Undoubtedly, Kids are loved by everyone. Can anyone see them in pain? Of course not!
As kids are not capable enough to take proper care on their own. Thus it becomes the responsibility of elders to look after them and protect them from viral infections and other diseases.
But how can someone protect them from a disease if he/she himself does not have proper knowledge of it? But worry not in this blog we will give you detailed knowledge regarding atopic dermatitis in children. We will also share with you a list of foods that may improve this disorder or worsen it.
Let’s understand what exactly is Atopic Dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis also known as Atopic eczema is a type of Eczema. It can occur to anyone but it is witnessed in kids the most. So let’s understand both- Eczema & Atopic Eczema/Dermatitis.
Eczema: Eczema is called Vicharchika in Ayurveda. Worry not! you do not necessarily need to maintain physical distance from the patient as it is not contagious. But there is surely a need to take medical action for this disorder. Under this situation, your skin can get inflamed, patchy, scaly, and cracked. It could also result in bleeding sometimes.
Atopic Eczema: Atopic Eczema or Atopic dermatitis is a subtype of Eczema. No matter your age, you can still be affected by this disorder. However, it is mainly seen in children. An atopic Eczema results in flaky, dry, itchy, and peeling skin. The rashes of Atopic dermatitis mainly can appear anywhere on the body but in most cases, they affect the arms and the knees.
If you are using chemical-based shampoos, soaps, beauty creams, and moisturizers on your kids, then you are pushing them toward this disorder. Certain allergens or environmental factors including dry weather, pet dander or fur, grass, fumes, and dust mites can also contribute to the development of this skin ailment.
Does diet have any connection with this?
The diet we consume has a direct effect on the human body. It is a proven fact that diet has a significant relationship with our skin. If we do eat healthy and nutritious foods it will provide us with healthy and glowing skin.
On the contrary, an unhealthy diet will make your kid’s skin prone to several skin diseases like childhood atopic dermatitis.
Continue reading to know what are helpful or worse foods for Atopic Dermatitis!
Foods that can increase Atopic dermatitis in Children
Wheat
Yes! You read it right.
Wheat- that you are giving your child daily. It can trigger Atopic dermatitis. Wheat contains gluten which is considered bad if your child is already having any kind of skin issue.
But do not panic! Instead of wheat, you can take other substitutes like Ragi (Finger millet) Bajra (Pearl Millet), Jowar (sorghum), Moong daal flour (Green gram), Kuttu (Buckwheat), Rajgira (Amaranth), or Channa flour (Chickpea).
Dairy Products
Is milk good for Atopic dermatitis? Unfortunately, the answer is- No.
The only dairy product that is useful under this condition is cow’s desi ghee. Other milk-based products can aggravate the levels of dermatitis in certain people. As these foods could be a common source of allergies and if you are allergic to them then you should limit the consumption of dairy products.
Non-vegetarian diet
Non-vegetarian foods mainly include eggs, red meat, and seafood. Consumption of these foods will flare up the patches and can cause itchiness and inflammation. These foods increase the level of Pitta Dosha in the body which will lead to several skin issues.
Junk food
If your child eats a lot of junk food then he/she might be at greater risk of having atopic eczema. Junk foods are nothing but dead food that has no vitamins, nutrients, or any other substances that provides strength to the body.
Processed Foods
Preserved foods for future consumption and food that contain a lot of sugar or salt are also harmful to the skin. Such foods can lead to severe acne, pimples, inflammation, breakouts, pigmentation, and premature aging of the skin.
Worse foods for Atopic dermatitis primarily include wheat, gluten, milk, cheese, milk-based sweets, eggs, meat, seafood, cakes, jam, and other preserved foods. Thus try to avoid them to the possible extent. Especially, when your child is suffering from Atopic dermatitis or any other type of skin disorder.
Foods that can help Atopic Dermatitis go away!
Fruits
Consume Fresh and juicy fruits to the maximum!
Along with the amazing taste, the fruits are fully loaded with vitamins, nutrients, minerals, and several other health-wellness substances that provide strength to the body and also fight against disorders.
For atopic dermatitis, the child should be given fruits that provide nourishment to the skin and keep it healthy and itch-free.
Best fruits for Atopic dermatitis: Apples, Blueberries, Cherries, Pomegranates, Avocados, and Bananas.
Cow’s Desi Ghee
You might be wondering if dairy products can trigger Atopic dermatitis. Then how Cow’s desi ghee is included in the best foods for atopic dermatitis?
The reason behind this is cow’s desi ghee is anti-inflammatory in nature that helps to reduce the patches of Eczema. In addition to oral consumption, you can also apply it externally on your kid’s skin for calming the patches, redness and itchiness caused by atopic dermatitis in children. Due to these immense benefits, Cow’s desi ghee is used primarily in atopic dermatitis Ayurvedic treatment.
Vegetables
Add green leafy vegetables to the atopic dermatitis diet. The easiest way to consume them is in form of salad. For atopic dermatitis, your child should be given Broccoli, Cauliflower, Spinach, Kale, Cucumber, and tomatoes.
These green leafy vegetables are the best source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that provide strength to the body. It also enables our immune system to fight against several disorders. These vegetables are also beneficial for removing sunburn and patches of the skin.
How can I check the delayed reaction to food?
Yes! You can also check it yourself whether your child has an allergy to certain types of food or not. To know what food triggers your child’s atopic dermatitis do this-
Firstly do not let your child consume the food that you are doubting is the cause of his/her atopic dermatitis. It might include the foods already mentioned above, i.e; eggs, milk, red meat, seafood or wheat. Follow this for 4 weeks straight. Make sure your child does not consume this food in any form or condition.
After 4 weeks let your child consume these foods that were avoided previously for 2 days. See if there is any change like any patch, itchiness, redness or any other allergic reaction on your child’s skin. If yes! Then it means your child is allergic to that food.
However, do not try this on infants or if your child gets swollen lips, hives, or wheezing when exposed to these foods.
What does Ayurveda say?
Considering the Ayurvedic perspective, Pitta Dosha aggravation is the main cause of Atopic dermatitis/Eczema. The aim of Ayurveda is to provide permanent and speedy relief to the patient by laying down the usage of natural substances.
If you are looking for effective treatment of Atopic dermatitis in infants, then you should prioritize Eczema Ayurvedic treatment. It is a natural way of healing that is free from the use of any type of chemicals. Herbs, Spices, Yoga, Meditation, and Panchakarma therapies are used that helps your child to get healthy and disease-free skin.
General tips
- You can apply virgin coconut oil on the skin of the kids for providing them with relief from the itchiness.
- Bathing with curd or buttermilk is also beneficial for atopic dermatitis.
Takeaway
Summarising the information and facts stated above, we can say that Atopic dermatitis is a really discomforting skin disorder that is spreading among people especially kids and infants at a high pace.
Kids or infants might not be able to take proper care of themselves on their own. Thus it is our moral duty to free them from the pain & discomfort of these ailments and the best way of doing this is to opt for Ayurveda.
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