Eczema is a condition that causes the skin to become itchy, red, dry and cracked.
While the skin condition, which is also known as atopic dermatitis, is more common in young children, it can develop for the first time in adults, according to the NHS.
Claire Sampson, 32, was fighting a continual battle with inflamed eczema, and it left her unable to wear her wedding and engagement rings.
In July 2017, the condition developed into arm pain, and her skin began to peel, she said.
“I’ve been to the doctor several times and received steroid creams which didn’t seem to help,” said Sampson.
“I was sent to a dermatologist who just said eczema is something I’ll always have, and there’s nothing I can really do to get rid of it.”
But, Sampson tried an allergy test to find out if certain foods triggered her eczema symptoms.
The YorkTest includes sending a finger prick blood sample to a laboratory. It’s tested for reactions to up to 162 food and drink ingredients.
When testing was completed, it revealed Sampson had reactions to cow’s milk, yeast, avocado and carrots.
After cutting out the foods from her diet, she saw improvements to her skin within a week, she said.
“The change in my skin was amazing. My arm improved within about a week and my hands cleared up quite quickly,” said Sampson. Within 7 days, “I noticed a huge general change and now, after three months, it’s like my eczema was never there.
“I can now wear my wedding and engagement rings again.”
You should always see your GP if you have signs of eczema, the NHS said.
Eczema often develops alongside other conditions, including asthma and hay fever.
Some foods can make symptoms worse, and while allergy tests aren’t usually needed, they can help to identify certain triggers, the NHS added.
You could treat eczema by using some emollients, corticosteroids, or simply avoid scratching.
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