Eat for better skin: your questions answered

Eczema is a very common skin problem and is often a combination of inflammation of the skin and colonization of the skin by a bacterium called staphylococcus aureus (SA). One suggestion for the development of eczema and SA is a deficiency in essential fatty acids (EFAs), which you may have heard of before? If the skin is deficient in EFAs it is easier for the bacteria to adhere. Therefore eating foods rich in EFAs (oily fish, avocadoes, nuts such as walnuts and seeds such as pumpkin and sunflower) or taking a flaxseed or Evening Primrose Supplement can be of great benefit. These contain EFAs that moisturize the skin from the inside, support the formation of new, healthy skin cells and reduce the inflammation associated with itching and dryness. These take a couple of months to work their maximum effect so be patient!

It also might be worth avoiding dairy products for a few weeks to see if symptoms improve as dairy has been associated with skin conditions such as eczema. Ensure you eat plenty of calcium through green leafy veg, nuts, seeds and wholegrain however. Avoid foods that exacerbate inflammation such as sugar (and all its products such as alcohol and confectionary, sorry!) and white flour products and instead try wholegrain products and drink 1.5 litres of water per day.

Lack of some vitamins and minerals have been associated with scaly skin rashes and you may wish to back up your intake of antioxidant nutrients needed for healing such as Vitamins A,C and E, selenium and zinc with a good quality multi-nutrient.