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Recent discussions at the World Congress of Pediatric Dermatology (WCPD) 2025 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, have highlighted the limited and often misunderstood role of diet in managing atopic dermatitis (AD), commonly known as eczema. Pediatric dermatologist Dr. Sandipan Dhar, professor and head of the Department of Pediatric Dermatology at the Institute of Child Health in Kolkata, emphasized that eliminating so-called “problematic” foods is not a sensible approach for all patients with AD.
Dr. Dhar pointed out that while online searches for “diet and eczema” frequently yield advice to avoid dairy, soy, wheat, and gluten, the majority of these recommendations come from self-proclaimed experts or promotional sites rather than evidence-based medical sources. Among the top search results, 80% suggest avoiding milk or dairy, and 50% recommend steering clear of soy, wheat, and gluten. However, only 3%–10% of AD patients have documented food allergies, with this proportion rising to about one-third among those with moderate-to-severe disease.
“There is currently no role for routine elimination diets in all patients with AD,” Dr. Dhar stated. “Dietary restriction makes no sense in pediatric or adult patients with mild AD.” He further warned that indiscriminate elimination of foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies and unnecessary stress for patients and families.
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic, itchy inflammatory skin condition that primarily affects the face, neck, arms, and legs, and is often associated with elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels and other allergic conditions such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. While some patients with documented food allergies may benefit from targeted dietary changes, the mainstay of AD management remains topical therapies, moisturizers, and, in severe cases, systemic treatments.
Patient surveys have shown that dietary modifications are common among those with AD, with many reporting improvements after removing items like white flour products, gluten, and nightshades, or adding vegetables, fish oil, and fruits to their diets. However, these findings are based on patient-reported outcomes and should not replace medical advice.
Experts urge patients and caregivers to consult with healthcare professionals before making significant dietary changes, as each case of AD is unique and requires individualized management.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on recent expert presentations and published research. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations tailored to your specific health needs.
