Can you give me some advice about diet and eczema?

A number of research studies have examined the role of diet in
atopic eczema so this answer really only applies if you have this
type. These studies have looked at exclusion of diary products,
chicken, wheat, flavourings and additives. Some studies seem to
indicate a link, but many of the newer studies do not show any
relationship. You have to remember that all studies of eczema are
difficult, for three reasons:
• First, eczema fluctuates in severity, regardless of any
treatment given.
• Second, eczema spontaneously resolves in most children as
they get older.
• Finally, it is difficult to accurately quantify or score the
severity of eczema.
Studies have to take all these factors into account and ideallyuse a placebo group who receive no active treatment. The placebo
group is important because one must know how many people
would improve even though they are not getting any of the specific
treatments being assessed in the trial.
This all seems rather confusing, but the most recent studies
have been well conducted and have used placebo groups. They
have looked mainly at dairy-free diets and very severe exclusion
diets, such as elemental diets in which only a few types of food
are allowed. The results have shown that dietary changes do not
usually cause an improvement in eczema after the age of 1 year.
There was a possible benefit from a dairy-free diet in children
under 1 year old, but the effect was so small that, statistically, this
might have occurred by chance. All studies have revealed that it
is difficult for families to stick to special diets, especially when
children go to school, parties, etc. We do not routinely advise
dietary manipulation as a way of treating eczema. If you are
convinced that one food or a group of related foods is important
in making your eczema worse, you should only try and change
your diet with the help of a dietitian.