There dermatitis It's not just a matter of sensitive skin, but often the result of what we put on our plates. Certain foods, in fact, can trigger or aggravate skin problems, leading to discomforts like itching, redness, and persistent irritation. For those who suffer from dermatitis atopic, seborrheic or contact dermatitis , identifying and limiting the responsible foods can make a big difference in managing the condition.
1. Dairy products
Dairy products They are often cited as one of the main foods that can trigger or worsen dermatitis, especially in those with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies. These products contain casein and whey, two proteins that can trigger inflammatory responses in the immune system, manifesting with skin symptoms such as itching, redness, and flaking.
Another factor to consider is the presence of lactose in the Dairy products , which can cause intestinal inflammation with negative repercussions on the skin. Intestinal inflammation, in fact, alters the balance of the microbiota, compromising the body's ability to manage skin immune responses.
Lactose intolerance , characterized by the inability to properly digest milk sugar, can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms that can indirectly affect skin health. Furthermore, milk and its derivatives may contain hormones and additives that aggravate the skin's inflammatory response, contributing to the onset of dermatitis.
Dairy foods most commonly associated with dermatitis flare-ups include:
- cow's milk
- aged cheeses
- yogurt
- cream
- butter
Particular attention should be paid to fermented products, such as some types of yogurt or cheese, which may contain beneficial microorganisms but can also aggravate skin reactivity in predisposed individuals.
To reduce the risk of skin reactions, many dermatologists recommend opting for plant-based alternatives such as almond, coconut or oat milk, which do not contain milk proteins and are more digestible for the body.
2. Foods with gluten
The gluten It is a protein found in many cereals, such as wheat, barley and rye, and is often linked to skin reactions in people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. dermatitis herpetiformis It is one of the most well-known skin manifestations related to gluten intolerance, characterized by itchy rashes, blisters, and redness that can affect various areas of the body.
Chronic inflammation Gluten-induced inflammation can alter the intestinal barrier, increasing intestinal permeability and allowing toxic substances to pass into the bloodstream. This phenomenon, known as "leaky gut syndrome," has been associated with numerous inflammatory conditions, including dermatitis.
Even in non-celiac individuals, consuming foods containing gluten can contribute to the aggravation of atopic dermatitis or other inflammatory skin conditions, as gluten can negatively affect intestinal permeability, triggering a systemic inflammatory response.
Common gluten-containing foods that can contribute to the onset of dermatitis include:
- bread and baked goods
- pasta
- cookies
- breakfast cereals
- some industrial condiments and sauces
Replacing gluten-containing grains with natural alternatives like quinoa, brown rice, and millet can help improve skin health and reduce inflammation.
A gluten-free diet, under the supervision of a doctor or nutritionist, can help reduce skin symptoms and improve skin quality in people sensitive to this protein. gluten-free foods Nowadays, they are very similar in taste to those that contain this protein and, at the same time, allow you to benefit from all the advantages of its absence.
3. Foods high in histamine
Histamine Histamine is a natural chemical found in the human body and many foods, which plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response. Some people, however, have a reduced ability to metabolize it due to a deficiency of the enzyme diamine oxidase (DAO), leading to a condition known as histamine intolerance, which can manifest itself with skin symptoms such as hives, redness, and itching.
A crucial factor in managing histamine intolerance is the diet monitoring To identify foods that cause adverse reactions. Some foods may contain high concentrations of histamine, while others may act as histamine releasers, stimulating the release of this substance in the body.
Histamine-rich foods that can trigger or worsen dermatitis include:
- aged cheeses
- alcoholic beverages, especially red wine and beer
- canned fish (canned tuna, anchovies)
- sausages and processed meats
- tomatoes, spinach and aubergines
Adopting a low-histamine diet requires careful selection of fresh foods, avoiding fermented and packaged foods.
Maintaining a low-histamine diet can help reduce skin inflammation and improve food tolerance. Reducing intake of fermented, preserved, and aged foods can be a helpful step for those suffering from histamine-related dermatitis.
Please remember that in situations of extreme danger, such as anaphylactic shock, it may be necessary to take drugs against dermatitis which allow the situation to be treated effectively in the acute phase.
The power supply It plays a crucial role in managing dermatitis, and identifying the foods responsible for skin reactions is essential to reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Dairy products, foods containing gluten, and foods high in histamine are among the main triggers, and eliminating or reducing them, under medical supervision, can lead to significant benefits for skin health.
