Anti Inflammatory Diet for Eczema: 3 Things You Need to Know

Do you struggle with the dry, itchy skin caused by eczema?

Have you wondered if your diet is contributing to your eczema flare-ups?

If so, read on as we explore the benefits of adopting an anti-inflammatory diet for eczema. 

What is Eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory response to an irritant that causes redness, dryness, irritation and itching on the skin. It is known by several other names including atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis.

What Causes Eczema? 

According to the National Eczema Association, about 31 million people in America are currently living with eczema. The cause isn’t clearly understood, but it’s believed that genetics and environmental or dietary triggers contribute to skin inflammation known as eczema.  

Common eczema triggers can be laundry detergent, lotions, skin care products, shampoo, soap, pet dander, dust mites, pollen, foods, and even hormones. 

Typical Treatments for Eczema

While there is no cure for eczema, there are several treatments that can help relieve symptoms during flare-ups. Avoiding triggers by eliminating the most likely suspects is a great place to start.

A typical medical treatment would be a topical cortisol-steroid cream. The cream would ideally work to moisturize the skin, protect it from irritation, and relieve itching. If the topical treatment doesn’t provide relief, oral steroids or an injection may be prescribed.

If these treatments don’t work or provide the relief you’re looking for, a diet change may help to improve and reduce flare-ups. 

Elimination Diet for Eczema

Since eczema is an inflammatory response to something in the environment, which could include diet, it makes sense that removing foods that cause inflammation could be helpful. 

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology reports that 30% of kids under age 5 who have eczema also suffer from at least one food allergy. The most common food allergens linked to eczema are eggs, milk, wheat, soy, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. 

Eliminating these foods for a period of two weeks or more and reintroducing one at a time over the course of several weeks is known as an elimination diet. With each food reintroduced, pay attention to the body’s response. If there are no inflammatory responses (eczema flare-ups), the food is probably safe to remain in your diet. 

Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Eczema

After eliminating foods, you may feel frustrated or even depressed if many foods were eliminated long-term. Consider following an anti-inflammatory diet plan for eczema. 

While saturated fats and Omega-6 fats should be reduced, monounsaturated fats and Omega-3 fats should be increased. So instead of vegetable oils, choose olive or coconut oils. Instead of red meat, choose salmon. 

If you follow an anti-inflammatory diet for eczema relief, be sure to avoid refined carbohydrates and sugars. Be sure to increase your fruits and vegetables. 

Consider adding the following supplements to your diet. 

• Probiotics (good gut health)
• Fish oil
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B6
• Bromelain 
• Evening Primrose Oil
• Hemp Seed Oil
• Sunflower Oil

You can read more about the use of CBD oil for eczema at Pinnacle Hemp. 

Eat Well to Be Well

There are several options for the treatment and prevention of eczema. We know that the best diet for eczema is that one that you can stick to. We hope you’ll consider adding an anti-inflammatory diet for eczema to your arsenal for keeping flare-ups in check. 

If you’ve enjoyed this article, be sure to read more health-related articles here on this blog.