Is Eczema A Sign Of Food Allergy?

eczema.png

Is eczema a sign for a food allergy? Short answer is no. However, children with eczema have a higher chance of developing IgE-mediated food allergies (aka anaphylactic reaction).


The consensus is that foods do NOT cause eczema but some foods can worsen an eczema flare-up. Many parents avoid foods that are believed to cause the eczema. I was one of them until I spoke with my allergist..


Once upon a time, we used to tell parents to avoid certain foods to manage eczema. This has now changed! The main treatment for eczema is topical creams. Yes, lotion lotion and more lotion and use prescription ointments. Many parents have "topical corticosteroid phobia" (real term, I didn't make it up) and would much rather try to avoid certain food.


A study looking at kids with eczema, who avoided a certain food, found that 19% developed an IgE allergy and a majority was a reaction to the food that was avoided! Try to fix one problem and only to create another. Check out https://eczemahelp.ca/ for great tips on how to manage eczema.



This content on this website is intended for general information and is not a substitute for professional and personalized medical advice. Please consult your doctor or health care provider if you have concern(s) about your health or medical condition. Food labeling can change at any given time - please read ingredients list and allergen information carefully before purchasing or consuming the food.
Food AllergiesMun Choeczema and food, eczema, food allergies, pediatric nutritionist1 Comment