Up to 30% of the world's population suffers from one type of eczema or another. Some of the nine common types are caused by contact, some by occupational exposure. All are believed to be allergic reactions to stimuli, whether those are detergents, UV rays (such as sunlight), or foods, for example. Food allergies are among the most common underscores of eczema.

Common Foods to Avoid

Many people have allergies to certain foods, but the eczema sufferer experiences more drastic reactions to food allergens than non-sufferers do. As of April 2010, no all-inclusive list exists to inform eczema sufferers what exact food items may cause an allergic reaction manifesting itself as eczema. The person gains information generally after the fact-when a food allergy causes an outbreak.

Some of the more common food allergies are:

Shellfish: Seafood that is contained within or wear a shell--crabs, lobsters, shrimp predominantly.

Cow's milk: Not only the liquid but all dairy products containing cow's milk, such as most butters, cheeses, and some sauces, for example.

Eggs: Mostly chicken eggs but may extend to other fowl eggs, as well. Those allergic to chicken eggs must take special precautions against standard vaccines that use chicken eggs in the vaccine's incubation process.

Seasonings and garnishes: garlic, leeks, chives, and onions; may either cause an allergic reaction or escalate eczema itching and rashes.

Fruits: Most commonly, the rinds of oranges, lemons, and especially mangos, though they may cause phototoxicity, which contributes to reactions to UV rays from sunlight and some kinds of light bulbs.

Weeds: Weeds often carry or generate allergens such as ragweed or pollen; contact with or inhalation of weed-related allergens often aggravate eczema itching and skin rashes and blisters.

Nuts: Walnuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, as well as others.

Other Irritants

When combined with additional or alternate causes, allergic reactions to food allergens often magnify and intensify, causing extreme discomfort, even pain, not easily treated without special effort and tremendous inconvenience to the sufferer.

Because there is no cure yet for eczema or dermatitis, the sufferer can only treat each outbreak as it occurs and carefully attempt to avoid exacerbating episodes that currently exist.