Tracy Norris
Neurodermatitis patients often cannot tolerate certain foods. These foods are harmful and they can help with neurodermatitis.
There are no neurodermatitis diets that alleviate the symptoms in all patients. Rather, doctors look for the right diet for neurodermatitis according to individual intolerances. Such products should then be avoided: a rule that also applies to babies and toddlers. All important information.
What is neurodermatitis?
Neurodermatitis, also known as atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, is an inflammatory skin disease. Scaly, red, itchy rashes appear. The flexor sides of the arms and legs are usually affected, but the neck and hands are also affected. Atopic dermatitis can occur in babies or small children if there are genetic risk factors. The symptoms are caused by allergens, chemicals, heat or cold, but also certain foods. There are many things to consider when it comes to nutrition for neurodermatitis.
Are there special neurodermatitis diets?
Diet can play a major role in neurodermatitis. There is no one-size-fits-all diet for neurodermatitis because everyone affected reacts differently to certain foods. Doctors test this with provocation tests. You shouldn’t go on a diet on your own. It can be useful to keep a food diary. Food and drinks are noted, including possible changes in symptoms. Anyone who consumes finished products should pay attention to the list of ingredients. Many industrially manufactured product contains substances that you would not think of. However, a food diary is not limited to food and drink. It should also include information about other possible triggers, such as the weather, stress, or new personal care products. All this is documented for at least two, better three to four weeks.
Which foods should you avoid if you have neurodermatitis?
In the case of neurodermatitis, however, there are foods to which many – not all – patients react.
These include:
- Nuts of all kinds, often peanuts,
- soy products,
- Various types of fruit, especially strawberries, bananas, apples, pears, peaches,
- Various types of vegetables, especially tomatoes, carrots, celery, various beans or legumes,
- Finished products (convenience products) with additives,
- Protein-rich products such as milk, dairy products, chicken eggs, meat or fish,
- Foods that are rich in histamines, such as cheese or wine.
- Which foods are suitable for neurodermatitis?
- Diet for neurodermatitis is not easy when you have to avoid many foods.
However, some ingredients are rarely or never associated with neurodermatitis:
- Meat: turkey, lamb
- Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, cucumber
- Side dish: rice
- Drinks: mineral water, black tea, also sweetened
- Fats: margarine without additives or refined vegetable oils
- Salt
Eczema in babies – what does the diet look like?
Whether a child gets neurodermatitis is largely hereditary. Diet during pregnancy has no effect. Even breastfeeding does not protect against neurodermatitis. Studies show that only one in three babies or toddlers with eczema suffers from food allergies. Doctors can test for this, and allergy triggers should be avoided. This is often only necessary for a certain period because the body sometimes develops a tolerance. It, therefore, makes sense to screen children for food allergies at longer intervals, about every one to two years. There are no general recommendations for nutrition in neurodermatitis, even for children.
