It’s winter and we all experience dry itchy skin. This is a temporary condition that can be resolved by using a milk-based soap and moisturizing lotion. But there are few people who have chronic itching and dry and scaly skin that lasts all year round. This is known as eczema. There are many types of eczema that you may see, but atopic eczema is more common in the general population. Read on to learn about the Indian diet for atopic dermatitis and eczema, tips and foods to avoid.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes skin inflammation, redness, and irritation. It is often seen in childhood. However, it can also occur in adults. This skin disorder is not contagious, so it is not spread by touch.
Atopic dermatitis has 2 stages.
- Flaming up. There is severe itching, redness, inflammation, dry scaly skin
- Remission: There is a point where the skin will not be itchy, dry or inflamed. The skin looks very normal.
Atopic dermatitis often disappears by the time a child turns 18. But it is not certain that eczema will heal on its own. It may remain for the rest of your life or may resolve at puberty.
Eczema symptoms
- Dry red spots on the skin
- Skin inflammation
- Skin itches and bleeds if scratched
- Skin thickening
- Darkening of the skin around the eyes
Usually these symptoms will disappear on their own or after applying a moisturizing lotion. But if the symptoms still persist, it is better to seek professional help for symptomatic relief.
The reasons Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Complications from Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Neurodermatitis. It develops a dry itchy skin pathway. When you scratch it, the itch gets worse. Chronic itching and scratching will make the affected area look discolored, thick and leathery.
- Contact dermatitis. It occurs when a person touches a substance that causes an allergic reaction.
- Prone to skin infections. The area of ​​skin with permanent scratches is exposed to environmental bacteria and viruses. These infections can cause serious complications if left untreated.
- Discoloration of the skin. The affected area of ​​skin either loses color or becomes darker than the original skin. This is called hyper or hypopigmentation.
- Food allergy. Along with dermatitis, people are more prone to food allergies. This is mainly due to low immunity.
- Psychological consequence. A person may suffer from depression or anxiety due to the illness. The constant fear of allergies and itching can also disrupt sleep and cause sleep problems.
Prevention Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
Eczema cannot be cured. But you can always try to reduce the impact of flare-ups or minimize the impact of allergies.
- Use a moisturizer. Dry skin causes an itchy reaction. Use milk-based lotions, creams, shea butter, petroleum jelly, or whatever works best for your skin. Apply twice a day to avoid dryness. Use fragrance-free, essential oil-free and mild products.
- Take a shower regularly. Take a shower twice a day with lukewarm water. Avoid hot water and long showers as they can dry out your skin. Take a quick shower, dry your body and apply moisturizer. Avoid rubbing the skin while showering or drying the body.
- Use mild soap. Use soap that is unscented and does not contain harmful oils, dyes, or alcohol. Babies don’t need soap. Just a warm water bath is enough.
- Avoid using scented products directly on the skin. Avoid using deodorants, body mists, antiperspirants, perfumes, etc.
Triggers are subjective to each individual. You need to identify your triggers and act accordingly. Along with medication and the above tips, you can change your diet. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Indian Diet, Tips and Foods to Avoid to Control Eczema and Reduce Symptoms.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) Indian diet
Here is a list of foods to include and avoid for atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Foods to include for eczema
Along with a healthy diet that contains adequate carbohydrates, proteins and fats, include the foods listed below.
- Foods rich in Omega 3. Omega 3 helps reduce inflammation caused by eczema. Include foods rich in omega-3s in your daily diet, such as fish, nuts, olive oil, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and canola oil.
- Probiotics. Include cottage cheese, buttermilk, or other probiotics like sauerkraut, miso, or tempeh in your daily diet. Probiotics improve gut health, boost immunity and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Foods rich in antioxidants. Foods rich in flavonoids help boost immunity. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and prevent skin dryness. Include foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and dark green leafy vegetables.
- Vitamin E. Vitamin E, when used in sufficient amounts, helps keep the skin hydrated and prevents dryness. It helps reduce skin inflammation and prevents skin cracks. It also helps in reducing skin darkening and discoloration. Include nuts like almonds, walnuts, Brazil nuts, pine nuts, and seeds like pumpkin and sunflower seeds.
- Water. Skin hydration is extremely important. A hydrated body prevents the skin from drying out and does not cause itching. Drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day in winter, and 3-4 liters in summer.
Foods to include for eczema
- Foods you are allergic to Make a list of the foods you used before the allergy. Eliminate those foods and add them one by one. Check if any of these foods can cause allergies. Following a low food map diet can be helpful if you are allergic to many foods.
- Some spices. Some spices can cause allergic reactions, such as cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves or cloves.
- Carbonated drinks. Carbonated drinks such as cola and sports drinks can cause allergic reactions.
- Nuts. Nuts such as peanuts, pine nuts or almonds can cause allergies. Try removing them from your diet and introducing them slowly to see if you have a nut allergy.
- Egg. Some may be allergic to raw eggs or even cooked eggs. Avoid eggs if you are in a flare-up.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) Indian diet
Here is an example of an Indian diet for atopic dermatitis (eczema).
Empty stomach. Soaked nuts (almonds, walnuts, dates, black raisins and chia seeds)
Breakfast. 2 small moong dal chilla pizzas topped with veggies + 1 glass of Lassi
In the middle of the morning. 1 fruit (100-150 g)
Lunch. 1 cup salad + 2 chapatis + ½ cup rice + 1 cup vegetables + 1 cup Dal or pulse + 1 cup curd or 100 grams Fish or chicken
Appetizers. 1 spinach bean roll (In chapati) with curd basil
Supper: 1 cup of Vegetable Soup + 1 cup of Pulao or Biryani or Dalia or Rice + 1 cup of Dark Green Leafy Vegetables + 1 cup of Curd
A final note
It is important to identify your triggers and avoid them to prevent any flare-ups of your condition. Don’t panic, but act fast and smart. I hope these Indian Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema Diet Tips and Foods to Avoid help you feel better. If the symptoms are very severe, a personalized diet will help you better in the long run. Please visit our services if you want to use it.