Understanding Atopic Eczema 3.2: Food Like Diary and Gluten
- Marcelline Goyen
- Mar 14
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 16
Eczema is a complex skin condition that affects millions worldwide. Many people struggle to identify what triggers their flare-ups, and food often plays a significant role. In this post, we will explore how certain foods can cause eczema flare-ups, focusing on the connection between diet and skin health. We will also discuss the importance of keeping an eczema diary gluten to track food-related triggers and manage symptoms effectively.
In this three-part series on (atopic) eczema, various aspects of (atopic) eczema are discussed: 3.1 deals with eczema and its relationship to gut-related causes. 2 deals with eczema in relation to diet, such as dairy, grains, and gluten, and 3.3 deals with eczema and the use of prebiotics, probiotics, and a healthy diet.
Table of Contents
How Food Influences Eczema
Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by various factors, including environmental irritants, stress, and importantly, diet. Food can influence eczema through allergic reactions or sensitivities that cause inflammation in the body. When the immune system reacts to certain foods, it can worsen skin symptoms such as redness, itching, and dryness.
Research shows that some individuals with eczema have food sensitivities that contribute to their skin condition. These sensitivities can cause the immune system to release histamines and other chemicals, leading to inflammation and flare-ups. Understanding which foods cause these reactions is crucial for managing eczema effectively.
Food Allergy, Food Intolerance and Food Sensitivity
Because the (skin) symptoms often resemble each other, it's not always immediately clear whether an allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity is involved. Therefore, I will explain this distinction.
A food allergy involves an immune reaction to a food allergen, in which the body produces IgE antibodies that trigger mast cells to release histamine. The whole body can react, and the skin may develop hives, itching, swelling, or eczema. Examples include reactions to nuts, milk, wheat, egg, and peanuts.
A food intolerance usually occurs outside the immune system and is caused by an enzyme deficiency, such as a lack of lactase needed to break down lactose (milk sugar) in dairy products, or difficulties processing fructose and FODMAPs.
A food sensitivity is a milder form of food hypersensitivity, in which reactions may occur to additives, certain foods, or histamine-containing foods (such as strawberries), without involving IgE or a clear enzyme deficiency.
The Role of Gluten in Eczema Flare-Ups
Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, has gained attention as a potential trigger for eczema in some people. While gluten intolerance or celiac disease is well-known, gluten sensitivity without celiac disease can also affect the skin.
Many eczema sufferers report worsening symptoms after consuming gluten-containing foods. This is why maintaining an eczema diary gluten can be a valuable tool. By tracking gluten intake and skin reactions, individuals can identify whether gluten contributes to their eczema flare-ups.
Gluten affects the tight junctions (TJs), or the cell-to-cell connections in the intestinal wall. Too much gluten can disrupt these TJs and cause leaky gut.Gluten may cause inflammation in the gut, which can then affect the skin through the skin-gut axis. This connection means that gut health plays a significant role in skin conditions like eczema. In my other blog post 3.1 you can find an example of a case study about eczema caused by gluten/wheat with pictures 'before & after gut treatment'.
Common Food Triggers for Eczema
Besides gluten, several other foods are commonly linked to eczema flare-ups. These include:
Dairy products: Milk (protein, casein, lactose) in milk, cheese, and yogurt can cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in some individuals.
Eggs: A frequent allergen that may worsen eczema symptoms.
Nuts and peanuts: Known allergens that can trigger skin inflammation.
Cross-allergy: People with eczema are more likely to also suffer from hay fever. If this hay fever is triggered by - for example - birch pollen they can also react to foods such as celery, apple, hazelnut, kiwi, and almond due to a related cross‑allergy known as the birch–pollen syndrome (oral allergy syndrome). This is called a cross-allergy.
Soy products: Can cause reactions in sensitive individuals.
Seafood and shellfish: Common allergens linked to eczema flare-ups.
Processed foods and additives: Artificial colors, preservatives, and flavor enhancers may aggravate eczema.
Each person’s triggers can vary, making it essential to monitor food intake carefully.
Keeping an Eczema Diary Gluten for Better Management
An eczema diary gluten is a simple but effective way to track how gluten and other foods affect your skin. Here’s how to use it:
Record daily meals and snacks: Note everything you eat, including portion sizes.
Track skin symptoms: Write down any flare-ups, itching, redness, or dryness.
Note other factors: Include stress levels, sleep quality, and environmental exposures.
Look for patterns: After several weeks, review your diary to identify foods linked to flare-ups.
Test elimination and reintroduction: Remove suspected foods like gluten for a few weeks, then reintroduce them to see if symptoms return.
This method helps personalize your eczema management plan and supports discussions with healthcare providers. A dietitian or gut therapist can also guide you in this.
Gut Health and Its Impact on Eczema
The skin and gut are closely connected through what is called the skin-gut axis. When gut health is compromised, it can lead to systemic inflammation, which may worsen eczema symptoms.
Gluten can disrupt gut barrier function in sensitive individuals, leading to increased intestinal permeability or "leaky gut." This allows inflammatory substances to enter the bloodstream and trigger immune responses affecting the skin.
Supporting gut health through a balanced diet, probiotics, and avoiding known irritants like gluten can reduce eczema flare-ups. Research from sources such as the National Eczema Association highlights the importance of gut health in managing eczema effectively.
Practical Tips to Identify and Avoid Food Triggers
Managing eczema through diet requires careful observation and planning. Here are some practical tips:
Start with an elimination diet: Remove common allergens such as gluten, dairy, and nuts for 2-4 weeks.
Keep an eczema diary gluten and other foods: Track symptoms and food intake daily.
Reintroduce foods one at a time: Wait 3-5 days between each new food to monitor reactions.
Focus on whole, unprocessed foods: Fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and gluten-free grains support skin and gut health.
Consult a healthcare professional: Work with a dermatologist or dietitian to create a safe and effective plan.
Consider allergy testing: This can help identify specific food allergies contributing to eczema.
By following these steps, you can reduce flare-ups and improve your quality of life.
Eczema flare-ups linked to food can be challenging to manage, but understanding your body's reactions is key. Using an eczema diary gluten helps uncover hidden triggers and supports better skin health. Focus on nourishing your gut and skin with wholesome foods, and seek professional guidance for personalized care. Start your eczema diary today and take control of your skin’s health.
Thank you for reading my blog post. If you'd like to learn more about the skin-gut-microbiome connection and its relationship to skin problems like acne, rosacea, and eczema, check out my book. Now available in Dutch, English, and German!
Marcelline Goyen BSc Skin Therapy and author in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an eczema diary gluten and why is it important?
An eczema diary gluten is a tool to track gluten intake and skin symptoms. It helps identify if gluten triggers eczema flare-ups, allowing for better management.
Can gluten cause eczema in people without celiac disease?
Yes, gluten sensitivity can cause inflammation and eczema symptoms even without celiac disease. Monitoring gluten intake can help determine if it affects your skin.
What other foods commonly trigger eczema?
Common triggers include dairy, eggs, tomato, nuts, soy, seafood, and processed foods. Individual triggers vary, so tracking is essential.
How does gut health affect eczema?
Poor gut health can increase inflammation through the skin-gut axis, worsening eczema. Supporting gut health can reduce flare-ups.
Should I eliminate gluten completely if I have eczema?
Not necessarily. Use an eczema diary gluten to see if gluten affects your symptoms. Consult a healthcare provider before making major dietary changes.
Focus keyword: eczema diary gluten
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