Can certain foods make eczema worse?

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    Last Updated: May 16, 2025

    Approximately one-third of children with eczema have food allergies that can exacerbate their symptoms, and common allergens include cow's milk, hen's eggs, peanuts, soy, nuts, and fish. However, there is limited evidence that exclusion diets are beneficial for adults and children with eczema.

    About one-third of children with eczema have a food allergy, and eating certain foods will make their symptoms of eczema worse. Some of the most common food allergies include cow’s milk, hen’s eggs, peanut, soy, nuts, and fish.[1] Interestingly, there is little evidence that exclusion diets have any benefit for adults and children with eczema.[2]