In Ireland, 1 in 5 children and 1 in 12 adults suffer from eczema. Eczema is a condition where the skin may become dry, itchy, scaly, and inflamed, and is more prone to infection as a result. There are various types and there is no cure, but it can be managed and controlled.
Eczema can be triggered by various factors including soaps, cosmetics, toiletries, fragrances, tobacco smoke, detergents, temperature changes, allergens such as mould and mites, emotional stress, and food, among others. It is important to be thorough, persistent, and patient in identifying the main triggers.
Cow’s milk, eggs, chicken, food colourings, and nuts are the most common food triggers for eczema. A particular culprit, Tartrazine, or food colouring E102, is mainly found on commercial food products that have an artificial yellow, green, or blue colour. Examples of these foods are: desserts, sweets, soft drinks and cordials, snacks, condiments, spreads, and other highly processed food. o.
A nutritional therapist can help with advice on healthy and nutritious alternatives to known food triggers, as well as assessing if your diet contains essential nutrients for healthy skin such as vitamin C, Omega 3 fatty acids, and vitamin E.
This information has been brought to you by Nutritional Therapist, Karla Bohan, who specialises in weight management & sports nutrition.
