Get Rid of Eczema with the Proper Diet

According to some estimates, eczema is a problem for about 2% of adults and nearly 20 % of all children. Also known as dermatitis, eczema is a condition of the skin characterized by intense itching, inflammation, rashes, and bumps. While it can appear anywhere on the body, the most common locations for eczema rashes are on the face, arms, and legs - the areas of the body most often exposed to outside environmental factors. For many years, the allergic nature of eczema led many researchers to conclude that it was entirely caused by external stimuli. Recent research, however, has indicated that eczema and diet may be closely linked as well.

While attention has long been paid to the use of creams and ointments to treat the condition, this link between eczema and diet is leading many researchers to attempt new treatment methodologies that rely more upon what sufferers eat than what they rub on their bodies. Whether it has been conventional pills or topical creams, prior treatments have focused on the symptoms of the disorder rather than the underlying cause. The newly discovered connection between eczema and diet is opening up new ways to treat eczema at its source by eliminating the foods that cause the condition.

One of the first things that experts recommend is for each individual to remove those foods that have been demonstrated to trigger eczema reactions in sufferers. There is, for instance, evidence supporting a link between eczema and diet choices such as:

• sugary foods
• coffee
• certain dairy products
• processed foods,  and all manner of junk food
• Eggs
• wheat products
• certain nuts
• and even tomatoes have also been linked to the symptoms of eczema

With many cases of the condition reported as worsening after those foods were eaten.  Some types of fish, and even citrus have been demonstrated to be likely culprits as well.

There are many diets being touted as cures for eczema, but most of them have several things in common. For instance, controlling eczema and diet choices involves a recommended increase in fatty foods like olive oil and flaxseeds, as well as foods high in zinc content - like sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Eating more green leafy vegetables is also recommended for their Vitamin E and Beta Carotene. Finally, eczema sufferers are encouraged to drink more water throughout the day, with a total daily intake of at least a dozen full glasses daily.