Allergy Foods to Avoid With Eczema and Psoriasis
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Living with eczema or psoriasis means managing more than just what you put on your skin. For many people, what goes into the body can influence inflammation, itching, redness, and flare-up frequency. While food is not the root cause of eczema or psoriasis, certain allergy-triggering foods are known to worsen symptoms in susceptible individuals. Understanding which foods may contribute to inflammation can help you make more informed dietary choices and support your overall skin management routine—especially when combined with topical care and targeted products from Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies. This guide explores the most common allergy foods to avoid with eczema and psoriasis, how food sensitivities affect inflammatory skin conditions, and how to take a practical, evidence-based approach without unnecessary restriction.
How Food Allergies and Sensitivities Affect Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema and psoriasis are both inflammatory skin conditions, but they behave differently in the body.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is closely linked to immune hypersensitivity and is more commonly associated with food allergies, particularly in children. Psoriasis is an autoimmune-driven condition, where systemic inflammation plays a larger role. In both cases, certain foods can act as inflammatory triggers, increasing itch, redness, scaling, or flare severity.
Food reactions may be:
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Immediate (true food allergy)
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Delayed (food sensitivity or intolerance)
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Cumulative (low-grade inflammation over time)
Not everyone reacts to the same foods, which is why identifying common triggers is about awareness—not blanket avoidance.
Common Allergy Foods to Avoid With Eczema and Psoriasis
Dairy Products
Dairy is one of the most frequently reported trigger foods for both eczema and psoriasis.
Milk proteins such as casein and whey may provoke immune responses in sensitive individuals. Dairy can also influence insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), which may contribute to inflammatory pathways associated with psoriasis.
People who react to dairy often notice:
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Increased itching
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Redness or heat in the skin
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Worsening plaques or eczema patches
If dairy is a suspected trigger, trialling a short elimination period while maintaining proper nutrition may help identify sensitivity.
Eggs
Eggs, particularly egg whites, are a common allergen linked to eczema flare-ups, especially in children.
Egg proteins can stimulate immune reactions that aggravate skin barrier dysfunction. In adults with psoriasis, eggs may also contribute to systemic inflammation in some cases.
Symptoms may include:
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Increased itch
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New flare development
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Delayed skin healing
Egg sensitivity varies widely, so professional guidance is recommended before long-term avoidance.
Gluten-Containing Foods
Gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye, has a strong association with inflammatory skin conditions in certain individuals.
Some people with psoriasis have a higher prevalence of gluten sensitivity, even without diagnosed coeliac disease. Gluten may increase gut permeability, allowing inflammatory compounds to enter circulation and potentially worsen skin inflammation.
Foods containing gluten include:
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Bread and pastries
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Pasta
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Cereals
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Processed foods with wheat fillers
Not everyone with eczema or psoriasis needs to avoid gluten, but those who experience digestive symptoms alongside skin flares may benefit from assessment.
Soy Products
Soy is a common allergen and is frequently hidden in processed foods.
In sensitive individuals, soy may trigger immune responses that contribute to eczema flare-ups. Soy also contains compounds that can influence hormonal and inflammatory pathways.
Soy-containing foods include:
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Soy milk and tofu
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Processed meats
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Sauces and dressings
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Many packaged foods
Checking ingredient labels is essential if soy sensitivity is suspected.
Nuts and Peanuts
Tree nuts and peanuts are among the most well-known food allergens, particularly in eczema sufferers.
Nut allergies can trigger:
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Immediate itching or rashes
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Worsening eczema patches
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Systemic allergic responses in severe cases
For individuals with known nut allergies, strict avoidance is essential. For others, mild sensitivity may present as delayed skin inflammation rather than acute reactions.
Shellfish and Seafood
Shellfish such as prawns, crab, lobster, and mussels are highly allergenic and commonly reported as psoriasis triggers.
Shellfish contain high levels of iodine and histamines, which may worsen inflammatory responses in some people with psoriasis.
Reactions may include:
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Increased plaque thickness
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Redness and burning sensations
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Rapid flare onset
Not all seafood causes issues—fatty fish like salmon may actually support skin health due to omega-3 content.
Nightshade Vegetables
Nightshades include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and capsicums.
These vegetables contain alkaloids, which some people believe may contribute to inflammation and joint discomfort, particularly in psoriatic arthritis. While evidence is mixed, some individuals report symptom improvement when limiting nightshades.
This is a highly individual response and not a universal recommendation.
Processed and Ultra-Processed Foods
Highly processed foods are not traditional allergens, but they are major contributors to systemic inflammation.
These foods often contain:
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Artificial additives
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Preservatives
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Refined sugars
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Unhealthy fats
Regular consumption may worsen both eczema and psoriasis by increasing inflammatory load and impairing gut health.
Foods That May Worsen Inflammation Indirectly
Added Sugars
High sugar intake can:
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Spike insulin levels
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Promote inflammation
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Disrupt gut microbiota
This may indirectly worsen skin symptoms and slow recovery during flare-ups.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a well-documented psoriasis trigger and can also worsen eczema by dehydrating the skin and increasing inflammatory responses.
Alcohol may:
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Increase flare frequency
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Reduce treatment effectiveness
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Interfere with skin repair
Limiting or avoiding alcohol is often recommended for individuals with moderate to severe psoriasis.
Why Food Triggers Differ From Person to Person
There is no single “eczema diet” or “psoriasis diet” that works for everyone.
Triggers vary due to:
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Genetics
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Immune system differences
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Existing allergies or intolerances
A food that causes flares in one person may have no effect on another. This is why elimination diets should be short-term, structured, and supervised, rather than restrictive long-term plans.
Supporting Skin Health Beyond Diet
While identifying allergy foods to avoid with eczema and psoriasis is important, diet alone is rarely enough to control symptoms.
A comprehensive approach includes:
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Consistent topical care
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Supporting the skin barrier
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Managing inflammation
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Reducing environmental triggers
Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies offers products designed to support sensitive, inflamed skin, including moisturisers, cleansers, shampoos, and light-based therapies that complement lifestyle and dietary adjustments.
Dietary awareness works best when paired with proper skin care routines and evidence-based support tools.
When to Seek Professional Guidance
If you suspect food allergies are contributing to eczema or psoriasis symptoms, consider:
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Allergy testing through a qualified professional
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Keeping a symptom and food diary
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Seeking advice before eliminating major food groups
Self-diagnosing food allergies can lead to nutritional deficiencies and unnecessary stress.
Key Takeaways
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Food allergies and sensitivities can worsen eczema and psoriasis in some individuals
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Common trigger foods include dairy, eggs, gluten, soy, nuts, shellfish, and processed foods
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Not everyone reacts to the same foods
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Elimination should be targeted and temporary
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Skin care and topical support remain essential alongside dietary changes
Understanding your personal triggers empowers you to manage symptoms more effectively and support long-term skin health.