What Is Eczema?

Eczema also called atopic dermatitis, is a set of skin conditions that cause the skin inflammation and irritation.

It commonly appears on face, wrists, hands, knees or feet. It may also affect other areas.

Eczema is not contagious; hence there is no risk of it getting spread from one person to another.

What Are The Symptoms Of Eczema?

Eczema, irrespective of the part of body affected, has following symptoms:

• Itching
• Rashes
• Dark, thick and patchy skin
• Cracked and rough skin

What Are The Causes Of Eczema?

Exact causes of eczema are still unknown, but it is often triggered by an overactive response by body’s immune system to an irritant. People who have the family history of certain allergies or asthma are more at risk of developing eczema.

Certain foods like nuts or dairy products can also trigger eczema. Environmental factors or pollens also trigger eczema in some patients.

What Are The Things One Should Do To Manage Eczema?

• Moisture your skin frequently.
• Keep sweat to the minimum to avoid flare ups.
• Identify your eczema triggers and avoid them.
• Wear cotton clothes. Wear loose clothes.
• Avoid hot water baths and it can lead to flare ups. Take room temperature baths.
• If you need to do a work, which requires affected parts to get wet, try some protection (e.g. gloves on hands if you have eczema on hands)

What Are The Things One Should Avoid To Manage Eczema?

• Don’t scratch the itchy skin.
• Avoid extreme temperatures.
• Avoid tight clothes.
• Avoid synthetic clothes.
• Avoid stress as it can increase the irritation.

What Are The Best Foods For Eczema?

Anti-inflammatory foods are your best choice for dealing with eczema. Some good foods are:

• Omega 3 fatty acids: Fatty fish like salmon, herring are rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids. 6 grammes of concentrated Omega 3 is supposed to be good for treating eczema.
• Quercetin rich foods: Apple, cherries, blueberries, broccoli, spinach, kale. Quercetin is an anti-oxidant and antihistamine flavonoid.
• Probiotic rich foods: Yogurt, miso soups, soft cheese etc.
• Banana (potassium rich), Chicken (rich in glycine), potatoes, green onions, Mung bean sprouts and rice milk.

What Are The Worst Foods For Eczema?

Following foods may not cause allergies, but can trigger inflammation. Hence, if you have eczema, you should limit your intake of:

• Eggs
• Soy, Soy sauce, pickles, spicy foods
• Dairy products
• Nuts
• Foods containing preservatives or having artificial ingredients. Foods in this category are fast foods, junk foods, trans fats, margarine etc. 

 

• Oranges, tomato, grapes and grape products like wine, grape juice etc. Grapes are rich in MSG, which worsens eczema.
•  Kiwi fruit, a strongly acidifying food.
• Avocado, good food to have in the diet when you don’t have eczema. But those who have eczema should avoid it as it worsens the disease.

What Are The Medicines For Eczema?

What Are The Tips To Manage Eczema?