Coffee and Eczema- Should You Be Cautious?
Eczema is a skin condition that causes inflamed and irritated patches of skin, often accompanied by intense itching. It’s estimated that up to 15 million people in the United States suffer from eczema, so it’s important to know what could potentially make it worse. Can coffee trigger or worsen eczema flare-ups? Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition that can range from mild to severe. Symptoms vary, but typically include:
- Dry, itchy patches of skin
- Redness
- Scaling and flaking
- Cracking and blistering
- Crusting
Children are more likely to experience eczema, but it can affect anyone. It’s also important to note that while eczema isn’t contagious, it’s possible to pass on some of the genes that bring a higher risk of having the condition.
Does Coffee Make Eczema Worse?
Coffee is a common trigger for eczema flares. While research regarding this association is limited, both anecdotal evidence and research suggest that coffee may make eczema worse for some people.
Those who have eczema may experience an increase in dryness and itching from consuming coffee. This can be because coffee can aggravate the skin, or overly activate nervous system responses and hormones that affect the skin. Moreover, coffee also contains caffeine, which has been known to increase stress and anxiety. Stress can also worsen eczema symptoms.
To be on the safe side, it may be helpful to monitor how your eczema responds to coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Consider eliminating caffeinated beverages and seeing if your symptoms improve. If you decide to keep coffee in your diet, aim to keep your intake moderate.
Eczema can be a stressful and uncomfortable condition, but there are some treatments available to help. If you believe that coffee is making your symptoms worse, it’s important to discuss your concerns with your health care provider.
