Which are the best foods to avoid eczema? 10 to 20% of the world's population suffers from eczema. Eczema is a skin condition that results in flaky, itchy and red skin due to environmental and/or physical irritants. No one is immune to eczema but if you have a family history of the skin disorder you are more risk of developing the disease.

Unfortunately there is no cure for eczema but there are things that you can do to prevent triggers and symptoms. A trigger is an external or internal irritant that will cause a reaction. The best way to handle this skin condition is to know which foods to avoid with eczema.

One of the first foods to avoid with eczema is dairy products. Dairy products have a long history of being the cause of eczema symptoms and reactions. There is a certain type of protein in dairy that is called casein; the milk protein. This protein has been responsible for many cases of eczema flare-ups. People with allergies to dairy may think that their allergies are due to lactose. Yet when they choose a lactose free product they still get an allergic and/or eczema reaction. The reason for this is because many lactose-free and even soy products contain casein.

Wheat is another one of those foods to avoid eczema. Many people find that their symptoms increase when they consume foods such as pretzels, crackers, breads and muffins. Then there are those who have a gluten intolerance and this is the cause of their eczema reactions.

Nuts can be another culprit for those who suffer or are predisposed to eczema reactions. If you notice that the eczema increases when you consume nuts such as hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios, peanuts and/or almonds then be sure to eliminate those out of your diet.

The next foods to avoid with eczema may be difficult for many of you. Foods that produce high amounts of acid should be avoided. These foods include chicken, beef and pork. These three meats are among the most acidifying foods. Many eczema sufferers have noticed improved conditions when cutting down or eliminating these foods from their diet. If meat cannot be avoided then it can definitely be reduced to perhaps twice a week or once a week. If you do choose to continue consuming meat be sure that you always purchase organic meat that is free of hormones and antibiotics.

Seafood is one that you have to be careful of because certain types of seafood are foods that can trigger eczema. Common seafood allergies stem from mussels, crabs, lobster, shrimp, clams and oysters.

The last type of foods to avoid eczema is the non-foods. These are your soft drinks, teas and coffees. They also include artificial sweeteners and colorings. As well as preservatives and additives. You also watch out for synthetic vitamins and minerals. When shopping stay away from flour that contains the word "enriched" because this means that it contains synthetic minerals and vitamins.

The best way to keep a handle on eczema symptoms and reactions is to start an elimination diet and log book. You will start by eating very basic and bland foods and then slowly adding the foods in this article back into your diet. One food at a time. Watch closely for any changes or symptoms and write down what you experience. Foods that cause reaction can be avoided and avoiding these foods could help prevent eczema symptoms from occurring.