increase the risk of eczema including genetics, gender and immune abnormalities. Eczema is not an allergy but has many overlapping symptoms. <\/p>\n
Conventional Eczema Treatment <\/p>\n
Despite no known cure for eczema, various treatments are available to manage and prevent flare ups. <\/p>\n
Dermatologists treat severe eczema with topical (on the skin) or oral medications and phototherapy. Milder cases require skin care and lifestyle modifications (8). <\/p>\n
Commonly prescribed medications include anti-histamines, antibiotics, and corticosteroids (oral or topical). Unfortunately, these treatments also have undesirable side effects and lack long-term relief. <\/p>\n
Those with eczema are also typically instructed to avoid common triggers including: <\/p>\n
Summary: Eczema has no cure, but there are useful strategies for treating and preventing future flare-ups. Alongside medication, common triggers to avoid include dry climates and high stress levels. <\/p>\n
Dietary Triggers to Eczema <\/p>\n
Current research is unclear about the connection between eczema and specific food triggers. <\/p>\n
Food Allergies and Eczema <\/p>\n
Those with eczema are more likely to have food allergies, particularly in children under the age of 3 or 4. <\/p>\n
Common food allergies in children with eczema include cows milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, cod\/catfish and cashew. <\/p>\n
Studies suggest the connection between childhood food allergy and eczema is 33 to 63%. Adult onset eczema is less likely linked with food allergy at a rate of 10%. However, this does not mean that food allergies cause eczema (10, 11). <\/p>\n
Additionally, age reduces the likelihood that food allergy contributes to eczema, as most children outgrow their food allergies (12). <\/p>\n
The exception is adults with a birch pollen allergy. One study found their eczema was triggered by foods that cross-react with birch pollen like green apples, carrots, hazelnuts, celery, and pears (13). <\/p>\n
Therefore, if you have a birch pollen allergy and eczema, consider removing these foods from the diet. <\/p>\n
Food Sensitivities and Eczema <\/p>\n
IgE-mediated food allergy testing may have poor reliability in those with eczema. <\/p>\n
Adults with eczema typically dont suffer from classic food allergies (i.e. IgE-mediated allergy), but rather experience delayed reactions after eating certain foods. This type of reaction is a delayed food hypersensitivity, also referred to as a food sensitivity. <\/p>\n
Presently, there is no gold-standard test for diagnosing food sensitivities. Therefore, if you suspect food sensitivities trigger your eczema, consider keeping a food\/symptom diary and working with a healthcare provider to identify problematic foods (14). <\/p>\n
Pseudoallergens and Eczema <\/p>\n
The connection between pseudo-allergens like food additives, histamine, salicylates and benzoates triggering eczema is controversial (15). <\/p>\n
While the reason is still unclear, its theorized that these chemicals can cause inflammation in mast cells, a type of white blood cell. Those with eczema have higher levels of mast cells in the areas of skin with the rash (15). <\/p>\n
One double-blind-placebo-controlled study on 50 adults found that 63% benefited from a 6-week low-pseudo-allergen diet. This diet avoided all foods containing preservatives, dyes and or antioxidants (16). <\/p>\n
Celiac Disease and Eczema <\/p>\n
Those with celiac disease (CD) are 3 times more likely to suffer from eczema (17). <\/p>\n
Even relatives of those with CD are twice as likely to have eczema. This connection is based on the possible role of autoimmunity causing eczema (18). <\/p>\n
Summary: Childhood eczema is more likely associated with food allergies compared to adult eczema. If you have birch pollen allergy or celiac disease, removing cross reactive foods and gluten helps. <\/p>\n
Eczema Elimination Diet <\/p>\n
Elimination diets are commonly recommended to help identify dietary triggers for a specific symptom. <\/p>\n
A low FODMAP diet for food intolerance is the obvious example. <\/p>\n
In this case it can be used as a home remedy of sorts for eczema treatment. <\/p>\n
Following an elimination diet for 4 to 6 weeks may be beneficial for eczema sufferers. Remove all possible trigger foods and notice any changes in the skin (19). <\/p>\n
There is no standardized elimination diet for this condition, but consider developing a plan based on your suspected trigger foods. <\/p>\n
Below is a list of eczema trigger foods to help you get started. <\/p>\n
Monitor eczema symptoms after strict avoidance of these suspected foods. While changes in symptoms may be coincidental, presence of food hypersensitivities could also explain the change. <\/p>\n
Thereafter, carefully rechallenge the avoided foods back into the diet, ideally under the supervision of a dietitian or other health professional. When challenging foods, allow a few days between trials for the development of delayed symptoms (12). <\/p>\n
This rechallenge plan for those on a low FODMAP diet may help you better visualize the concept. <\/p>\n
Keep in mind that eczema has multiple causes and triggers. An elimination diet is not appropriate for everyone, so talk to your doctor or dietitian before starting one. <\/p>\n
Summary: Some eczema sufferers may benefit from trialing a 4 to 6-week elimination diet based on their health history. Be sure to undergo this plan with the supervision of a healthcare professional. <\/p>\n
Other Home Remedies for Eczema <\/p>\n
Sometimes a change in diet does not provide much help. <\/p>\n
Many search for other natural approaches instead: <\/p>\n
Summary: There are many other natural therapies to help relieve eczema, however the evidence on most is limited. Consider these only after consulting with your doctor. <\/p>\n
Treating Eczema Is Complex <\/p>\n
Eczema is a complex inflammatory skin condition. <\/p>\n
Its most common in children, but can develop at any age. <\/p>\n
Conventional treatment options are available, yet dont offer long-term relief or a cure. <\/p>\n
Unfortunately, there are no solid dietary recommendations either. Removing any known food allergies or sensitivities is a good place to start, which is best done through a structured elimination diet. <\/p>\n
There are certain probiotic strains that are also worth exploring if you are struggling with symptoms. <\/p>\n
Until we know more, its important you pay close attention to your body and notice if there are any specific dietary triggers for you. <\/p>\n
This post originally appeared on Diet vs Disease as Does Diet Affect Eczema Treatment? <\/p>\n
Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Originally posted here: There are many recognized triggers of eczema. Continue reading
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