Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Itching diet: water, balanced meals, true food allergy, possible triggers and caution with elimination diets.
Food does not cause most itching, but diet can help in some conditions and trigger it in others.
Foods that may help the skin
Possible triggers
Do not cut out food groups without advice
Strict elimination diets, especially in children, can cause poor growth and nutrient gaps. Speak with a doctor or dietitian first.
Diet for related conditions
Ayurvedic dietary advice
Ayurveda suggests avoiding sour, salty, fermented, very spicy and oily foods, and mixing milk with fish or sour items, when skin is itchy. Favour light, freshly cooked food with bitter greens such as bitter gourd. This is a traditional guide and evidence is limited.
Supplements
Do not start herbal or vitamin supplements for itching without advice. Some can harm the liver.
Key point
Eat a balanced diet, drink water, and avoid foods that clearly trigger your itching.
Before your appointment
Note when the itching began, where it is, what makes it better or worse, and whether it is worse at night. List all medicines, creams, herbs and soaps you use, and any new foods or products. Mention others at home with itching, rash, weight loss, night sweats, yellow eyes, dark urine or tiredness. Bring photos of any rash that comes and goes. Ask about tests, the safest treatment and the signs that need urgent care. Call 112 for swelling of the face or lips or trouble breathing.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem
Explore more articles about this topic
Types of itching: acute and chronic, skin, systemic, nerve and stress-related itching, and by body area.
Causes of itching: dry skin, eczema, scabies, allergy, fungal infection and liver, kidney or thyroid disease.
Itching symptoms: patterns, scratch damage, warning signs such as yellow skin and weight loss, and emergency signs.
Preventing itching: daily moisturiser, mild soaps, avoiding triggers, treating scabies and fungal infection early.
Itching in pregnancy (cholestasis warning), children and older adults: causes, safe care and when to seek help.
Yoga and exercise for itching: calming breathing, gentle poses, skin care around sweating and what to avoid.
