Tomatoes!

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lewisfamily14
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Joined: Fri Sep 21, 2012 9:13 pm
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by lewisfamily14 on Fri Sep 21, 2012 9:19 pm

Tomatoes!

Hi there
My 4 year old has suffered from eczema since she was about 3 months old. We got it under control by the time she was 1, but she has always suffered flare ups with red patches appearing all over her legs and thighs, which are itchy. Having looked at her diet, we think this caused by tomatoes, particularly foods such as ketchup, baked beans and spaghetti bolognese. The patches can come up within hours of eating these foods. Is there anything we can do about this? Any suggestions? Obviously cutting out tomatoes completely will be complicated, and she doesn't seem to mind the after effects, but I am worried that the effects seem to be getting worse? Is this 'intolerance' something that could turn into an allergy?? She also has issues with eggs, having had 2 reactions where she got hives round her mouth after eating eggs, she hasn't eaten eggs since, but when she eats cakes she sometimes says her tongue gets tickly / itchy. What should I do? Should I get her allergy tested? Thanks.

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ckbridgett
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Joined: Sun Aug 12, 2012 8:21 am
Location: London,UK
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by ckbridgett on Fri Sep 21, 2012 10:14 pm

Re: Tomatoes!

The good news is that this reaction to tomatoes, and certain other foods, usually disappears with age. It is usually associated with existing eczema, or recently healed skin: once the skin has healed for long enough, perhaps after careful care over 2 or 3 months, the reaction can disappear. See http://www.atopicskindisease.com/articles/Food
Dr Christopher Bridgett
Consultant Psychiatrist

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... idgett.php

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Wendy Green
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Joined: Thu May 24, 2012 11:27 am
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by Wendy Green on Sat Sep 22, 2012 6:16 pm

Re: Tomatoes!

Hi,

It certainly sounds likely that your daughter suffers from food intolerances, which seem to be triggering eczema flare-ups. I suggest that you see your GP, who may refer your daughter to see a specialist dermatologist, or arrange for allergy tests to help determine which foods, if any, she is sensitive to. Once you have this information you will be able to makes sure that she avoids eating the culprit foods.

I would also suggest that you ensure that your daughter eats a balanced diet (not always easy at this age - I know!) and encourage her to eat oily fish (perhaps you could make your own salmon fish cakes?), nuts (provided she doesn't have a nut allergy) and seeds, to provide Omega 3 & 6 oils, which help reduce inflammation and lubricate the skin from the inside.

Hope this helps,

Best wishes,

Wendy
Wendy Green
Health Expert and Author

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... _green.php

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