Diet for Eczema

Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy and inflamed patches of skin. There is no known cure for eczema, though those who are afflicted with this condition can use topical creams to ease the symptoms. In addition, some evidence suggests this condition can be managed by eating or avoiding certain foods.

Helpful Foods and Supplements

A diet including fish high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, mackerel and herring might be useful in relieving the symptoms of eczema. Those who dislike fish may substitute fish oil supplements. Fish might even be instrumental in preventing outbreaks of eczema from occurring: A 2003 study in Sweden found that introducing fish into the diet of babies before the age of nine months reduced their risk of developing eczema by 25 percent.

As with many skin conditions, insufficient hydration can aggravate the discomfort of eczema. Drinking plenty of water and eating a diet heavy in moisture-filled foods such as fresh vegetables and fruits might help alleviate the symptoms.

A 2005 study in which babies affected with eczema were both treated with a topical remedy and given supplements containing beneficial digestive bacteria called probiotics showed 32 percent greater improvement in the appearance of eczema than babies who were given the topical treatment and a placebo. Some eczema sufferers report an improvement in their condition after adding natural remedies like vitamin E, zinc, borage oil, primrose oil, chamomile tea, oolong tea, green tea and black tea to their diet, but, according to ExzemaNet, there's no clinical support for the effectiveness of these methods.

Foods to Avoid

Eczema has multiple causes: It can be inherited, or it can stem from an allergic reaction to something touched or something ingested. Suspected food allergens that cause or aggravate eczema include dairy products, nuts, shellfish, wheat and soy products. Eliminating these foods from the diet one at a time and monitoring the skin for any improvement in the appearance and discomfort of eczema might determine which foods, if any, are the culprits behind this condition. Avoiding foods that aggravate eczema will help improve the condition.