Eczema is a condition of the skin. Some of the most common symptoms of eczema are cracked, itchy, red and rough. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but many medical experts agree that it is often the result of the body to a foreign substance.. Having eczema can be quite an inconvenient condition to have, but the good news is that there are things that can be done to avoid exacerbating the illness.

Here are seven trigger foods to avoid that make eczema worse for patients:

1. Citrus fruits
One type of food that can trigger a negative response in those who have eczema is citrus fruits. The acids found in these fruits can easily cause swelling and redness of the skin, which exacerbates the symptoms of eczema. Some common fruits that contain high amounts of citrus include oranges, lemons, grapefruits and limes. If possible, people with eczema should greatly reduce or eliminate their intake of these fruits.

2. Dairy
Foods containing dairy are another type of food that can worsen the manifestations of eczema. The main reason for this is that these foods contain hormones and saturated fats, which cause inflammation of the skin. Therefore, if possible, people with eczema should reduce or eliminate their intake of dairy, including foods such as milk, ice cream, cheese butter and yogurt. This will help to ensure that you do not experience as many flare-ups.

3. Gluten or wheat
Another type of food that can cause problems for people with eczema is food containing wheat or gluten. Medical studies have consistently shown that certain proteins found in grains have a tendency to cause inflammation of the skin. Inflammation of the skin will exacerbate the manifestations of eczema. Therefore, people with eczema should try to avoid foods containing wheat and gluten, such as cookies, crackers, breads, cakes and pies.

4. Soy
Soy is another culprit for worsening the symptoms of those with eczema by causing inflammation, especially babies and young children. Foods high in soy include Edamame, tofu, Miso, soy-based products, cereals and baked goods. It is best to stay away from these foods if you have eczema.

5. Certain spices
Some spices can worsen the manifestations of eczema as well. Some examples of these spices include cinnamon, garlic, cloves and vanilla. These spices are known to cause allergic reactions of the skin, so people with eczema are especially at risk of having these spices negatively affect them.

6. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are one of the worst foods a person with eczema could eat. This is because tomatoes contain chemicals called salicylates. These chemicals are known to make the itchiness and redness of eczema worse. Therefore, people with eczema should be vigilant about avoiding tomatoes or products containing tomatoes.

7. Some nuts
Some types of nuts are known to make the traits of eczema worse. Some of these nuts include walnuts, pecans, cashews, hazelnuts and almonds. These nuts are known to cause allergic reactions in people, so they present a great risk to those who have eczema because they cause inflammation.

Those who have eczema and want to try to limit the amount of skin irritation and inflammation they experience should definitely try their best to avoid consuming these seven foods. It will prevent a lot of discomfort and frustration.