Diet for atopic dermatitis [in adults and children] – what you can and cannot eat

Food allergens can have the most negative effect on the skin condition of patients of any age, so one of the conditions for curing the disease is a hypoallergenic diet – in other words, the exclusion from the diet of products that provoke an allergic skin reaction. To identify foods or food groups that cause a side effect in a particular patient, a special diagnostic procedure is used – an elimination or elimination diet.

Diagnosis, diet therapy and the use of treatment menus should only take place under the supervision of medical specialists, taking into account the condition of a particular patient. All recommendations below are for general informational purposes only.

Basic diet for atopic dermatitis

It is important to note that a significant role in the body’s fight against atopic dermatitis is played not only by the rejection of certain allergen foods, but also by a change in diet in general.

The generally accepted principles of proper nutrition are:

• refusal to overeat, control of body weight, determination of daily caloric content of food in accordance with age, gender and level of physical activity;
• fractional meals (5-6 times a day in small portions);
• preference for freshly prepared dishes (keep prepared food in the refrigerator for no more than a day);
• cooking by boiling, stewing, baking or steaming;
• increase in the daily volume of fluid consumed up to 1,5-2 liters;
• taking vitamin D;
• taking any medications only after consultation and under the supervision of a doctor;
• a variety of foods and dishes (daily use of the same foods does not allow maintaining the correct balance of BJU and microelements, reduces the pleasure of eating, causes satiety, and sometimes can even cause a new allergic reaction).

You should not immediately blame nutrition for an exacerbation of atopic dermatitis – you need to evaluate all the factors that could lead to this. In most patients with food allergies, the onset of atopic dermatitis precedes the onset of the allergy.

Most often in patients with atopic dermatitis, sensitization is detected to the following products:

• milk,
• peanut,
• sesame,
• nuts,
• a fish,
• raw and boiled eggs.

When eating these products, monitor the condition of the skin more carefully: if you see a connection between an exacerbation and eating them, then this is an occasion to discuss this with your doctor. Be aware that some foods are cross-allergic and you may need to eliminate multiple foods. For example, if you are allergic to apples, it is sometimes necessary to exclude pears and plums. In addition, poor diet for no reason, on the contrary, may increase the risk of developing food allergies. The more varied the diet, the lower the risk of exacerbation of atopic dermatitis.

Principles of nutrition in atopic dermatitis in children

It is important to exclude from the child’s diet all foods to which a reaction occurs. To do this, parents should keep a food diary, recording everything that the child eats during the day. So it will be easier for the attending physician to develop a diet for the child.

It is necessary to discuss the issues of proper nutrition with adolescents, explaining to them the importance of diet and regimen, since they are influenced by peers and are surrounded by “temptations” in the form of fast food, sweets, etc.

Diet for atopic dermatitis in adults

A real help in the kitchen for a person striving for a healthy diet will be a slow cooker (steamer). With its help, you can cook soups from pre-soaked vegetables and cereals, steam cutlets from lean meat, casseroles and cereals from permitted cereals. The diet should be agreed with the attending physician.

Features of nutrition for pregnant and lactating women

Most doctors believe that a healthy woman who does not suffer from allergies can not adhere to strict diets during pregnancy and lactation. However, it is important for a nursing mother to monitor nutrition, as food directly affects the quality of breast milk and its composition. You should not abuse chocolate, coffee, citrus fruits, fast food, products containing dyes, flavors, synthetic additives (stabilizers, emulsifiers). Of course, alcohol is not shown. Particular attention should be paid to nutrition by pregnant and lactating women who themselves suffer from allergies or atopic dermatitis, since these ailments are inherited, and more often through the maternal line. In this case, the basis of the diet during pregnancy and lactation should be cereals on the water, lean soups from allowed vegetables and cereals, dried fruit compotes. It is important not to overeat and eat regularly and in a balanced way.

La Roche-Posay cosmetics for atopic skin

Careful daily care for dry, atopic skin, combined with proper nutrition, contributes to maintaining a good appearance and psychological state.

La Roche-Posay offers products in different ranges suitable for the care of dry, sensitive and atopic skin, among which some of the LIPIKAR(2) products should be mentioned:

LIPIKAR BAUME AP+M(3) Triple action balm for face and body A universal product that can be used by both adults and children from infancy. Lipid-replenishing balm has an immediate moisturizing and soothing effect on dry skin, thus helping to reduce itching and irritation. Helps keep skin hydrated for up to 48 hours(4). The balm regulates the skin microbiome, helps to restore the protective function of atopic-prone skin and significantly contributes to the prolongation of the remission period.

LIPIKAR SIN AP+(5) Cleansing cream-gel for the face and body of babies, children and adults A universal product without perfume fragrances, it can be used by both adults and children, including infants from the first days of life. Does not contain soap and parabens. Instantly softens the skin and reduces the feeling of tightness immediately after washing.

LIPIKAR AP+ OIL Emollient bath and shower oil The tool has been tested under the supervision of dermatologists and pediatricians, can be used by both adults and children from infancy. Suitable for dry, very dry and atopic skin. The unique patented ingredient Aqua Posae Filiformis, which is a lysate of Vitreoscilla Filiformis bacteria grown in La Roche-Posay thermal water rich in selenium, helps to restore the skin microbiome and strengthen its protective barrier. Formulated with Niacinamide to soothe and comfort skin, while Shea Butter provides intense lipid replenishment to help reduce dryness and tightness.

Other products of the brand

THERMAL WATER LA ROCHE-POSAY Thermal water, which has a rich mineral composition, when sprayed on the face, instantly moisturizes and softens the skin, relieves discomfort, soothes the skin. It has a high content of Selenium, a powerful natural antioxidant that protects human skin from the negative effects of free radicals. Helps slow down the aging process of cells, protects against the effects of UV radiation (6).

CICAPLAST BALM B5(7) A soothing multi-repair treatment for infants, children & adults Cicaplast B5 is a soothing treatment for hypersensitive and/or atopic skin in infants, children and adults. The formula is based on La Roche-Posay Thermal Water and Panthenol (Provitamin B5) at a concentration of 5%. Contains a mineral complex that has an anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. The rich, nourishing texture protects the skin, acts as a barrier that prevents bacteria from reaching the surface.

1 Gray S. L., Levin M. E., Zar H. J., Potter P. S., Khumalo N. P., Volkvin L. et al. Food allergies in South African children with atopic dermatitis. Journal of Pediatric Allergology and Immunology. 2014; 25: 572–579. Boyce JA, Assad AH, Burks AW et al. Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of food allergy in the United States. Report of the NIAID-sponsored Panel of Experts. Journal of Allergology and Clinical Immunology. 2010; 126: S1–S58. 2 Lipikar 3 Lipikar APE+M 4 Instrumental test, 26 participants 5 Lipikar Sindet APé+ 6 UV radiation 7 Balm Cicaplast B5