Eczema From Yeast

Eczema is a skin condition affecting over 30 million Americans, according to the National Eczema Association 1. Eczema is common in childhood and often fades into adulthood, though it does afflict some people their whole lives. It is not fully known what causes eczema, but certain conditions are known to aggravate it. Allergies to certain foods, like yeast, are suspect in causing eczema flare-ups.

Symptoms

Eczema is different for everyone and you may or may not experience all the symptoms of eczema. An eczema rash often affects the inside of the elbows, behind the knees, on the hands and feet, on the ankles, wrist, face and neck. If you have eczema, your rash may be red or brownish-gray patches of dry skin, may be extremely itchy, may display small red bumps that blister, may have thick and cracked skin and may also be extremely sensitive. Your rash can be swollen or cracked due to scratching. If your eczema rash is located on your eyebrows or eyelashes, you may have bald patches due to rubbing the itchy areas too much.

Foods

Light Brown Flaky Discoloration on the Skin

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Yeast sensitivity affects one in every three individuals, according to Foodintol.com, an online resource center for consumers who are food intolerant. Starchy, carbohydrate foods often contain yeast 3. Some other foods that may contain yeast are: beer, fruit skins, ciders, MSG, soy sauce, over-ripe fruit, seasoning spices and mixes, vitamin B supplements, prepared soups and chocolate 3.

Alternatives

Avoiding foods containing yeast may help you avoid allergic reactions that result in your eczema flare-ups 3. To see if a product is yeast-free, check the ingredient label. Your health food store may also have a special selection of yeast-free products. A naturopath is another good source of information. She can assist you in finding yeast-free foods as well as determining if anything else may be causing your eczema.

Warnings

Causes of Painful, Dry Skin on the Elbows

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If you have a sensitivity to yeast and it is causing your eczema, it may also be causing you other health problems. Yeast sensitivities often have other symptoms like gastrointestinal problems, headaches and breathing difficulties. Your doctor will be able to assist you in determining whether or not you have a sensitivity to yeast and help you overcome it and avoid further complications.

If eczema is not treated properly it can lead to serious health problems. MayoClinic.com indicates that constant scratching of eczema rashes may result in permanently damaged skin that is thicker and leathery in texture 2. You are also more at risk to develop skin infections when your skin has been scratched open. If your eczema is around or on your eyes, you may damage your eye and even have permanent eye damage.

Benefits

If keeping yeast out of your diet helps to clear up your eczema problems, you may avoid having to use prescription medications to treat your eczema--thus avoiding the unpleasant side effects that some prescription medications can have.