Eczema is the broad term that is used to cover a number of conditions that give a rash-like appearance to the skin. Most notably, the condition is also known to cause the skin to become dry, itchy and inflamed. In some cases, there may also be swelling or a scaly discoloration of the skin in the affected area.

While eczema is experienced by both children and adults, children often experience eczema that is caused by a food allergy. This is especially true for children under the age of 4. Beyond this age it is very rare for a food allergy to cause eczema in children. For children over the age of 4 and adults, allergic reactions to certain foods may still cause skin problems that can resemble eczema. These allergic reactions may be brought on by food allergies caused by dairy products, soy, wheat, eggs or nuts for some people.

For children that are 4 or younger that experience true eczema that is not caused by a food allergy, consuming dairy products has been found to be an effective eczema treatment in some cases. It is believed that a lack of Vitamin D causes eczema in children below the age of 4. That is why consuming dairy products can be seen as part of an effective eczema treatment for young children, in addition to Vitamin D supplements and eczema creams. Studies have also shown that probiotics in yogurt may also diminish the symptoms of eczema across all age ranges. While Vitamin D supplements and eczema creams are available over the counter, the best option is to visit a physician for a proper diagnosis and treatment regimen.

While consuming dairy products is considered an effective treatment for children under 4 years old, the same is not the case for people over the age of 4 that experience eczema. In those cases it has been found that dairy products, most specifically milk, can cause eczema to become worse. This is because milk is among the list of foods that can stimulate the release of T cells in the body which cause inflammation. Other foods that may trigger this response in some people are wheat and nuts. The body can view any of these foods as a harmful threat that must be eliminated. This causes the body to produce the antibody Immunoglobulin-E, also known as IgE, in response to combat the threat. The production of IgE also contributes to eczema inflammation. For this reason,a physician may potentially recommend a diet that is free of these inflammation triggering foods.