Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a genetic basis, associated with impaired skin barrier function.
❕The gastrointestinal tract is not a direct cause of AD
Can food trigger AD flare-ups?
Yes. Food allergies can provoke an exacerbation of AD in some patients, leading to increased itching and redness.
But this applies only when a clinical allergy is confirmed.
According to the clinical guidelines of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV):
➡ For patients with moderate to severe AD, it is recommended to exclude from the diet only those foods that cause reactions confirmed through provocation tests (e.g., milk, eggs, nuts).
Eliminating foods without medical reasons:
❌ Does not help — it does not reduce AD symptoms
❌ May cause harm — diets without confirmed allergy can lead to deficiencies of important nutrients, such as calcium or iron
📍 This is especially critical in children, where restrictive diets can impair physical development and growth
What should you keep in mind?
1️⃣ Food exclusions should be based only on provocation test results
2️⃣ “Just in case” elimination diets do not work and can be harmful
3️⃣ AD treatment focuses on restoring the skin barrier, reducing inflammation, and minimizing exposure to external triggers