Eczema is a common, chronic and complex skin disease that arises as a result of interactions between genes and the environment (1). This inflammatory skin condition affects 15-20% of children and 1-3% of adults worldwide (2). Erin Quense, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist says that the causes of eczema can vary from person to person and without a single pathology, no one diet can be found to cure it. However, links have been found between diet and keeping eczema symptoms under control.
What is the relationship between diet and eczema?
What to eat and what to avoid?
Given that eczema is a skin disease that affects everyone differently and with different causes from person to person, DJ Mazzoni, Registered Dietitian and Medical Reviewer at Illuminate Labs recommends that people suffering from eczema keep a journal of foods and eczema flare ups. “You may find that you’re having regular reactions to a food that you’ve eaten your whole life, and never would have considered eliminating from your diet.” Mazzoni says that generally, foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, wild-caught fish and legumes don’t cause eczema flares, but any food could cause a flare in a patient with an allergy or sensitivity to that food.
How can you use nutrition tracking to manage eczema symptoms?
Johna Burdeos, Registered Dietitian at Chef Lola’s Kitchen recommends that those suffering from eczema should seek professional help from a doctor or dietitian experienced in supervising an elimination diet for eczema. Eliminating certain foods or food groups can cause harm, namely deprivation of essential nutrients your body needs. Your doctor or dietitian will typically advise keeping a food log.
While working through an elimination plan in Cronometer, we would suggest creating a Custom Biometric (a feature available to Gold Subscribers) for your skin and giving yourself a daily rating from 1-10. You can then plot your skin progress on a Custom Chart (also available to Gold Subscribers) to help you identify any trends.
If you are new to nutrition tracking, check out our guide to getting started with the Cronometer app here.
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