Eczema is a general term used to describe a chronic condition leading to the skin developing scratchy, red and dry patches on different body parts. As per the National Eczema Association, over 30 million Americans suffer from this chronic skin condition. Just like with the use of medications and creams, doctors also encourage eczema patients to avoid certain foods that may worsen the condition.

The foods to avoid are known for activating T cells release which in turn causes inflammation. Subsequently, below are the foods causing eczema flare-ups for patients to avoid:

1. Citrus fruits
There is no doubt that citrus fruits come with various nutrients including being a rich source of vitamin C. The fruits are also zesty and enjoyable. However, the fruits are also a source of Balsam of Peru which is an allergen established to worsen the situations for some eczema patients.

2. Dairy
Dairy products have been identified as one of the most common foods to result in children with eczema to witness flare-ups. Then again parents are cautioned by experts to avoid the total elimination of dairy products from the diet of a child unless he or she is suffering from severe eczema.Without consumption of dairy products like milk a child may suffer from a raft of issues such as vitamin shortages.

3. Gluten or wheat
Gluten comes from many different types of food such as wheat, barley, malt, baked goods, bread and pastries, noodles, breakfast foods, etc. The gluten from these foods is thought to cause the flaring of eczema. For eczema patients who think there is an exacerbation of the skin condition when they consume gluten foods they should instead only use gluten-free foods.

4. Soy
Soy is a common food additive and an allergen to some people. Soy can be found even in a food product least expected like chocolate and tea. There are studies that have established a close connection between eczema flare-ups and soy foods particularly in children and babies.To avoid this allergen triggering eczema flare-ups, shun food products with labels indicating the use of soy.

5. Spices
Most people tend to include the use of spices in their cooking as they lead to flavorful foods. So for people allergic to spices and are food lovers they are in a position not worthy of admiration. Common spices such as cinnamon, garlic and cloves can cause the triggering of allergic skin reactions. Spices can affect the skin through usual food consumption and even when using cosmetic products having spices.

6. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are also a prevalent cause for eczema patients to feel a skin irritation just like with citrus fruits. Note that though tomatoes may not cause the direct triggering of an allergic response it can still contribute to the flare-up experience for people with the condition.

7. Some nuts
It is a common occurrence for some nut types like peanuts to cause triggering of allergic reactions for eczema patients. If a person has developed an eczema flare-up and or painful symptoms after consuming nut or nut-based foods he or she should undergo allergy testing.

In conclusion, it must be remembered that food sensitivities are just one of the many triggers of eczema flare-ups. Other potential triggers may include stress, allergies, dry air, etc. While the common eczema symptoms are rash and itching, other potential signs and symptoms include:

• Scaly patches or rough skin
• Reddish inflamed skin
• Crusting
• Dark-colored skin patches