Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that often begins early in life, affecting areas such as the scalp, arms, legs, behind the knees, elbows, and many more. It results in patches of skin that are inflamed, itchy, red, cracked, and rough or blistered. Eczema may also indicate an underlying allergy (i.e., allergic rhinitis) or astha. Patients suffering from eczema and atopic dermatitis are normally asked by the dermatologists to avoid certain kinds of triggers or to follow a specific eczema diet.

Many of these triggers may be foods, such as:

1. Dairy products
Dairy products, like cow’s milk, yogurt, butter and cheese may cause digestive upset in the gastrointestinal tract. If the patient is already allergic or sensitive to dairy, histamine reaction can trigger eczema by causing itching (hives) and swelling of the skin.

2. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits (i.e., oranges, grapefruit, lemons, limes, etc.) contains high amounts of citric acid, which may trigger an itchy effect on the skin. Many fruits with peels are also sprayed with a chemical known as salicylates, natural pesticide that may aggravate sensitive skin.

3. Nuts
The most common kinds of nuts that may cause allergies and eczema flare ups are almonds, macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, cashews, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, chestnuts, hazelnuts, and pine nuts.

4. Gluten or wheat.
Consumption of gluten in some people may cause eczema. Gluten allergy or sensitivity is typically a reaction to a specific kind of protein in the gut. Roughly 70 percent of immune cells are found in the gut, and an adverse reaction may trigger inflammation and an inflammatory eczema response.

5. Soy
If a patient with eczema also suffers from a soy allergy, eating the allergen will trigger an immune system response that identifies soy protein as harmful and dangerous. As a result, immunoglobulin E antibodies will be produced to attack the harmful protein, and histamine will be released into the bloodstream, often causing inflammation and hives.