Neurodermatitis nutrition - what to look for, kanyo®

Eggs, milk and peanuts are the most common culprits when it comes to food allergies. In the case of neurodermatitis too, certain foods are suspected of promoting skin irritation or causing increased itching. Therefore, nutrition plays an important role in many neurodermatitis patients. But how sensible it is to change your diet?

Triggering factors of neurodermatitis

In neurodermatitis, there is a hypersensitivity reaction, that is, to certain environmental influences the immune system reacts sensitively. In the case of neurodermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, there is a disorder in that actually harmless foreign substances are classified as a hazard. Together with other factors, the following picture of the most common triggers results:

Irritants like wool
Stress or other mental stress
infections
Environmental factors
Allergies to pollen, dust mites or food

The reaction of the immune system to these influences is usually shown by reddened, oozing skin areas, dandruff and blisters. In addition, there is often an excruciating itching sensation. As a rule, neurodermatitis occurs in the facial area, the scalp or on the extended sides of the arms and legs.

Neurodermatitis as a "permanent condition"

Some children react to certain foods with neurodermatitis flare-ups, while others have no connection between illness and diet. But how do you go as a mother or a father? with the Diagnosis of eczema around? And what helps? In the podcast, Mama Anita reports on the small and large challenges of everyday life with a child suffering from neurodermatitis.

Low allergen diet for neurodermatitis

What role food allergies play in the emergence and development of Playing atopic dermatitis is not entirely clear. Not every neurodermatitis skin is affected after eating selected foods. What is certain, however, is that 30 to 40 percent of all children react with neurodermatitis with a certain diet with increased itching. 1 First and foremost on the list of suspected foods Wheat products, milk and peanuts – Food that is one of the typical food allergens.

The following are also possible:

chicken egg
fish
Meat, especially pork
Fruits and fruits such as strawberries, currants, kiwis, peaches, gooseberries and citrus fruits
Vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers and soybeans
nuts
Sugar and other sweeteners
Additives such as dyes or preservatives

In general, it applies to neurodermatitis patients that these foods can, but do not have to, trigger a reaction. While one food causes the skin to deteriorate in one person, it can improve the complexion in another. A general one Statement on nutritional therapy is not possible with it.

Consistent exclusion: keep a food diary

If there is a suspicion that eczema deteriorates or breaks out when eating certain foods, it is advisable to avoid them – often a partial aspect in the treatment of eczema. In order to find out which parts of the diet worsen the relapses, only step-by-step omission of the food helps, based on the principle of exclusion.

Tip: Avoid eating finished products during this time. On the one hand, the ingredients contained are often not adequately declared. On the other hand, the many additives make it difficult to determine the incompatible food.

With such an omission or elimination diet, the goal is to determine the negative nutritional influences on neurodermatitis. Usually you start with the Menu of only a few, unsuspicious foods limit. Gradually, new foods are added and it is observed whether a reaction takes place.
To keep an overview, you can keep a food diary – a normal pocket calendar is ideal for this. On the one hand you keep your eating habits, which foods you have eaten and on the other hand those corresponding skin reactions detailed. So after a while you can find out whether the appearance of your neurodermatitis changes due to milk, eggs and the like.

Before changing your diet, it is advisable to ask a doctor or allergist for advice. You can also get support from a nutritionist.

Does a diet make sense in children?

In principle, children with neurodermatitis can also be tried to find out which diet is suitable and which skin irritation is causing. However, it should be noted that foods to which the child has an allergic reaction today can be "fully grown" again in a few months. A diet in children should therefore only be carried out in consultation with a doctor or allergist and checked regularly.

Long breastfeeding as a preventive measure against allergies?

Parents whose families are known to have allergies are often advised to breastfeed the child for as long as possible – at least six months – to prevent allergy. This is to prevent the newborns from coming into contact with foreign substances early on. In addition, the children receive protective substances through breast milk. As an alternative to breastfeeding, parents can use special baby food that has a lower allergy risk. Whether these so-called hypoallergenic products (HA food) are suitable – and if so which product – should be inquired in consultation with a pediatrician.

Only at the end of the fourth to sixth month of life should the feeding of porridge begin slowly. At the same time, breastfeeding should continue. As an alternative, mothers who cannot or do not want to breastfeed themselves should use industrially manufactured infant formula. Be careful not to introduce too many new foods at once. The newborn’s body first has to get used to the new food. Avoiding allergenic foods is no guarantee of this, that the child never develops an allergy.

The change in diet can also cause skin irritation in children without atopic dermatitis: A sore bottom or small pimples around the mouth are not yet a cause for concern; these irritations usually disappear on their own. Sometimes the symptoms of children with eczema can worsen after the introduction of complementary foods. If these do not go away after a few days, this can be an indication of a food allergy. In this case, you should see a doctor.