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Eczema is an itchy skin rash that appears on the hands, face, neck, chest, and other body parts. There are three types of eczema: atopic dermatitis (eczema), allergic contact dermatitis, and irritant contact dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, which usually starts in infancy or early childhood.
Eczema can be caused by many different factors such as food allergies, overactive immune system response to harmless substances like pollen or animal dander, toxins in one’s environment, or even stress. This disease requires care from both an allergist/immunologist and a dermatologist to control symptoms.
Some can cause or worsen existing eczema.
1) PeanutsÂ
Peanuts are not nuts but legumes like beans and lentils. They contain a protein that can cause an allergic reaction in people sensitive to them called peanut allergy. This condition is characterized by an itchy, swollen rash around the nose or mouth, trouble breathing, and vomiting. Peanuts are especially dangerous for children with eczema to eat because they can cause a widespread, whole-body reaction (called anaphylaxis) that leads to death.
2) Tree Nuts
Tree nuts like Brazil nuts, pecans, cashews, and hazelnuts can also trigger an allergic reaction in some sensitive people. Certain tree nuts are among the eight most common allergens identified by the FDA. But not all tree nuts will trigger this reaction; only about 2 percent of people who are allergic to peanuts or soy will be allergic to tree nuts or vice versa. So if you have eczema, it is best to ask your doctor whether eating certain types of tree nuts is safe for you.
3) Milk
Milk contains a sugar called lactose. For people who are intolerant to lactose, their bodies do not make enough of an enzyme called lactase needed to digest it. When they drink milk or eat ice cream or other dairy products containing lactose, they can get bloating, cramps and diarrhea. Atopic dermatitis commonly occurs in babies who have cow’s milk allergies, so avoid drinking too much.
4) FishÂ
Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce the production of substances that cause inflammation and result in itchy, scaly skin rashes like atopic dermatitis. But some types of fish contain more mercury than others. This is because Mercury can lead to eczema flares. Avoid eating sharks, swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish, which are high in mercury content. Limit yourself to 12 ounces of low-mercury seafood like shrimp, salmon, pollock, or catfish per week.
5) ShellfishÂ
Shellfish contains iodine which may aggravate eczema in some people who are sensitive to it. If you have eczema and eat shellfish more than every other day, your doctor may recommend an iodine supplement for you so that your thyroid gland can function normally
6) WheatÂ
Wheat allergy is one of the most common allergies among children and adults with atopic dermatitis. It can worsen symptoms such as itch and swelling and trigger eczema flares. If you are allergic to wheat, you may need to check with your allergist about whether it is safe for you to eat gluten-free oats.
7) Soy
Soy allergy is another common allergy among children and adults with atopic dermatitis. This condition triggers a widespread, whole-body response (anaphylaxis) that leads to death and can only be treated with epinephrine. It’s best not to eat soy if you have eczema because this will worsen your symptoms like itchiness and swelling.
8) Citrus FruitsÂ
Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruit, and clementines contain furanocoumarin chemicals, making the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Since eczema sufferers are already more vulnerable to sunlight, avoid eating foods high in furanocoumarin if you have eczema, for this will only trigger the symptoms of your condition.
9) PeachesÂ
Peaches contain salicylates which can irritate eczema and worsen itch-scratch cycles. If you have eczema, it is best to stay away from beauties to prevent worsening your symptoms.
10) Coffee
Coffee contains caffeine, an allergen that can make some people’s skin conditions like atopic dermatitis worse. So limit your coffee intake or try decaffeinated brands instead. At least this will prevent worsening your flare-ups.
Eczema is a common skin condition that usually appears in the first few years of life. The main feature of eczema is intensely itchy, red, dry skin that sometimes blisters or oozes fluid.
You can use some food that can prevent eczema and prevent flare-ups:
- Fish:
Eczema patients tend to have omega-3 fatty acid deficiency. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish, such as sardines and salmon. One study showed that children given a specific fish oil seasoning had less severe skin lesions than those who did not take the supplement.
- Yogurt:
In addition to containing vitamin A, yogurt also contains probiotics. These beneficial bacteria help maintain the health of our intestinal flora and may contribute to restore a healthy balance in the gut microbiome, thus preventing flare-ups from occurring. One yeast strain – Lactobacillus, ​​is known for inhibiting eczema, suppressing inflammation at the cellular level.
- Garlic:
Garlic also contains allicin which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and garlic and its derivatives (such as oil) may effectively reduce inflammation caused ​​by eczema. In addition, you can drink garlic soup to help relieve your skin symptoms.
- SalmonÂ
Salmon also contains Omega 3, like sardines, and thus brings many of the same benefits, such as preventing the inflammatory response associated with atopic dermatitis flare-ups. It is known to inhibit 5-lipoxygenase – an enzyme that triggers physiological reactions, causing redness and itchiness on the skin.
5) Sweet potatoes:Â
Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins A, C, and E, antioxidants that can help relieve itching. They are also good sources of dietary fiber, iron, vitamin B6 protein, and potassium.
6) Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe makes you feel full faster, thus prevent overeating; therefore, it is consumed less junk food. It is high in beta-carotene, which is beneficial for dry skin because beta-carotene helps restore moisture to the skin. In addition, this fruit contains vitamins A, C, E, and K that improve blood flow to the skin, which makes the skin look healthier and more radiant.
7) Spinach:
Spinach contains calcium, magnesium, and Vitamin K, which all contribute to maintaining healthy blood circulation and positively affect the health of our skin. It is also rich in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to an increased risk of developing eczema.
8) Sweet Alyssum:
Sweet Alyssum contains high amounts of magnesium which helps relax blood vessel muscles, thus prevent high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels that are both risk factors associated with atopic dermatitis. In addition, this plant contains many flavonoids that have antioxidant properties that support healthy immune function by supporting white blood cell activity. Furthermore, there is evidence showing its antiviral benefits against the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
9) Coriander leavesÂ
Coriander leaves anti-inflammatory compounds called sesquiterpenes that have been found to reduce inflammation in the body. In addition, coriander leaves contain flavonoids that have antioxidant properties that support healthy immune function by supporting white blood cell activity. Furthermore, there is evidence showing its antiviral benefits against the herpes simplex virus (HSV).
10) Garlic:Â
Garlic contains a compound called diallyl disulfide, which has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. It is also high in antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, as well as selenium. Selenium works with vitamin E to prevent free radicals from damaging cells, thus protecting them from developing cancer cells. Another way garlic can help your skin heal faster is by preventing infection when it gets scraped.
Other than diet, many other factors cause eczema. We have listed some of them here.
1) Stress:
Stress can affect you in many ways, one of which is the immune system. If your immune system is imbalanced, it makes your body more prone to infections and allergies. Excess stress also causes hormone production to become out of wack, thus causing skin problems like eczema.
2) Dry Skin:
Dry skin may cause significant discomfort, especially if it affects your face, hands, or other sensitive areas. However, there are steps that you can take at home to prevent dryness using natural ingredients or store-bought moisturizers. It will help if you consume healthy fats easily absorbed by the body for added moisture, such as coconut oil, olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados, etc. You should also include more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. This is because they contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which help keep the skin moisturized by regulating oil production and tightening the outermost layer of skin cells.
3) What you wear:
There are so many different clothes made from so many other fabrics, all of which can irritate your skin if not chosen carefully. Clothing with tight weaves and rough surfaces cause friction on your skin, thus irritating it and making it dry out faster than usual. Also, it is essential to wear appropriate clothes when going out, especially for young children. When deciding what to wear, you should always opt for loose clothing made of soft natural fabrics like cotton or wool instead of tight-fitting clothes made from synthetic fibers, which irritate your skin and make it dry out.
4) Stress:
Stress can affect you in many ways, one of which is the immune system. If your immune system is imbalanced, it makes your body more prone to infections and allergies. Excess stress also causes hormone production to become out of wack, thus causing skin problems like eczema.
5) Dry Skin:
Dry skin may cause significant discomfort, especially if it affects your face, hands, or other sensitive areas. However, there are steps that you can take at home to prevent dryness using natural ingredients or store-bought moisturizers. It will help if you consume healthy fats easily absorbed by the body for added moisture, such as coconut oil, olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados, etc. You should also include more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and chia seeds. This is because they contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which help keep the skin moisturized by regulating oil production and tightening the outermost layer of skin cells.
Treatment for eczema:
If you need medical assistance in treating your eczema, you should always consult a homeopathy doctor or dermatologist. However, many treatments can be done at home, such as:
1) Moisturizing
Moisturizing is an essential part of maintenance and treatment for eczematous skin. Ointments are effective even in very mild cases, while creams work better with more severe ones. Water-based moisturizers are light enough to wear under makeup or other substances without clogging the pores or causing breakouts. It would help if you chose ointments over creams because they provide better protection against irritants and allergens. Due to their occluding effect, they also hold moisture during bathing by sealing water from getting out.
2) Lifestyle changes
There are many ways one can change their lifestyle to prevent eczema flare-ups. You should reduce harsh soaps as much as possible as they strip the skin of their natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Make sure to avoid showers that last more than 10 minutes or baths that go on for more than 15 minutes. You should also pat your wet skin thoroughly instead of rubbing it to avoid water leaking underneath the epidermis and causing damage and itching sensations.
3) Homeopathic treatment for eczema:
Homeopathic treatment for eczema is also available and can be used alongside other therapies to provide relief.
Homeopathic treatment for eczema helps soothe inflammation, redness, and itching. There is a variety of homeopathic medicine that can be used to treat eczema symptoms.
Homeopathic treatments for eczema have been clinically tested and have shown positive signs for relief from symptoms of eczema. They are also available without a prescription, making them ideal for people who do not wish to use steroid creams on their skin.
Homeopathic remedies are made from natural ingredients that come straight from nature to be considered safe and effective. They address the root cause of your eczema and provide you with relief from symptoms without having to worry about any side effects.
Applied topically, homeopathic remedies for skin conditions such as eczema can help relieve inflammation, itching, and redness. You can consider seeing a registered homeopathy doctor for eczema. Book an appointment now through OHO Homeopathy!