In my household we have one vegan, one vegetarian and one meat-eater who is sensitive to salicylates, dairy and soy. It can be difficult when a family member is first diagnosed with eczema and food sensitivities, especially at Christmas.

While my daughter no longer has eczema, I know what it’s like to give up some of the foods you love because they are hurting you.

People are often surprised to find the Itchy Dozen includes some of the so-called ‘good’ foods for eczema. I know the Itchy Dozen contradicts some popular beliefs published however, according to Australian research conducted over the past thirty years, these foods could be the reason your skin is dry, flaky, and incredibly itchy (ref: Loblay and Swain).

I’ve seen this information help hundreds of so-called ‘hopeless’ cases of eczema. People who have had eczema for 20, 30 or 40 years and more, who thought they were stuck with eczema for life, are seeing their eczema clear up for the first time. It can really change lives but it requires a change in beliefs about healthy eating. 

So a food that is good for an eczema-free person, such as avocado, could trigger a bout of maddening itching in another person.

Not counting allergy foods (as these vary), here are the surprising foods and beverages most likely to give you itchy eczema.