The role of food in atopic dermatitis differs by age. In infants and young children, eggs, milk, wheat, soy, peanuts, nuts, and seafood may worsen symptoms in some patients, but this does not apply to all children with atopy. In adult-onset atopy, environmental allergens (house dust mites, pollen, etc.) are the main triggers rather than food.

Key principles: ①No restriction based on guesswork — restrict only foods confirmed by IgE-specific antibody testing or food challenge; ②Maintain nutritional balance — ensure alternative nutritional sources for restricted foods; ③Breastfeeding — maintaining for at least 3-6 months helps prevent early sensitization. Eliminating more than 10 foods without actual confirmation can cause growth retardation, nutritional deficiencies, and psychological stress.

Korean Medicine Perspective

In Hyeongsang medicine, spleen-stomach (脾胃) function is considered important. In children with weak digestion and absorption, any food eaten in excess can cause dampness-phlegm to accumulate and heat to rush to the skin. Therefore, rather than banning specific foods, we first recommend reducing cold raw foods, greasy foods, instant foods, spicy foods, and noodles. When digestive function improves with spleen-strengthening prescriptions (Insamyangwi-tang, Sagunja-tang modifications), skin reactions to the same foods often decrease.