Eczema and Food Allergy: What You’re Not Being Told

If your baby has eczema, chances are you’ve been told this:

“It has nothing to do with food.”

Sound familiar?

At Nishti’s Choice, we hear this all the time from frustrated parents who know something isn’t quite right. And while it’s true that food doesn’t cause eczema — it can absolutely aggravate it.

So why are so many parents told food isn’t a factor?

Because not all doctors and health professionals are trained to look at eczema holistically. But here at Nishti’s Choice, we do. We take into account your baby’s diet, gut health, feeding history, symptoms, and skin — and we help you get to the root cause.

That’s how we’ve helped hundreds of families reduce eczema flares and identify hidden food allergies that were making life miserable.

Take Emma, for example. Her daughter’s eczema was red, inflamed, and constantly flaring despite using steroid creams. After just a few weeks of personalised support, her skin had dramatically improved — and so had their quality of life. We identified multiple food allergies which helped. 

👉 Watch Emma’s story on YouTube

Is eczema caused by food allergy?

No — not directly. Eczema is a complex skin condition driven by a mix of genetics, skin barrier dysfunction, and immune responses. Food doesn’t cause eczema. But can food allergy make eczema worse?

Absolutely. Especially in babies and young children, certain foods can trigger or worsen eczema flares, often in subtle or delayed ways.

This is particularly true in babies with non-IgE mediated food allergies — where reactions don’t happen immediately, but instead show up as:

• Worsening eczema

• Reflux, constipation, or mucus in the stool

• Irritability or unsettled behaviour after feeding

Cow’s milk is the most common trigger in this group — and one of the most frequently overlooked.

What Does the Research Say?

Studies show that up to 1 in 3 babies with moderate to severe eczema will go on to develop a food allergy — particularly to cow’s milk, egg, peanut, soya, or wheat.

Research like the LEAP and EAT studies also tells us that early, regular introduction of allergenic foods (like egg and peanut) may actually help prevent allergies from developing — especially in babies with eczema.

But — and this is important — this should never be done without guidance.

Please Don’t Do This Alone

We know the internet is full of mixed advice: “Try this cream,” “Cut out dairy,” “Don't change anything.”

But eczema and food allergy are complex. And cutting out foods without support can lead to nutritional gaps, unnecessary stress, and more confusion.

That’s why our approach is different.

At Nishti’s Choice, we look at the whole picture. We work with you to:

• Understand your baby’s symptoms and history

• Assess whether food may be playing a role

• Introduce or remove foods safely and strategically

• Support your child’s skin, gut, and overall health

Because your baby deserves more than short-term fixes. They deserve long-term comfort — and so do you.

Ready to Get to the Root?

If you’re tired of guesswork and want expert guidance, you’re in the right place.

Let’s work together to understand what’s really going on beneath your baby’s eczema — and help you get lasting relief.

👉 Watch Emma’s story
👉 Book a free CMPA Clarity call with Nishti

References

1. Papapostolou N, Kitsiou S, Stamatouli P, Laliotis N, Chaliasos N, Douros K, et al. Diagnostic approach and management of cow’s milk allergy in children. J Clin Med. 2022;11(14):4232.
2. Christensen MO, Held E, Holm EA, et al. Childhood eczema: Management and comorbidities in Europe. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023;37(5):984–1003.
3. Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Care pathway for children with eczema. London: RCPCH; 2021.
4. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Atopic eczema in children: Clinical guideline [CG57]. London: NICE; 2007.