[Health Column] Foods Good for Atopic Dermatitis and Foods to Avoid: Do You Really Need to Be Careful About What You Eat?

Hello, this is Dr. Park Chi-young, Chief Director of Saenggi Korean Medicine Clinic Gangnam Station Branch.

When atopic dermatitis worsens, the first thing that comes to mind is the food you ate yesterday. As you make sure to eat foods recommended online and eliminate the ones advised to avoid one by one, you may find that there is actually nothing left to eat.

Rather than strictly restricting the atopic diet, Distinguishing foods that actually elicit a reaction while meeting one's necessary nutrients This is important.

Today, I will explain step-by-step the criteria for foods that are good for atopic dermatitis, and how to manage diet and treatment together when dietary restrictions are necessary.

I. Are there any specific foods or special ingredients that are good for atopic dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurring itching and skin inflammation. Various factors, including genetic predisposition, immune responses, climate and environmental stimuli, and stress, all play a role. While food can also affect some patients, It is difficult to explain atopic dermatitis with just one specific food.

When thinking of foods good for atopic dermatitis, vegetables and fruits often come to mind first, but a balanced diet of protein, carbohydrates, and fats is also necessary. You can compose your diet by adding rice and vegetables to protein foods you normally eat without problems, such as fish, lean meat, and tofu.

These foods are examples of balanced nutrition. You must exclude foods with confirmed allergies and supplement your nutrition with other foods. Focus on creating a diet that allows for a variety of foods to be consumed without difficulty, rather than on the efficacy of a single food.

II. If atopic dermatitis recurs, should I start by reducing the foods I eat?

It is difficult to immediately conclude that food is the cause just because you experienced itching after a meal. This is because you may have sweated a lot, had a restless night's sleep, or the indoor environment was dry on the same day. During periods when your skin is sensitive, you may become itchy more easily even from stimuli that would normally be tolerable.

However, if a similar reaction repeats every time you eat a specific food, verification is necessary. Name of food and time of consumption, time of symptom onset, skin changes Recording these details is helpful for medical treatment. It is also beneficial to note sleep, exercise, and alcohol consumption to identify other aggravating factors.

It is not recommended to cut out milk, eggs, and flour all at once simply because they are considered atopic foods. Especially during the growth period, unnecessary restrictions can lead to nutritional deficiencies, You must determine the restriction range after verifying the actual allergy status.

III. How does Korean traditional medicine consider the diet and treatment of atopic dermatitis together?

In Korean medicine, along with the skin condition, we examine whether digestion is comfortable after meals, whether the patient is getting enough sleep, and whether there is a combination of overwork and stress. Even within the same atopic dermatitis, the priorities in management differ depending on whether the condition is red and oozing or dry and cracked.

Even when considering herbal medicine treatment, the decision to prescribe and the direction of treatment are determined by comprehensively considering these differences, constitution, medications currently being taken, and health status. In Korean medicine, sensations of heat, dryness, and deficiency of body fluids are referenced in differential diagnosis, but We do not judge this based solely on food, nor do we apply the same prescription to all patients.

We also continue with care directly needed for the skin. Briefly wash with lukewarm water, gently pat dry, and moisturize; it is best not to leave sweat on for too long. We start by adjusting daily routines that can be sustained, such as eating regularly and ensuring sufficient sleep.

IV. Should I strictly follow the list of foods to avoid or allergy test results?

It is difficult to apply internet-based food ban lists to everyone. Rather than automatically excluding foods simply because they contain meat or flour, you should examine whether you experience recurring reactions. If you experience a distinct sensation of heat or itching after consuming spicy food or alcohol, you can adjust the quantity and frequency of consumption.

Just because an allergy test came back positive does not mean you must necessarily stop eating that food. The test results and symptoms after actual consumption must be interpreted together. Any necessary additional evaluations are determined by a specialist.

You should also avoid arbitrarily reducing your existing treatment while adding foods or health supplements that are said to be beneficial. If itching and oozing worsen during treatment, you must check not only your diet but also the state of inflammation control and the presence of infection. Rather than enduring the symptoms while considering them part of the recovery process, it is advisable to coordinate the course of treatment with your medical team.

V. When should you seek medical attention before dietary control?

If itching keeps you awake at night or if oozing and wounds recur, it is advisable to seek medical attention rather than simply enduring the situation through dietary restrictions. You should also check the child's nutritional status if they lose weight after significantly reducing food intake, or if you are concerned about their growth and food consumption.

After consuming a specific food If you experience swelling of the lips or tongue, shortness of breath, or dizziness, you need to seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not eat the food that caused this reaction again at home to check.

Atopic dermatitis management follows a process of calming acute inflammation, maintaining a stable state, and responding early to signs of recurrence. The duration of treatment varies depending on the duration of the illness, previous treatments, and lifestyle conditions. When selecting a medical institution, check whether treatment is adjusted based on clinical progress and research evidence, and whether the reasons for dietary restrictions and nutritional alternatives are explained.

🍵 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Do I have to eat foods that are good for atopic dermatitis every day?

You do not need to eat specific foods every day. Since allergies and digestive conditions vary from person to person, it is best to include a variety of foods that you can eat without issues.

Q2. Should I stop eating milk and eggs for now?

If you have consumed food without any issues in the past, we do not impose blanket restrictions solely on the grounds of having atopic dermatitis. Since individual responses and nutritional requirements vary, please consult a doctor to determine whether restrictions are necessary if you suspect an allergy.

Q3. How long does it take to see improvement after changing my diet?

It is difficult to determine the exact duration as it varies depending on whether food plays a role in symptoms and the current level of inflammation. Considering individual differences, existing treatments must be continued while monitoring dietary records and skin progress.

Q4. If my skin improves, can I eat the foods I used to avoid again?

It depends on the reason for the restriction. Since allergy risks vary by individual, you should consult a specialist and not arbitrarily resume eating foods restricted due to allergies, even if your skin condition has improved.

🌿 Wrapping up

The starting point of an atopic diet is not increasing the number of foods to avoid, but Checking if your current diet is sufficient and balanced Even foods that are good for atopic dermatitis must be suitable for your allergies and digestive condition.

If you suspect a connection between specific foods and your symptoms, keep a record to verify and make adjustments as needed. Even after your skin has stabilized, it is recommended to continue moisturizing, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a regular diet while monitoring for any changes.

If you are afraid to eat due to food or if your skin symptoms persist, please consult with medical professionals to determine the appropriate treatment and dietary guidelines for you.