The onset of atopic eczema symptoms usually occurs in one area but quickly spreads to other areas when the patients consume certain foods. Atopic eczema is often associated with allergic conditions, including asthma, hay fever, and food‐related adverse reactions. Atopic eczema flares are accelerated by many factors such as emotional stress, sweating, cold weather, urticarial foods (milk and eggs), infection, topical allergens (topical steroids), and physical irritants.
Food items that can flare up atopic dermatitis
(1) Eggs – Atopic eczema patients are often allergic to eggs, especially egg whites. An egg allergy can severely impact the quality of life.
(2) Chocolate – This food item can trigger eczema attacks in atopic eczema patients. Atopic eczema patients are susceptible to refined sugar in chocolate, which aggravates eczema symptoms. Eczema is often precipitated by chocolates and other sweets.
(3) Wheat – Wheat contains gluten which might trigger an antibody reaction from the immune system, causing inflammation.
(4) Corn – If you are sensitive to corn, it might aggravate atopic eczema symptoms. This is because corn contains IgE binding proteins which cause an allergic reaction in the body shortly after consumption.
Other common foods that can cause food allergy and atopic eczema flare-ups are:
- Peanuts
- Soybeans and their derivatives, Tree nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews.
- Some vegetables like tomatoes or potatoes.
- Some fruits like peaches or watermelons.
The relationship between atopic eczema and food allergies is multifactorial. Atopic eczema patients act as a barometer for food allergies because atopic eczema flare-ups may occur when they eat the foods they are allergic to.
Symptoms of food allergy:
Food allergy is the most common cause of recurrent hives (urticaria). Hives are raised and itchy bumps that may be pale or red. The swelling can vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters and appear almost anywhere on your body.
Food allergies can also lead to problems like vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach cramps after eating food, nasal congestion, runny nose, and wheezing.
Food allergies can trigger anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that affects your breathing and blood pressure levels and causes swelling around your mouth and tongue.
Food allergies can also lead to more serious allergic reactions, such as a severe respiratory problem called angioedema, which causes swelling around the eyes, face, and limbs that may make it hard to breathe or swallow.
If you are diagnosed with a food allergy, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform tests to identify the foods affecting you. Tests include skin prick tests or blood tests for specific IgE antibodies.
How can homeopathic medicine help in food allergies and atopic dermatitis?
Homeopathy offers an excellent treatment for atopic eczema as well as food allergies. Homeopathic doctors prescribe medicines for atopic eczema only after a detailed analysis of each case individually.
The homeopathic medicine prescribed by the doctor starts acting at deeper levels inside the body. Homeopathic treatment for atopic eczema gives long-lasting results.
Always visit a registered homeopath for atopic eczema treatment. Atopic eczema patients may need to combine homeopathic treatment along with a diet that can help with eczema symptoms.