Food and Eczema
While eczema (atopic dermatitis) has multiple causes including genetics and environmental factors, some people find that certain foods can trigger or worsen their symptoms. Research suggests a link between diet and eczema in some individuals.
A food diary helps you:
- Identify personal triggers: Discover which foods may precede flare-ups
- Track delayed reactions: Skin reactions can occur hours or days after eating
- Monitor patterns: See if certain foods consistently correlate with symptoms
- Share with specialists: Provide detailed records for dermatologist appointments
- Guide dietary experiments: Track results when eliminating or reintroducing foods
Important: Eczema should be diagnosed and managed by a dermatologist or GP. NutraSafe is a food diary and symptom tracker — not a medical app. Always consult a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes.
Commonly Reported Food Triggers
Dairy Products
Milk, cheese, butter, and yoghurt are among the most commonly reported dietary triggers for some eczema sufferers
Eggs
Both egg whites and egg yolks may trigger reactions in some individuals with eczema
Wheat & Gluten
Some people report improvements when reducing wheat and gluten-containing foods
Soya
Soya is a common allergen that may affect some people with eczema
Nuts
Tree nuts and peanuts are known allergens that can trigger skin reactions
Food Additives
Some preservatives, colourings, and flavourings may worsen symptoms in sensitive individuals
How NutraSafe Helps Track Eczema
Log Every Meal
Scan barcodes or search for foods to log what you eat. NutraSafe shows complete ingredient lists, helping you identify potential allergens and additives in packaged foods.
Record Skin Symptoms
When flare-ups occur, log them with details: affected areas, severity (mild, moderate, severe), and characteristics (itching, redness, dryness). Note timing relative to recent meals.
Check for Allergens
NutraSafe checks products for the 14 major allergens (milk, eggs, wheat, soya, nuts, etc.) — many of which are commonly associated with eczema triggers.
Spot Patterns
Over time, NutraSafe helps surface correlations between foods eaten and skin symptoms. Share your food diary with your dermatologist for more informed discussions.
Tips for Using a Food Diary
Be Consistent
Log every meal and snack, even on good skin days. Patterns only emerge with consistent, complete data over several weeks.
Note Timing
Record when you eat and when symptoms appear. Reactions can be delayed by hours or even days, so timing information is valuable.
Include Hidden Ingredients
Use NutraSafe's barcode scanner to capture complete ingredient lists. Hidden ingredients like milk powder, egg lecithin, or soya may appear in unexpected products.
Track Severity
Rate flare-ups consistently (mild, moderate, severe) so you can identify whether certain foods cause worse reactions than others.
Start Your Eczema Food Diary
Track meals, log skin symptoms, and identify potential dietary triggers with a UK food diary app.
Download Free on iOSFrequently Asked Questions
For some people, certain foods may trigger or worsen eczema symptoms. Common reported triggers include dairy, eggs, wheat, soya, and nuts. However, food triggers vary between individuals and not everyone with eczema has dietary triggers.
Dermatologists typically recommend keeping a food diary for 4-6 weeks to identify patterns. Skin reactions can be delayed, so consistent daily tracking is important for spotting correlations.
No. NutraSafe is a food diary and symptom tracker. Eczema should be diagnosed and managed by a dermatologist or GP. The app helps you track patterns to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Always check the label. NutraSafe helps you spot potential triggers and track reactions — but ingredients change and cross-contamination varies by batch. The packaging is your source of truth.