The eight most common food allergy culprits are dairy products.

Eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Many other foods that can evoke an allergenic response, however, such as acidic fruits (including tomatoes) and innumerable others.

Limit fatty red meats and consider buying organic, grass-fed, leaner meats.

Avoid trans fats whenever possible, as they are pro-inflammatory.

Sugar is another common ingredient in our diets that can cause skin irritation, so all sugary foods such as soft drinks and juice should be limited.

Avoid or limit alcoholic beverages.

Most processed foods contain chemicals that lengthen their shelf life; many of these are considered toxins that can cause skin irritation, and they should be limited or altogether avoided.

Increase your intake of EFA's through cold-pressed virgin vegetable oils and seafood.

Drink a liter and a half of water daily to aid in flushing toxins from your tissues.

Your healthy diet should consist of at least five helpings of fresh veggies per day, brown rice, lean meats, wild-harvested fish (unless you are allergic), and plenty of water.
Some researchers believe that poor nutrition is an important contributing factor to many types of dermatitis. But while links between specific dietary deficiencies and imbalances are apparent, the underlying mechanisms for these associations have yet to be fully established.

It is known that meat and dairy products contain a proinflammatory fatty acid called arachidonic acid (AA). As part of the body's natural healing process, this acid is converted into the potent mediators of inflammation known as leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and thromboxanes. Inflammation is one of the body's natural responses to a threat, but poor diet can lead to an imbalance between proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory molecules, contributing to inflammation that is out of proportion to the threat. Chronic inflammation can manifest downstream in a host of health problems, including skin disorders such as dermatitis.

Diets containing trans fats (hydrogenated vegetable oils) or high in saturated animal fats have also been linked to thickening of the blood, putting greater pressure on the arteries, which can further add to skin inflammation associated with dermatitis. Foods high in saturated fats may also contain high levels of toxins associated with skin irritation.

Studies have shown significant improvements in dermatitis patients who lower their intake of trans fats and saturated animal fats, particularly when supplemented with the group of essential fatty acids known as omega-3 fatty acids. Essential fatty acids (EFA's) counterbalance pro-inflammatory molecules such as AA in the inflammatory cascade, which can lessen dermatitis symptoms such as itching and scaling of the skin. The best sources of fatty acids are cold-pressed vegetable oils like extra-virgin olive oil, freshly ground flaxseed, and wild-harvested cold-water fish and other seafood.

Many patients who adopt a vegetarian, vegan, or Mediterranean diet that is high in EFA's and fresh fruits and vegetables see marked improvement in their symptoms. Here are 10 additional nutritional steps to healthier skin:

Investigate any food allergies or sensitivities by using a food diary. Record foods that you ingest on a daily basis and any reactions you may have, paying particular attention to the skin. Eliminate all foods you may suspect for at least a couple weeks, then slowly re-introduce them one by one, watching closely for any reactions. If there are no reactions, they may be considered safe. If you experience reactions they should be completely eliminated from your diet.