Salicylates and Eczema

If you’re managing eczema, you know how tricky it can be to pinpoint triggers that lead to flare-ups. While factors like stress, weather, and allergens are commonly associated with eczema, diet can also play a big role. One lesser-known dietary factor is salicylates, natural compounds found in many fruits, vegetables, and spices. For some people with eczema, foods high in salicylates can aggravate symptoms and make managing eczema more challenging.

What Are Salicylates?

Salicylates are naturally occurring chemicals that plants produce as part of their defense system against pests and disease. They’re found in a variety of plant-based foods, including many fruits and vegetables, herbs, spices, and certain nuts and teas. Salicylates are also used synthetically in medications like aspirin, where they work as anti-inflammatory agents. While salicylates are beneficial for most people, they can be problematic for those with a sensitivity.

How Do Salicylates Affect Eczema?

For some individuals with eczema, consuming high levels of salicylates can cause symptoms like itching, redness, and inflammation. Although salicylates are not a common trigger for everyone, research suggests that individuals with eczema may be more sensitive to salicylates, especially if they have underlying conditions like asthma or allergies.

When salicylate sensitivity occurs, the body has difficulty breaking down and eliminating these compounds. This can lead to a buildup of salicylates in the body, resulting in an immune response that can trigger or worsen eczema symptoms.

Foods High in Salicylates

Although salicylates are not the reason you have eczema, you could consider reducing the following high-salicylate foods, while you work on the underlying cause of the eczema:

• Fruits: Berries, cherries, oranges, grapes, apples, and avocados

• Vegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, spinach, and zucchini

• Herbs and Spices: Turmeric, thyme, rosemary, and mint

• Nuts: Almonds and peanuts

• Beverages: Green tea, black tea, and some fruit juices

Recognising Symptoms of Salicylate Sensitivity

Salicylate sensitivity can produce symptoms beyond just skin reactions. Some people may experience headaches, digestive issues, asthma-like symptoms, or nasal congestion. If you’re noticing a pattern of these symptoms in connection with high-salicylate foods, it may be worth exploring this connection further.

Managing Eczema with a Low-Salicylate Diet

If you think salicylates might be contributing to your eczema, consider trying a low-salicylate diet for a few weeks. Gradually reducing high-salicylate foods and monitoring any changes in your symptoms may help you identify if these compounds are affecting your skin. Here are a few tips for getting started:

1. Keep a Food Diary: Track what you eat and any eczema symptoms that follow. This can help identify patterns and potential triggers.

2. Reduce High-Salicylate Foods Gradually: Instead of cutting out all salicylates at once, try reducing the most concentrated sources like berries, tomatoes, and certain herbs.

3. Focus on Low-Salicylate Foods: Safe choices may include bananas, pears, potatoes, green beans, and cabbage, which generally have lower salicylate levels.

4. Work on the underlying cause of the eczema: this is usually imbalances in the gut microbiome, leaky gut, nutrition deficiencies, stress/trauma

*It is always best to work with a qualified health practitioner to get to the underlying cause of the eczema.