Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can cause oozing blisters, skin irritation, and itchy rashes. Eczema can also result in leathery skin patches. Although the skin condition is common in any age group, it is most commonly seen in children younger than two years. Many people diagnosed with this skin condition are recommended diet changes to help them get relief from eczema symptoms. The following article lists several foods for eczema that you can eat and avoid to keep its symptoms at bay.

1. Foods to include
People suffering from eczema are recommended to eat foods that should improve the immune system and not interact and result in a flare up or allergic reaction. Mentioned below are some foods that can help fight eczema symptoms.

• Fatty fish
  One can reduce eczema symptoms by consuming fatty fish such as salmon or herring as it contains fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. The nutrient has anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the redness and itchiness caused due to eczema. You can also consume Omega-3 supplements that are available over the counter.
• Probiotic-rich foods
  Probiotics contain live cultures that are good for the gut. These help in improving the body’s immune system, which can further help to fight against flare-ups and other allergic reactions due to eczema. Probiotic-rich foods include miso soup, sourdough bread, unpasteurized sauerkraut, naturally fermented pickles, soft cheeses such as gouda, tempeh, and kefir.
• Foods containing quercetin
  Several foods contain flavonoids and quercetin, which is present in many fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids and quercetin are rich in antihistamines and antioxidants that help in reducing histamine levels and thus the inflammation due to eczema in the body. Some flavonoid and quercetin-rich foods include apples, cherries, blueberries, green tea, spinach, broccoli, and kale.

2. Foods to avoid
Flare-ups due to eating specific foods can typically occur in six to 24 hours after eating the same. To determine which foods can cause allergic reactions, doctors may recommend the elimination diet, which will involve avoiding a set of foods to avoid eczema flare ups.

• Foods with allergens
  Foods such as citrus fruits, dairy products, eggs, gluten or wheat, soy, spices (cloves and cinnamon), tomatoes, and nuts can react with the body’s immune system and increase inflammation and redness in the skin.
• Foods high in nickel
  People with dyshidrotic eczema experience symptoms in hands and feet. As a result, it is recommended to avoid eating foods that do not contain nickel. Some foods rich in nickel include beans, black tea, canned meats, chocolate, lentils, seeds, shellfish, and soybeans.
• Foods with birch pollen
  People with eczema can have oral allergy due to birch pollen. Foods such as green apples, carrots, and hazelnuts should be avoided.

Although your diet might not always be an eczema trigger, keeping a check on what you eat can help you identify which foods can help soothe or aggravate eczema. Apart from this, consult a dermatologist if you experience inflammation, redness, or itchiness as it could be a symptom of eczema. The doctor or dermatologist will diagnose the condition, prescribe a treatment, and recommend a diet plan that can help you soothe eczema symptoms.