Is there a connection between food and eczema?
An expert weighs in
Are certain foods causing my eczema or making it worse? These are some of the most common questions Eczema Society of Canada (ESC) receives. To help answer them, we consulted Dr. Vipul Jain —an allergist and immunologist with experience in treating atopic dermatitis (the most common form of eczema), and a clinical trial researcher based in Ontario. Dr. Jain offers insights to help understand the potential link between diet and eczema.
“Food and eczema can seem like a complicated concept,” says Dr. Jain. “Patients commonly think that food or an allergy to something in the environment is causing the condition. The important distinction is that a specific food or allergen does not cause atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is caused by complex dysfunctions in the skin barrier and immune system, not by eating a specific food.”
Dr. Jain adds, “Where it can get complex is that once you have AD, is it possible that triggers can flare AD, such as overheating and sweating, environmental allergens, and for some patients, rarely, certain foods. But we must be careful with the distinction between what we know to cause the condition and what we know to cause flare-ups.”
What do atopic dermatitis (AD) patients and caregivers need to know about finding and eliminating triggers? Dr. Jain shares, “The evidence shows that eczema is not caused by eating a certain food, and we don’t recommend food restriction or random screening of food allergies. Inappropriate dietary restrictions in patients with AD can be inconvenient and even potentially harmful. You should see a qualified health care provider if you suspect a food allergy. If you also suspect that something specific is triggering your AD flares, you can speak with your doctor.”
Eczema Society of Canada thanks allergist and immunologist Dr. Vipul Jain for his volunteer contribution to this educational content.
This blog was developed as part of our Life with Eczema program, and funding support for this initiative has been provided by AbbVie, Pfizer Canada, and Sanofi.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this resource does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. The information is up-to-date at time of publication. All medications, interventions, and treatment plans have risks and benefits, and it is important that individuals discuss their or their child’s specific healthcare needs with a qualified healthcare professional.
October 2024
