The 13th September marks the start of National Eczema Week, a time to raise awareness of the challenges families face when living with this chronic skin condition, which can often be very painful, itchy and uncomfortable. As any parent of a child with eczema knows, flare-ups can affect not only skin but also sleep, confidence, and everyday routines. Hanna Sillitoe, author, skincare expert, and mum herself, has spent more than a decade sharing her own journey of overcoming severe eczema, psoriasis, and acne through natural approaches. Now, with a global skincare and supplements business under the same name, she now supports thousands of families worldwide with practical advice on skin-friendly nutrition, gut health, soothing skincare, and lifestyle changes that can make a real difference.
Here, Hanna shares her tips on how to understand eczema food triggers in babies and children.
Understanding eczema and food triggers: A parent’s guide
As parents, we’re always on high alert when it comes to our children’s health, especially when managing a condition like eczema. The itching, irritation, and restless nights can feel never-ending, and it’s natural to wonder: “Could something my child is eating be making their skin worse?”
The short answer is: it’s very possible. Research* suggests that as many as 8 in 10 people with eczema also have a food allergy or sensitivity, which shows just how much diet can influence flare-ups. And anecdotally, we hear from a huge number of customers on a daily basis who tell us that what they eat directly affects their skin flare-ups. That doesn’t mean food is always the cause though - eczema is a complex condition, and triggers can also include things like stress, soap, pets, or even the weather. But for many families, paying closer attention to what goes on the plate can be a real turning point in managing symptoms.
Allergy vs. food sensitivity: What’s the difference?
Firstly, understanding the difference between allergies and sensitivities can make it easier to spot what’s happening in your child’s body:
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Food allergies happen when the immune system reacts as if a harmless food is dangerous. Symptoms usually appear quickly and can range from hives and swelling to more serious reactions that affect breathing. These should always be discussed with your child’s doctor.
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Food intolerances or sensitivities aren’t usually life-threatening, but they can still cause real discomfort. Think stomach cramps, bloating, or headaches, sometimes hours after eating the food. In children with eczema, these reactions may also appear on the skin as itching or a flare-up.
Why a food diary helps
Because reactions don’t always show up right away, it can be tricky to make the connection between food and skin. This is where a food diary comes in. Writing down what your child eats each day alongside notes on their skin condition can reveal surprising patterns. For example, you might notice that flare-ups often follow pizza night (pointing to cheese, tomato, or gluten as possible culprits).
Keeping a diary not only helps you spot these links but also gives your child’s doctor or dermatologist valuable information. Together, you can use this record to make informed decisions about whether it’s worth trying an elimination diet or allergy testing.
10 common foods that may worsen eczema
Understanding the most common dietary triggers gives you a clearer starting point when managing eczema. The list below highlights 10 of the most common ones. Think of it as a helpful guide rather than a checklist, your child may react to several of these foods, just one, or none at all. It might be an allergy or more of a sensitivity. Use it to guide your observations, support discussions with your doctor, and help you feel less alone as you navigate the ups and downs of eczema management.
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Dairy – Milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream are common triggers. Many parents find that switching to plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk helps.
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Eggs – Eggs are one of the most common childhood food allergens, especially in babies and toddlers. In fact, research shows that infants with eczema are nearly six times more likely to develop an egg allergy compared to those without eczema*.
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Balsam of Peru – This fragrance ingredient, made from tree bark, can sneak into toiletries and foods. It includes chemicals similar to those in citrus, which can irritate skin. Be cautious with lip balms, soaps, mouthwash, and even Tiger Balm.
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Tomatoes - a healthy food for many families, but for children with eczema they can sometimes be problematic. That’s because tomatoes (along with other nightshade vegetables like potatoes, peppers, and aubergines) naturally contain compounds such as alkaloids, salicylates, and amines, which can cause the immune system to go into overdrive.
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Oranges & citrus fruits – Packed with salicylates and amines, citrus often provokes eczema flares.
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MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) – Common in processed savory foods, MSG has been linked to skin reactions, asthma, and headaches. Many kids unknowingly react to flavour enhancers in packaged foods.
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Peanuts & tree nuts – These are frequent allergens and may cause severe reactions in some children. Even mild reactions can make eczema worse by adding extra inflammation and irritation to already sensitive skin. Interestingly, children with eczema can sometimes become allergic to peanuts through skin exposure rather than ingestion. For example, peanut oils or products that come into contact with broken skin can sensitise the immune system. This “skin-first” pathway explains why eczema and a peanut allergy often occur together.
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Soy - a product of soybeans and considered a common food allergy. A soy allergy often starts in infancy, with reactions to soy-based infant formula. Although most children grow out of it, some carry the allergy into adulthood.
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Wheat & gluten - Like many other skin conditions, eczema has long been associated with gluten sensitivity. This 2015 study looked at people with non-coeliac gluten sensitivity who struggled with skin problems. The study noted that participants’ skin improved significantly within about one month when they adopted a gluten-free diet.
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Sugar - foods high in refined sugar can be a likely suspect in eczema flare-ups. Eczema is considered an 'inflammatory skin condition' and sugar causes our insulin levels to spike, which in turn can result in inflammation.
I hope this is a useful starting point if you are struggling with eczema in your family. Hanna and her team are always available to offer advice, support, or just a listening ear at support@hannasillitoe.com. For more practical tips, head over to her blog: Hanna Sillitoe Blog. And, if you’re looking for gentle, eczema-friendly skincare for little ones, check out Freddie’s First range, specially formulated to care for babies and children with sensitive skin.
Author: Hanna Sillitoe
*Source: The Lancet
*Source: PubMed