Hong Kong, July 2025 — As Hong Kong’s notoriously humid spring and summer months take hold, thousands of eczema sufferers are bracing for flare-ups. With nearly one in five children in the city affected by some form of eczema or allergy, according to dermatologist Dr. Lo King-fan, understanding the root causes and dietary triggers has never been more crucial. Both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners and Western medical experts now agree: what you eat can either soothe or worsen the condition.
Understanding Eczema: A Tale of Two Perspectives
Eczema, clinically known as atopic dermatitis, is far more than a surface-level skin complaint. TCM practitioner Ms. Hui So-fong explains that the condition is influenced by genetics, environmental factors, diet, emotional stress, individual constitution, and insufficient rest. She notes that damp weather, particularly in spring, exacerbates symptoms for many patients.
From a Western medical standpoint, Dr. Lo frames eczema as a dual problem: a compromised skin barrier and an overactive immune system. “If the stratum corneum — the skin’s outermost layer — is naturally fragile, the skin becomes dry and cracks easily,” he says. “Allergens like dust mites and environmental pollutants slip through these cracks, triggering an immune response.” This chain reaction can lead to inflammation, redness, itching, and in severe cases, oozing yellow fluid caused by bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus.
The Gut-Skin Connection: A Key Insight
One of the most compelling findings in recent years is the link between gut health and eczema. Dr. Lo emphasises that the intestinal microbiome plays a pivotal role in regulating the immune system. An imbalance of gut bacteria — often fueled by poor diet — can increase the likelihood of flare-ups.
Fascinatingly, even birth method can influence a child’s risk. Research suggests that babies born via caesarean section miss exposure to their mother’s vaginal lactobacillus bacteria, which help colonise the infant’s gut and skin with protective microbes. Breastfeeding, conversely, offers a powerful shield: breast milk contains over 200 to 300 types of probiotics and prebiotics, alongside antibodies that support immune development. Studies indicate that children who were not breastfed face a 10 to 20 percent higher risk of developing severe eczema or other allergies later in life.
Foods to Avoid: What the Experts Warn Against
Both TCM and Western practitioners agree on a core list of dietary culprits. Ms. Hui advises eczema patients to eliminate or significantly reduce:
- Spicy and刺激性 foods
- Shellfish, crab, goose, beef, and lamb
- Common allergens like peanuts, pastries, bread, and cow’s milk
- Tropical fruits such as durian and pineapple, along with bamboo shoots
Dr. Lo adds that three categories of food can disrupt gut bacterial balance and should be consumed sparingly:
- Processed and cured meats: sausages, ham, instant noodles
- High-sugar items: candies, packaged cakes
- Deep-fried and greasy foods: fried chicken, French fries
“The bad bacteria in our gut thrive on high-fat, oily foods,” Dr. Lo explains. “When these bacteria multiply unchecked, immune system equilibrium is disturbed, making eczema more likely to flare.”
Foods That Heal: Building an Anti-Eczema Pantry
For those seeking relief through diet, Ms. Hui recommends incorporating ingredients known for their heat-clearing, dampness-draining, and detoxifying properties:
- Mung beans
- Winter melon (dong gua)
- Cucumber
- Adzuki beans (red beans)
- Coix seed (yi ren)
- Corn silk
- White hyacinth beans (bai bian dou)
She also offers a simple, nourishing soup recipe designed to strengthen the spleen and dispel dampness:
Spleen-Strengthening, Dampness-Dispelling Soup
Ingredients: 20g Poria (fu ling), 15g Atractylodes (bai zhu), 20g Chinese yam (huai shan), 20g Fox nut (qian shi), 4 red dates, 1 piece dried tangerine peel (chen pi), lean pork to taste.
Method: Wash and soak all ingredients for 30 minutes. Blanch the pork. Add everything to 2 litres of water, bring to a rolling boil, then reduce to a low simmer for 30 minutes. Season to taste.
Dr. Lo, meanwhile, champions the use of probiotics to support gut health. Foods like yogurt, legumes, and high-fibre fruits and vegetables can help maintain a balanced intestinal environment, potentially easing eczema symptoms.
Busting Common Myths: Egg Yolk Oil and Beef
A popular home remedy circulating in Hong Kong is the use of egg yolk oil to treat eczema. Dr. Lo is quick to clarify: “What people commonly call egg yolk oil is actually a dark brown substance called tar oil. Real TCM egg yolk oil is a deep yellow or orange colour and is extremely difficult to produce or find in Hong Kong.”
Tar oil, he explains, has been used medicinally for over a century to soothe itching and inflammation. However, it must be used with caution. “High concentrations of tar oil can irritate the skin or even increase the risk of skin cancer. I strongly advise against making it at home.” Commercially available pine tar products — such as tar-based shower gels — can be purchased from pharmacies with a registered pharmacist.
When it comes to beef, many believe it triggers skin allergies. Dr. Lo debunks this notion. “A study conducted at the Prince of Wales Hospital a few years ago found that beef protein has the lowest allergenic potential among all meats tested in children with eczema.” The real issue, he notes, lies in freshness. Stale or chemically treated beef — preserved with sulphur dioxide or artificial marinades — can provoke reactions in sensitive individuals.
A Word of Caution: Don’t Eliminate Foods Rashly
Perhaps the most important takeaway from both experts is this: do not indiscriminately cut out foods. For children especially, unnecessary dietary restrictions can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Instead, parents should keep a food diary and note any reactions that occur within 30 to 60 minutes of eating. Allergy testing — through blood tests or skin prick tests — can help identify specific triggers.
The Bigger Picture: A Holistic Approach
Eczema management is not solely about diet. Both TCM and Western medicine stress the importance of a comprehensive strategy: proper skincare (including regular moisturising with products like petroleum jelly, olive oil, or coconut oil), stress reduction, adequate sleep, and — when needed — medical treatments such as topical steroids or immunomodulators.
As Hong Kong’s humidity shows no signs of relenting, the message is clear: by making informed dietary choices and seeking professional guidance, eczema sufferers can take meaningful steps toward calmer skin and a better quality of life.
For further reading: Explore traditional Chinese soup recipes for eczema relief, or consult a registered dietitian for personalised meal planning.