Does Food Allergy Cause Eczema?
Understanding Your Child’s Skin.
As a paediatric allergist and immunologist, I meet many worried parents who wonder if their child's eczema is caused by something they're eating. It's completely natural to look for a cause when you see your little one struggling with itchy, inflamed skin. Let me share what we know from the latest research and my experience caring for children with both eczema and food allergies.
The Short Answer: It's Complicated (But Not How You Might Think)
Here's what might surprise you: eczema is not caused by food allergies. Instead, eczema is a condition your child is born with – it's part of how their skin is made. Think of it like having blue eyes or curly hair; it's simply how their body works.
However, in some children who already have eczema, certain foods can make their skin flare up. This is different from causing the eczema in the first place.
Understanding Eczema: Your Child's Unique Skin
Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) affects about 1 in 5 Australian children. Children with eczema have skin that:
Doesn't hold moisture as well as it should
Has gaps in its protective barrier
Tends to overreact to everyday things like soap, heat, or scratchy clothes
Eczema often runs in families and is linked to genes that affect how the skin barrier works. If you or your partner had eczema, asthma, or hay fever as children, your little one is more likely to have sensitive skin too.
The Food Connection: What Parents Need to Know
While food doesn't cause eczema, here's where it gets interesting:
For Most Children with Eczema
Research shows that fewer than 30% of children with eczema have any food triggers at all. This means that for most children, changing their diet won't improve their skin.
When Food Might Be Involved
In some children, particularly those with moderate to severe eczema that doesn't improve with good skin care, certain foods might trigger flare-ups. The most common culprits in young children are:
Egg
Cow's milk
Wheat
Soy
Peanuts
But here's the crucial part: even in these children, avoiding the food won't cure the eczema – it will just help reduce flare-ups.
Why Restricted Diets Can Do More Harm Than Good
I often see families who've put their child on very restricted diets hoping to cure eczema. Unfortunately, this approach can:
Lead to nutritional deficiencies affecting growth and development
Make social situations difficult (birthday parties, childcare)
Actually increase the risk of developing food allergies later
Cause unnecessary stress for the whole family
As noted by Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, unnecessary food restrictions can significantly impact a child's quality of life without improving their skin condition.
The Right Approach: Evidence-Based Care
So what should you do if your child has eczema? Here's the approach recommended by leading allergy specialists:
1. Start with Good Skin Care
Regular moisturising (2-3 times daily)
Gentle, fragrance-free products that do not contain any food products
Lukewarm baths
Appropriate use of prescribed treatments
2. Consider Allergy Testing Only When Needed
Testing should be done if:
Your child has immediate reactions to foods (hives, vomiting, swelling, difficulty breathing)
3. Work with a Specialist
Random allergy testing without proper interpretation can be misleading. Many children will test positive to foods they can actually eat without problems. That's why it's important to work with a paediatric allergist who can:
Interpret test results in context
Distinguish between true allergies and false positives
Create a safe, practical management plan
Support proper nutrition for growing children
Early Introduction: Prevention is Key
Here's something exciting: research now shows that introducing common allergy-causing foods early (around 6 months) can actually help prevent food allergies in children with eczema. Current guidelines recommend not delaying the introduction of any foods, including those commonly associated with allergies.
When to Seek Help
Consider seeing a paediatric allergist if your child has:
Eczema that isn't improving with regular treatment
Suspected reactions to foods
Severe eczema starting before 3 months of age
Eczema along with poor weight gain or growth
A Message of Hope
I want you to know that with the right approach, most children with eczema can have comfortable, healthy skin. While we can't change the fact that your child has sensitive skin, we can work together to:
Identify and manage any true food triggers
Optimise skin care routines
Ensure proper nutrition
Help your family live confidently without unnecessary restrictions
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. As both a paediatric allergist and immunologist with over 11 years of experience, I've helped hundreds of families navigate these challenges. My approach combines the latest evidence-based medicine with practical strategies that work for real families.
Taking the Next Step
If you're concerned about your child's eczema or wondering about food allergies, I'm here to help. Together, we can develop a clear, practical plan that's right for your child and your family.
Dr. Gabby Mahoney
Paediatric Allergist & Immunologist
Consultant at MACCS, Royal Children's Hospital, and Sunshine Hospital
Resources for Parents:
Would you like to discuss your child's eczema and any concerns about food allergies? Book a consultation to get expert, personalised advice for your family.