Living with a skin condition like eczema can cause discomfort, especially in the summer when your flare-ups may be more aggressive due to the humid heat. But did you know that the summer treats you enjoy indulging in may also be the cause of your itchy, and often painful flare-ups? If not, let us break down three treats you should avoid this summer.
1. Milkshakes
“Dairy is a common trigger when it comes to skin conditions from acne to eczema, so, unfortunately, milkshakes may be off the summer shopping list,” Zoë Palmer-Wright, nutritional therapist at YorkTest says. “When diagnosed with eczema, often one of the first things a person is told is to try to avoid dairy products. Food intolerances can lead to inflammatory reactions of the immune system which can cause skin flare-ups.”
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Alternative to try: We know how tasty milkshakes can be, so if you don’t want to do without them altogether, try making them with a plant-based alternative. From oat milk to almond or cashew milk, there is no shortage of options to choose from.
RELATED: Could a Non-Dairy Diet Cure Your Skin Problems?
2. Beer
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Whether you are attending a summer BBQ or a summer festival, having an alcoholic beverage such as beer is a refreshing treat on a hot summer day, however, it is best to steer clear of them if they contain gluten.
“This one may be the hardest one to accept, but most alcoholic drinks contain gluten, which is a big no-no for some eczema sufferers. When it’s hot you may want to crack open a cold beer, but if you’re susceptible to eczema, you should double-check the ingredients list first,” Palmer-Wright adds. “Thankfully, there are now a number of gluten-free beers and cocktails available on supermarket shelves for those with eczema or gluten intolerance this summer.”
Alternative to try: If you are down to try options other than beer, consider ciders, wines, and spirits, which also offer great gluten-free options.
3. Ice Cream
As we noted with milkshakes, dairy products can trigger eczema flare-ups, and it is no different with ice cream.
“As we look forward to enjoying some of the great weather coming our way, most of us will be heading to the ice cream van to help us cool down. But for those suffering from eczema, that might not be the best idea,” Palmer-Wright shares. “Most of our frozen favorites will contain dairy, an ingredient known to aggravate eczema symptoms.”
Alternative to try: If you’re looking for something frozen to cool you down on those hot summer days, try frozen fruit instead. You can even turn them into frozen fruit popsicles. There are also a wide variety of plant-based ice creams available to choose from.
RELATED: These Juicy Fruits Are Ruining Your Skin
How to determine what is triggering your flare-ups
Aside from avoiding the foods on this list, it helps to know if you have any food intolerances or sensitivities.
“Many people with eczema have underlying food intolerances, which means their immune systems produce antibodies to some foods,” Palmer-Wright shares. “By pinpointing and eliminating the foods which cause an immune reaction, drive inflammation and trigger eczema flare-ups, it may be possible to reduce the inflammation, redness and itching and help prevent future eczema outbreaks.”
If you are struggling with eczema, Palmer-Wright suggests taking a look at your diet and asking yourself “What is causing my body to be inflamed?”
“Identifying food sensitivities on your own can be challenging but it’s important that if you do suspect your diet is playing a role, not to try wide-ranging elimination diets on your own,” Palmer-Wright adds.
Not sure where to start? A food intolerance expert or nutritionist can test you to help you get to the root of which foods are triggering your eczema.
Although it may be hard to live without these tasty summer treats, trust us when we tell you your body will thank you.
