Eczema is a type of atopic dermatitis, a skin disorder characterized by cracked, inflamed, and itchy skin segments. This dermatological condition can affect everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. Signs of the condition may vary depending on an individual’s age. However, some of the common symptoms of eczema include emergent rashes that cause dry skin, cracks on the skin, and itchiness on the affected parts. The good news is that the condition is manageable.

Avoiding certain foods will increase your chances of managing eczema-prone skin:

1. Dairy products
Research suggests that allergy to dairy products may cause eczema flare ups. Victims of the condition usually have pre-existing allergic reactions to dairy products. When a patient ingests any of the allergen, the immune system reacts causing asthma and inflammation. However, unlike other allergies where the body responds immediately, eczema and atopic dermatitis reaction may take a while before manifestation. Even though your body is allergic to dairy products, substitutes such as soy or almond milk will be consumable.

2. Citrus fruits
Citrus is a broad group of fruits that contain an allergen called myroxylon pereirae. This category comprises oranges, lemons, and other grains containing citric acid. Although these fruits are juicy, sweet, and a rich source of vitamin C, avoid them at all costs. When consumed by patients with an allergy to myroxylon pereirae, they may cause allergic reactions in the body.

3. Wheat
Abandoning your favorite morning breakfast of toast, pastries, or cereal may be unthinkable. However, if wheat (or gluten) is an allergy, consuming wheat might trigger allergic skin reactions. Staying safe requires you to adopt a wheat-free lifestyle.

4. Tomatoes
Though rare to trigger a response, tomatoes might irritate in the form of eczema skin flare ups.

5. Eggs
Consuming eggs is also another common trigger for eczema. Its effect is most common in young kids and babies. Due to the high levels of protein in eggs, allergic reactions are almost unavoidable.

6. Spices
Meals are almost un-edible and tasteless without a pinch of your preferred spice. Being allergic to these additives will be a blow to any food lover. However, common cupboard spices such as cinnamon, coriander, or cloves can trigger skin reactions. Eating spicy foods or handling them can also provoke a skin flare-up. Interestingly spices are not only present in your food but also in some cosmetic products you use. So you might be suffering because of that lotion or perfume you apply so please check your personal hygiene products.