Eczema has different causes. Some people experience eczema flare-ups due to eating or coming in contact with certain foods. There is no definite list of which foods cause eczema since eczema is a highly individualized condition. Foods that bother one person with eczema may not affect another person with eczema.

Even though it would be impossible to compile an exact list of which foods cause eczema, there are some common triggers for eczema rashes. Many people with eczema develop skin irritations when they consume or handle seafood, nuts, eggs, milk, dairy products, acidic fruits, wheat products, soy, chemical food additives, preservatives, and food coloring.

If individuals discover which foods cause eczema for them, then they should avoid handling those foods. Not every person with eczema is sensitive to foods. Though eczema tends to run in families, the allergens for one family member can be different than for another family member. One family member may get an eczema rash when they handle certain foods while others may not have any sensitivity related to food.

Food allergies and eczema are completely different disorders though they are both caused by hypersensitive immune system. A food allergy can cause hives, not eczema. Hives are swollen, red bumps that may appear in patches on the skin. Eczema causes a rash that is characterized by dry, flaky skin. Since both eczema and food allergies are caused by an oversensitive immune system, a person may have both conditions. Both conditions are hereditary and may be present in the family of someone with eczema.

Food allergies are caused by the ingestion of foods that the immune system mistakes as a foreign invader. Atopic dermatitis, the most common type form of eczema, is caused by allergens coming in contact with the skin. Therefore, a person who has eczema and is sensitive to foods can develop an eczema rash just by handling those foods. People with food allergies can usually handle the foods without getting hives or any other signs of an allergic reaction.

If people with eczema suspect that they are having reactions to food, they may want to avoid handling the foods on the list of foods that can cause eczema. After avoiding the foods, they can reintroduce the foods one at a time while watching for reactions. Before introducing additional foods, they should allow time for one to show a reaction. If people with eczema have concerns about food sensitivity or eczema, they should consult their doctor.