top of page

What Drinks to Avoid If You Have Eczema

​

Living with eczema means being aware of more than just what you put on your skin — it also includes what you put into your body. While food triggers often get the spotlight, certain drinks can also lead to flare-ups, itching, or irritation.

If you're managing eczema, here are some drinks to avoid (or at least limit), and why they may be contributing to your symptoms.

Alcohol

Alcohol is one of the top drink triggers for people with eczema. It can dilate blood vessels, cause dehydration, and increase inflammation — all of which can aggravate your skin.

Especially watch out for:

  • Red wine (high in histamines and sulfites)

  • Beer (contains gluten and preservatives)

  • Spirits with mixers (especially sugary or citrus ones)

Why it's bad:

  • Can trigger an immune response

  • Dehydrates the skin

  • Interferes with sleep and healing

Caffeinated Drinks

While a morning coffee or energy drink might feel like a must, too much caffeine can stress your system and dry out your skin. Some people also notice itchiness after drinking coffee.

Common culprits:

  • Coffee

  • Energy drinks

  • Strong black tea

  • Some soft drinks

Why it's bad:

  • Acts as a diuretic (increases fluid loss)

  • Can stimulate the nervous system, increasing itch

  • May interrupt sleep and skin repair

Sugary Soft Drinks

Sugary drinks like fizzy sodas and fruit punches can spike your blood sugar, leading to inflammation in the body — a known eczema trigger. Artificial colours and preservatives can also irritate sensitive systems.

Avoid or reduce:

  • Cola

  • Lemonade

  • Fruit punch

  • Flavoured waters with additives

Why it's bad:

  • High sugar = high inflammation

  • Contains preservatives, colourings, and chemicals

  • Often has zero nutritional benefit

Citrus Juices

Citrus fruits are naturally high in acids and histamines — two things that can worsen eczema in sensitive individuals. Juices like orange or grapefruit can sometimes cause itching or flare-ups.

Drinks to watch:

  • Orange juice

  • Lemon water

  • Grapefruit juice

  • Mixed fruit juices with citrus

Why it's bad:

  • High acidity can irritate the gut and skin

  • Can increase histamine levels in the body

Flavoured Milk & Hot Chocolate

Many people with eczema have sensitivities to dairy. Flavoured milk drinks and hot chocolate often contain both dairy and sugar, making them a double trigger.

Includes:

  • Chocolate milk

  • Hot chocolate

  • Milkshakes

  • Creamy coffee drinks

Why it's bad:

  • Dairy may cause inflammation or allergic response

  • High in sugar and additives

Bubble Tea & Creamy Iced Coffees

Trendy but not skin-friendly. Bubble teas often combine sugary syrups, sweetened milk, and artificial flavours — all of which are common eczema irritants.

What to avoid:

  • Boba drinks

  • Iced caramel lattes

  • Frappés with whipped cream

  • Any highly processed “coffee shop” drink

What Should You Drink Instead?

You don’t have to live on boring water alone. Here are some eczema-friendly alternatives:

  • Filtered or spring water – Stay hydrated without additives.

  • Herbal teas – Chamomile, rooibos, or nettle tea can help calm inflammation.

  • Oat or rice milk – Gentle on the system and good dairy alternatives.

  • Fresh green smoothies – Made with skin-friendly ingredients like spinach, cucumber, and berries (no citrus).

Final Thoughts

If you’re dealing with eczema, what you drink matters just as much as what you eat. While not everyone reacts to the same drinks, cutting back on alcohol, sugary sodas, dairy-based drinks, and citrus juices can help many people reduce flare-ups.

Listen to your body, try eliminating one drink at a time, and see what works best for you. Small sips in the right direction can lead to clearer, calmer skin.

ChatGPT Image Aug 18, 2025, 10_51_20 PM.png
bottom of page