{"id":626613,"date":"2024-02-08T09:30:07","date_gmt":"2024-02-08T14:30:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=626613"},"modified":"2025-07-24T11:47:32","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T15:47:32","slug":"eczema-diet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/eczema-diet\/","title":{"rendered":"The best diet for eczema"},"content":{"rendered":"

Eczema<\/span><\/a> is the second most common skin condition in the United States, affecting <\/span>more than 31 million Americans<\/span>. The term \u201ceczema\u201d refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause dry, itchy skin. Of the seven types of eczema, atopic dermatitis is the most common\u2014up to <\/span>25% of children and 3% of adults<\/span> develop it. While it\u2019s not contagious, eczema rashes, scaly patches, and blisters can cause discomfort and pain.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not curable, and the exact underlying cause is unknown, but there are many ways to decrease eczema symptoms, including topical creams and prescription medications. One of the best ways to minimize eczema flare-ups is to identify and avoid triggers. For some people, specific foods may trigger eczema symptoms just as certain weather conditions, harsh irritants in soaps and cosmetics, and irritating clothing fabrics do. Fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and fermented foods are least likely to trigger an eczema flare; additionally, various diets may work. Here, dermatologists answer the question: What is the relationship between diet and eczema?<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the eczema diet?<\/span><\/h2>\n

There isn\u2019t a universal diet recommended to people with eczema, but dietary changes can be part of an overarching strategy, combined with other therapies, to manage eczema symptoms. \u201cThe relationship between diet and eczema is complex,\u201d says <\/span>Brendan Camp, MD<\/span>, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, adding that it can vary per person. \u201cFor people with a known food allergy, for example, exposure to that food may exacerbate eczema symptoms.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Eczema is positively <\/span>associated with food allergies<\/span><\/a>, so people with eczema may benefit from seeing a board-certified allergist to have allergy testing for common food allergens, such as cow\u2019s milk, gluten, and nuts. There may also be <\/span>food sensitivities<\/span><\/a> to identify. In people with inflammatory diseases like eczema, food sensitivities start a cascade in the immune system that leads to a flare. An elimination diet can sometimes help narrow down food triggers, but eliminating foods can be difficult, doesn\u2019t always work, and can cause more harm than good, notes the <\/span>American Academy of Dermatology<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

A dietary change shouldn\u2019t be seen as a quick fix for eczema but rather a long-term tool to get the necessary vitamins and minerals, reduce inflammation, and support overall health, Dr. Camp<\/a> says. He recommends a well-balanced diet that\u2019s high in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, legumes, and whole grains. To minimize flare-ups, Dr. Camp says to avoid foods associated with inflammation, including sugary and processed foods.<\/span><\/p>\n

5 foods to eat\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

No single food can fix eczema, but certain foods and nutrients may help keep flares at bay. \u201cFocus on a nutrient-dense diet made of whole foods, including fresh fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats,\u201d explains <\/span>Melanie Palm, MD<\/span><\/a>, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon in San Diego, California. The foods that help eczema go away tend to be the ones that lessen inflammation, making an <\/span>anti-inflammatory diet<\/span><\/a> the gold standard for eczema.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Fruits and vegetables<\/span><\/h3>\n

Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, and Dr. Palm calls out fruits and vegetables as a rich source of them. Whether consumed as part of a healthy diet or applied topically, <\/span>research shows<\/span><\/a> that antioxidants, particularly vitamins A, D, and E, can reduce the severity of eczema. Though more studies are needed, vitamin C has also <\/span>been shown<\/span><\/a> to help eczema by acting as an antihistamine. Dr. Palm also recommends foods rich in the plant-based flavonoid quercetin, such as dark cherries, broccoli, apples, and onions. Quercetin can alleviate eczema symptoms by combating inflammation, <\/span>studies show<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Healthy fats<\/span><\/h3>\n

Omega-3 fatty acids<\/span><\/a> are important nutrients for eczema, and Dr. Camp recommends the Mediterranean diet to get loads of them. Healthy fats like fatty fish, olive oil, coconut oil, walnuts, and flaxseeds support the lipids (or natural fats) on your skin, which eczema-prone people may lack, leading to dry skin. <\/span>Researchers have found<\/span><\/a> that dietary fatty acids may also help to <\/span>reduce inflammation<\/span><\/a> and improve eczema. Fatty acids have even <\/span>been shown to<\/span><\/a> reduce the risk of developing atopic dermatitis.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Fermented foods<\/span><\/h3>\n

The gut, skin, and immune system are closely connected, so it\u2019s no surprise that gut- and immune-boosting foods may also improve skin conditions like eczema. Namely, <\/span>probiotic-rich foods<\/span><\/a>, which are notorious for supporting healthy digestion and immunity, can reduce eczema flare-ups, Dr. Palm says. In fact, populations that eat more fermented foods are <\/span>less likely<\/span><\/a> to develop atopic dermatitis. She recommends fermented foods like kefir and miso, which are naturally rich in probiotics. Greek yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, and sourdough bread are also a source of probiotics.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Whole foods<\/span><\/h3>\n

Processed foods are cheap, convenient, and tasty but aren\u2019t a substitute for whole, unprocessed foods. In addition to fruits and vegetables, eat plenty of the other food groups\u2014whole grains, lean proteins, legumes, and nuts and seeds. These foods fight inflammation, which is crucial in eczema management.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The right mix of whole, unprocessed foods will depend on your food allergies or sensitivities. While foods like wheat, egg, and cow\u2019s milk can be a good source of nutrients for some, others find these trigger their symptoms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

When choosing your proteins, Dr. Camp says to stick to lean proteins. Some proteins, such as red meats, processed meats, and eggs, could provoke inflammation in those with eczema.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Spices<\/span><\/h3>\n

There\u2019s a dual benefit to seasoning your food with certain spices\u2014they add a depth of flavor and compounds that are beneficial for eczema. Of them, turmeric is commonly recommended to soothe eczema. It\u2019s a known anti-inflammatory agent, primarily due to the compound curcumin. Much of the <\/span>existing research<\/span><\/a> on the benefits of turmeric for eczema involves topical applications or animal studies, but the spice is widely accepted as a force against inflammatory diseases. The <\/span>National Eczema Association<\/span><\/a> also recommends incorporating other anti-inflammatory spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, cumin, and coriander.<\/span><\/p>\n

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