Eczema and Food Allergies

Eczema is also known as atopic dermatitis, which is a type of skin disorder. Its characteristics are similar to a rash, where the affected area looks red with a prominent blackish tinge. The discolored areas feel scratchy and are subjected to flakiness, blisters and in some cases, oozing. The reasons for this skin condition may vary from person to person. However, sometimes certain foods also play a huge role in triggering this skin problem. Eczema is a commonly found skin disorder among children and adults, and almost 10 to 20% children develop this condition by the age of one.

Food Allergies
Food allergies are a cause of eczema in children and in adults as well. Eggs, milk, soy and wheat are some of the food items that can cause this skin allergy in infants. Allergies of seafood, chemical ingredients used in foods, colorings, acidic fruits, nuts, food additives and preservatives can cause this skin disorder. The tolerance level of every person is different, hence intolerance towards certain food items can be different for every individual.

Hereditary
Children or adolescents suffering from eczema, may have a medical history of this skin problem in the family. If either of the parents or both of them have this disorder, there are 80% chances that the children will acquire it too.

Irritants
Irritants like tobacco smoke, chemicals, paints, bleach, extreme weather conditions, air conditioning and over heating can cause eczema. To avoid extremities of temperature, it is best to wear clothes that will keep you comfortable. Washing the clothes after using them once, is the best way of keeping skin disorders at bay.

Allergens
Pollen, dust mites, feathers, mold, pet hair, soaps, shampoos, washing powders and certain cosmetics are some allergens that can trigger irritation on the skin, leading to an outburst of this rash. Alcohol based perfumes, astringents and some fragrances can worsen the condition.

Diet for Eczema
Food allergies need to be spotted before you begin to follow a diet for controlling eczema. For instance, if you are allergic to egg, remove it completely from your diet. To know which food item is causing the trouble, maintain a diary, and record what happens when you consume a particular food item, to find out about what foods to avoid with eczema. Eliminate this item from your dietary intake for a given period and reintroduce it later to see what happens then. It is difficult to diagnose foods that can trigger this skin problem, so, seek your doctor's permission before you begin this trial and error method. Tartrazine, sodium benzoate, sodium glutamate and sodium metabisulphite are some of the food additives that lead to eczema.

Dealing with Eczema
As noted above, this skin disorder is not always caused by food. Poor immune system, can also cause eczema. Thus, building your immune system is the best way of going about this treatment. Experts have found that natural remedies are the best way of suppressing the spread of this type of rash. Additionally, the natural cures, do not have side effects. Vitamin E oil, Hydrocotyle, Curcuma Tr, Vinca Minor or Graphites 3X are some of the natural remedies for eczema.

This skin condition can recur, however it can be cured too. It takes time to heal, but, it can be completely eliminated if one sticks to natural treatments, healthy diet, lifestyle and strict regular skin care.