How Different Drinks Affect Eczema – What to Know Before You Sip
If you’re living with eczema, you already know that what goes into your body is just as important as what goes on your skin. But have you ever thought about how the drinks you consume might be impacting your eczema?
From fizzy drinks to herbal teas, different beverages can either help soothe your skin or make symptoms worse. Here's a breakdown of how different drinks affect eczema and what you might want to watch out for.
Alcoholic Drinks
Alcohol is one of the most common drink-related eczema triggers. It can:
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Dehydrate the skin, making it dry and itchy
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Increase inflammation, especially if you already have a flare-up
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Trigger histamine responses, especially in drinks like red wine or beer
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Disrupt sleep, which is a key factor in eczema flare-ups
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Tip: If you're going to drink, stay hydrated with water and consider clear spirits like vodka or gin, which may be less likely to cause a reaction than beer or wine.
Sugary & Fizzy Drinks
Drinks like cola, energy drinks, and sweetened juices can be bad news for eczema-prone skin. High levels of refined sugar can:
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Increase inflammation in the body
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Disrupt gut health, which is linked to eczema
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Spike insulin levels, possibly triggering immune responses
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Tip: Cut down on sugary drinks and look for natural options with no added sugar.
Coffee & Caffeinated Drinks
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Caffeine can be a tricky one. While it doesn't affect everyone, it may:
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Dehydrate your body, which leads to dry skin
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Affect sleep, increasing the risk of flare-ups
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Trigger stress hormones like cortisol, which can worsen eczema
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Tip: Limit caffeine to earlier in the day and balance each cup with extra water.
Dairy-Based Drinks
Some people with eczema find that milk and dairy can trigger their symptoms, especially if they have a dairy allergy or sensitivity. Dairy may:
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Contribute to inflammation
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Worsen skin conditions in sensitive individuals
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Tip: Try plant-based alternatives like oat, almond, or rice milk—but watch out for added sugars or preservatives.
Herbal Teas
Now for the good news—some drinks can actually help eczema! Herbal teas like:
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Chamomile – known for calming inflammation
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Rooibos – antioxidant-rich and naturally caffeine-free
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Nettle tea – may help reduce histamine reactions
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These can support your immune system, calm the skin, and promote better sleep.
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Tip: Always check for allergies and avoid any teas with added flavourings or ingredients you don't recognise.
Water (The Best Drink for Eczema)
It might sound boring, but water is your best friend when managing eczema. Staying well-hydrated:
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Keeps your skin moist from the inside
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Supports the natural healing process
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Helps flush out toxins that could trigger inflammation
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Tip: Aim for 6–8 glasses a day—and even more in hot weather or if you’re drinking alcohol or caffeine.
Water filters
Filtered water can be better for eczema because it helps reduce exposure to substances in tap water that may irritate sensitive skin or trigger flare-ups. Since people with eczema already have a weakened skin barrier, even small amounts of irritants can worsen symptoms. Here's why filtered water can make a difference:
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1. Reduces Chlorine and Chloramines​
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Tap water often contains chlorine and chloramines used for disinfection.
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These chemicals can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.
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For eczema-prone skin, this can trigger flare-ups or worsen existing symptoms.
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2. Minimizes Hard Water Effects​
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Many areas in the UK have hard water, which contains high levels of calcium and magnesium.
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Hard water can:​
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Disrupt the skin’s natural pH balance.
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Make soaps and cleansers less effective, leaving residue on the skin.
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A water softener or filtered showerhead can reduce these minerals and make water gentler.
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3. Removes Potential Irritants and Contaminants
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Depending on the source, tap water can contain:​​
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Microplastics
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Pesticide residues
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Heavy metals (like lead or copper)
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These can irritate sensitive, eczema-prone skin if they come into direct contact during bathing or washing.
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4. Supports the Skin Barrier
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Using filtered water can help keep your skin barrier intact by reducing exposure to harsh chemicals and minerals.
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This helps retain moisture, reducing itchiness and flare-ups.
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5. Better for Drinking, Too
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Staying hydrated is important for eczema.
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Drinking filtered water avoids consuming some additives or chemicals that may trigger inflammation in sensitive individuals.​​
Final Thoughts
What you drink has a direct impact on your skin. If you’re struggling with eczema, consider keeping a drink diary to track how your body reacts to different beverages.
At Eczema Eaze, we believe in simple, practical changes that can lead to calmer, clearer skin. Swap out irritants, stay hydrated, and choose skin-friendly drinks whenever possible—you might be surprised how much of a difference it makes.