If you are one of the unlucky ones affected by eczema, there are many environmental factors that can trigger an attack.
Environmental triggers for eczema
● High chemical exposure, which can come from household cleaners, pest sprays, perfumes etc
● Illness
● Food intolerances and allergies
● Drugs like aspirin, which is a type of salicylate
● Dietary deficiencies (Omega-3, vitamin C, Vitamin B complex including biotin, zinc and magnesium are all needed for eczema-free skin)
● Eating excess saturated fats, which contributes to inflammation
● Eating too many processed vegetable oils, which can inhibit healthy cell function
● Ageing
● Simple carbohydrates like white bread, which cause a glucose rush that in turn inhibits vitamin C and prevents the body using essential fatty acids
● Chronic stress.
As a first step, an allergy test carried out by a naturopath or GP would be a good idea to identify whether you are allergic to a family pet, dust mites or something else in your daily environment.
Medical treatment often ends there, or with the prescription of a topical cortisone cream. But there's much more you can do. Here is a list of foods that may be aggravating your eczema.
Foods that may trigger eczema
● Alcoholic drinks, especially red wine
● Dairy products
● Citrus fruits
● Chemical food additives
● Nitrates (in ham / bacon)
● Salicylates and Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
● Avocado
● Chocolate
● Dried fruits
● Grapes
● Kiwi fruit
● Stone fruits such as plum, apricot and peach
● Tomatoes
● Soy sauce / tamari
● Food spreads / Vegemite
● Honey / jam
● Broccoli, spinach
● Mushrooms
● Prune juice.
The reason these foods cause problems is because they are either high in natural MSG, or salicylates, or both.
Consider following an elimination diet for two months, excluding all of these foods. After two months, assuming your eczema has cleared up, you can start reintroducing the foods, one at a time, noticing what happens with each food.
If your eczema flares up, add that food to the list of foods to avoid, discontinue it, and proceed to the next one on the list to reintroduce. This should give you a pretty good idea of which foods are triggering the eczema. You should continue to avoid artificial additives, margarine and preservatives for ever!
