The relationship between food and eczema manifests through two pathways. One is a direct reaction to food allergens such as eggs, milk, and nuts, and the other is an indirect aggravation where alcohol and spicy or greasy food dilate blood vessels and elevate the inflammatory state. Western medicine also recommends avoiding alcohol and spicy, irritating foods when managing eczema.

Traditional Korean Medicine Perspective

Dongjeedang emphasizes a dietary habit that prevents damp-heat from forming by reducing the burden on the digestive system. Spicy and greasy foods, flour-based foods, and alcohol are the main culprits that accumulate waste and heat in the spleen and stomach (digestive system), creating damp-heat; therefore, it is good to reduce these during treatment. When less damp-heat is produced, the source of inflammation that surfaces on the skin is reduced.