Although some people report a worsening ofeczema symptomsafter drinking coffee, the research supporting such claims is mixed.

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Can Coffee Cause Eczema to Flare Up?

Or, the trigger may not be the coffee bean but rather the stimulant effects of caffeine.

Overhead view of a person holding a cup of coffee

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However, in some study participants, the very act of drinking hot coffee had the opposite effect.

Allergy as a Cause

With respect to allergies, coffee allergies are exceptionally rare.

What Things Can Trigger Eczema?

Eczema often appears behind the knees or elbows where skin rubs together and causes friction.

Another common form iscontact dermatitiscaused by physical contact with an irritant orallergen.

What is known is that certain substances or conditions can trigger a worsening of eczema symptoms.

According to the National Eczema Association, these include:

Can Coffee Make Eczema Better?

Rather than making eczema worse, numerous studies have suggested that coffee and caffeine may help relieve eczema symptoms.

Coffee itself may also have direct benefits.

How to Find Your Eczema Trigger

Identifying and avoiding eczematriggersis key to reducing flares.

This includes additives you may not think of (likeartificial sweetenersor non-dairy creamers that you add to coffee).

Also, check product labels for allergens orpreservativesthat you may be sensitive to.

With patience and perseverance, you’ll eventually find your eczema triggers along with ways to avoid them.

Summary

There is no strong evidence that coffee or caffeine is a trigger for eczema.

If you don’t know what is triggering your eczema symptoms, speak with your healthcare provider.

They may refer you to an allergist to see if an allergy is the cause.

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