An estimated one out of 10 people will develop eczema at some point in their lifetime.
Although it typically starts in early childhood, eczema can occur at any age.
One of the first things a person with eczema is often told to do is to avoiddairy.
Lechatnoir / Getty Images
Lechatnoir / Getty Images
Whats the Connection Between Eczema and Dairy?
Up to 30% of people with eczema also have afood allergy.
Dairy is a commonallergen, so consuming it may worsen symptoms if you’re allergic.
Because many people believe dairy foods causeinflammation, it is often restricted or avoided by people following this diet.
Is All Dairy Off-Limits for Eczema?
Dairy foods are rich in calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein.
Although once considered rare, vitamin D deficiency is common in the United States.
Treatment involves eliminating suspicious foods from the diet and gradually reintroducing them.
This should always be done under close medical supervision.
Foods That Cause Eczema
It doesn’t appear that any particular foods cause eczema.
This can trigger an eczema flare-up.
Additionally, some research shows that yogurt consumption during pregnancy decreases the risk of atopic dermatitis in offspring.
Other studies suggest eating yogurt daily can reduce markers of inflammation, especially in people who are overweight.
Fermented dairy also has other health benefits.
Types of Fermented Dairy
Various fermented dairy products may be beneficial for your eczema and overall health.
One of the easiest ways is by eating more yogurt that contains live, active cultures.
What Kind of Dairy Foods Should I Feed My Baby?
Both kefir and yogurt are good, easy-to-digest fermented dairy foods for babies.
You may actually notice improvements in your condition after eating more fermented dairy products.
Good sources of fermented dairy products include kefir, yogurt, fermented cottage cheese, and cultured sour cream.
A Word From Verywell
Foods from the dairy group provide many important nutrients.
In fact, fermented dairy is rich in probiotics and may actually help improve symptoms of eczema.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend topical steroid creams or medical moisturizers to treat eczema.
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National Eczema Association.Everything you should probably know about eczema and food allergies.
2021;40(6):571-582. doi:10.1080/07315724.2020.1800532
American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology.Food allergy and eczema.
Harvard Medical School.Vitamin D and your health: Breaking old rules, raising new hopes.
National Eczema Society.Babies and eczema.
Dhar S, Srinivas S.Food allergy in atopic dermatitis.Indian J Dermatol.
2018;120(11):1288-1297. doi: 10.1017/S0007114518002830
