Cause 6. Food Allergens: The Hidden Connection between Diet and Eczema
Most of us enjoy a diverse diet full of various flavors, textures, and ingredients. But what if some of these ingredients were clandestinely contributing to eczema? It’s a hidden connection, but a vital one. Let’s uncover how certain food allergens can instigate an eczema flare-up.
To begin, it’s important to understand that food allergies and eczema often go hand in hand, especially in children. In fact, up to 30% of children with food allergies also suffer from eczema. Why the overlap? Well, both conditions involve an overactive immune response. When an allergenic food is consumed, the immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat and launches an inflammatory response. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, one of which is eczema.
Certain foods are more likely to trigger this response than others. The usual suspects include cow’s milk, eggs, nuts, soy, wheat, and fish. These foods account for nearly 90% of food allergies, making them common dietary triggers for eczema. The symptoms can vary from mild skin itching and redness to a full-blown eczema flare-up.(6)
