Spongiotic Dermatitis: 8 Foods to Avoid

Key takeaways:

• Spongiotic dermatitis is a type of eczema characterized by inflamed, spongy skin.
• Foods like dairy, gluten, soy, nuts, and seafood can trigger or worsen symptoms due to allergic reactions or sensitivities.
• Treatment involves avoiding trigger foods, using moisturizers and topical steroids and possibly taking oral antihistamines or other medications.
• Home remedies, such as applying moisturizing creams, using oatmeal baths to soothe the skin, and avoiding harsh soaps and irritants, can also help.

Spongiotic dermatitis is a form of eczema that presents with inflamed, spongy skin, often causing significant discomfort and irritation. Spongiotic dermatitis is characterized by fluid buildup within the skin. This fluid can leak out (ooze) when the affected area is scratched.

This condition arises from various triggers, including environmental factors, allergens, and stress. Among these triggers, diet plays a crucial role in either exacerbating or alleviating the symptoms. 

For some individuals with spongiotic dermatitis, exposure to certain foods can trigger flare-ups due to food allergies or sensitivities that cause the body's immune system to react through inflammation.

How can food cause dermatitis?

There’s a common misconception that certain foods cause dermatitis. This isn’t true. While foods can trigger or worsen symptoms, there is not enough conclusive evidence to say that specific foods directly cause spongiotic dermatitis definitively.

Research suggests that dietary factors can worsen dermatitis through a mechanism called systemic contact dermatitis, where the body reacts to certain ingested substances by triggering inflammation in the skin.

When a person with dermatitis consumes a trigger food, their immune system may mistakenly identify proteins in the food as harmful. This immune response releases inflammatory chemicals, such as histamines, which lead to symptoms like skin inflammation, itching, and rashes. 

Additionally, certain foods can exacerbate existing inflammation or disrupt the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to irritants and allergens. Identifying and avoiding these trigger foods can help manage and reduce dermatitis flare-ups.

8 Foods to avoid with spongiotic dermatitis

For some individuals with spongiotic dermatitis, avoiding certain foods can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Here is a list of foods that may trigger dermatitis: 

1. Dairy products

Milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and other dairy products can trigger eczema symptoms in people who are intolerant to lactose or casein (the proteins in dairy). This intolerance can lead to immune reactions that cause skin inflammation and eczema flare-ups.

2. Gluten

Foods containing gluten, such as wheat, barley, and rye, can exacerbate eczema symptoms in people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. When these individuals consume gluten, it can trigger an immune response that leads to increased skin inflammation and eczema flare-ups.

To manage and reduce symptoms of spongiotic dermatitis, avoiding foods made from these grains, including those found in common items like bread, pasta, cereals, and baked goods, is best. Instead, opt for gluten-free alternatives to help keep eczema under control and maintain skin health.

3. Nuts

Common nuts like peanuts, almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts can trigger allergic reactions in some people, leading to worsened dermatitis symptoms.

When someone with a nut allergy consumes these nuts, their immune system reacts strongly, releasing chemicals that cause skin inflammation, itching, and rashes. This can aggravate existing dermatitis, making symptoms more severe and difficult to manage. 

4. Eggs

Egg hypersensitivity affects 1–2% of children globally and is the second most common food allergy after cow’s milk. Egg allergies are primarily caused by proteins in the egg white, but yolk proteins can also play a role.

Symptoms of egg allergy include itching, dermatitis, asthma, vomiting, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, laryngeal edema, chronic urticaria, and anaphylaxis.

There is no cure, so strict avoidance of eggs and egg-containing products is necessary. However, avoiding eggs may be difficult due to their presence in many processed foods. Reading food labels can help ensure you stay away from products that contain eggs.

5. Soy products

Soybeans and soy-based foods, including tofu, soy milk, soy sauce, and soy protein, can cause allergic reactions in individuals with dermatitis.

For those allergic to soy, their immune system incorrectly perceives soy proteins as a threat. This may result in the release of inflammatory substances, causing allergic reactions or dermatitis.

6. Seafood

Fish is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, but seafood allergies are common. People with seafood allergies often have persistent eczema, fungal sensitivities, and reactions to celery. 

Studies suggest that fish allergies in patients with dermatitis may increase the risk of chronic eczema, asthma, and rhinitis.

7. Citrus fruits

With the growing global use of lime in fresh fruit, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, it’s important to be aware of the potential rise in adverse reactions to lime.

In certain individuals and environmental conditions, lime can lead to skin reactions like phytophotodermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, and protein contact dermatitis.

8. Processed foods

Processed foods can lead to dermatitis through the presence of preservatives, artificial colors, and flavors that trigger allergic reactions and inflammation. High sugar content in these foods can also promote inflammation, worsening dermatitis symptoms.

Additionally, processed foods may contain hidden allergens such as dairy, gluten, soy, and nuts, which can cause flare-ups in sensitive individuals. Relying heavily on processed foods can also result in nutritional deficiencies that weaken the skin’s barrier, making it more susceptible to irritation and dermatitis.

Treatment for spongiotic dermatitis

Treatment for spongiotic dermatitis involves a combination of skin care practices, medications, and lifestyle changes to manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. 

Key treatments include the following:

• Topical medications: Prescription or over-the-counter corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation and itching. Other topical medications that may be prescribed include the Calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus. 
• Antihistamines: Oral antihistamines help control itching and allergic reactions.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics don’t directly treat dermatitis, but doctors may prescribe oral or topical ones if a secondary bacterial infection develops, such as in an infected blister or rash. For mild to moderate secondary infections, the most commonly prescribed topical antibiotics are gentamicin, fusidic acid, and mupirocin.

Home remedies for managing spongiotic dermatitis

While there isn't strong scientific evidence to support the use of home remedies for spongiotic dermatitis, some people find them helpful in managing symptoms and providing relief. Here are some home treatments to try:

• Apply fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers regularly to keep the skin hydrated and reduce dryness and itching.
• Soak in a lukewarm oatmeal bath to soothe itching and inflammation. Colloidal oatmeal is especially effective.
• Use pure aloe vera gel to calm irritated skin and reduce inflammation.
• Apply virgin coconut oil to the affected areas to moisturize the skin and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Apply raw honey to affected areas due to its natural antibacterial and healing properties.
• Use cold compresses to relieve itching and reduce inflammation.
• Identify and avoid contact with known irritants, such as harsh soaps, detergents, and synthetic fabrics.
• Avoid foods that trigger symptoms, such as dairy, gluten, soy, and nuts.
• Engage in physical activity to relax if stress is worsening the symptoms.

Wrap up

While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, managing spongiotic dermatitis effectively may involve identifying and avoiding individual food triggers that worsen symptoms.

Some people find relief by eliminating dairy products, gluten-containing foods, soy products, and common allergens like nuts. However, always consult a healthcare provider or nutritionist for personalized advice and a balanced diet plan.