If you’ve ever noticed your eczema flares getting worse after certain foods, stressful periods, or even during allergy season, histamine might be part of the reason. Many people with eczema already struggle with a sensitive immune system, so when histamine levels get too high, the skin can react quickly — often with more itching, redness, and inflammation.
What’s tricky is that histamine intolerance isn’t an allergy. It’s more like your body having difficulty breaking down histamine, causing it to build up and overflow. And for people with eczema, that overflow can be enough to trigger a flare.
In this blog, we’ll break down what histamine intolerance actually is, how it links to eczema, common signs to look out for, and how you can start managing your levels safely.
What is Histamine?
Histamine is a natural chemical your body uses for many things, including:
• defending against allergens
• regulating digestion
• helping with wakefulness
• supporting immune responses
It’s completely normal — and essential — to have histamine in your body. Problems only begin when you have too much histamine and your body can’t clear it properly.
What is Histamine Intolerance?
Histamine intolerance happens when your body takes in or produces more histamine than it can break down. The enzymes responsible for clearing histamine (mainly DAO, or diamine oxidase) may be reduced due to:
• gut inflammation
• medications
• alcohol
• hormonal changes
• certain genetic factors
When histamine builds up, you can experience a wide range of symptoms — many of which overlap with eczema flares.
How Histamine Triggers Eczema Flares
For people with eczema, histamine may worsen symptoms because:
1. Histamine increases itching
Histamine directly activates nerve endings in the skin, creating that intense “scratch me now” sensation.
2. It widens blood vessels
This can cause redness, heat, and swelling — all classic eczema features.
3. It increases inflammation
High histamine levels can push an already sensitive immune system into overdrive, making flares more stubborn or widespread.
4. It can disrupt the skin barrier
Histamine has been shown to weaken the protective lipid layer, making the skin drier and more reactive.
Common Signs of Histamine Intolerance
People often describe histamine intolerance as feeling like they’re having small allergic reactions throughout the day. You might notice:
• itching, flushing, or hives
• worsening eczema patches
• runny nose, sneezing, or congestion
• headaches or migraines
• digestive issues (bloating, diarrhoea, cramping)
• feeling hot, dizzy, or faint after certain foods
• heart palpitations
• swelling around the eyes
If you recognise two or more of these, especially after meals, histamine intolerance may be worth exploring.
High-Histamine Foods That May Trigger Eczema
Histamine is found naturally in many foods — especially those aged, fermented, or stored for long periods. Common triggers include:
• aged cheeses
• yoghurt and kefir
• kimchi, sauerkraut, miso
• processed meats (ham, bacon, salami)
• tinned fish and shellfish
• vinegars and pickled foods
• alcohol (especially wine and beer)
• tomatoes
• spinach
• aubergine
• citrus fruits
• chocolate
• nuts
It doesn’t mean you need to avoid all of these forever. But during a flare, or while investigating histamine intolerance, reducing these foods can make a dramatic difference.
Why Some People With Eczema React More Strongly
Not everyone with eczema has histamine intolerance — but certain factors make it more likely:
1. Gut inflammation
If the gut lining is irritated, DAO enzyme levels drop, making it harder to break down histamine.
2. Chronic stress
Stress increases histamine release and slows digestion, leading to higher circulating levels.
3. Food sensitivities
Even foods not high in histamine can trigger the body to release histamine.
4. Skin infections
When eczema is infected or inflamed, the body releases more histamine as part of the immune response.
How to Reduce Histamine Levels and Calm Your Skin
You don’t need to follow a strict “low-histamine diet” forever. Most people simply need a few weeks of reset and some lifestyle adjustments.
1. Trial a short-term low-histamine diet (2–4 weeks)
Remove common triggers and slowly reintroduce foods to see what affects you.
2. Support your gut
A calmer gut produces more DAO enzyme. Simple steps include:
• eating cooked foods instead of raw
• reducing alcohol
• avoiding overly spicy or acidic meals
• strengthening the gut lining through balanced nutrition and herbs
3. Manage stress levels
Anything that calms your nervous system will help lower histamine release.
4. Improve sleep quality
Histamine is high during the day and should naturally fall at night. Poor sleep can keep histamine elevated.
5. Pay attention to leftovers
Histamine increases in foods the longer they sit in the fridge. Fresh meals are best.
When to Seek Help
If your eczema flares are unpredictable or seem closely tied to food, mood, or hormones, histamine intolerance could be one hidden piece of the puzzle.
Working with a practitioner who understands eczema holistically can help you:
• assess your symptom patterns
• adjust your diet safely
• support your gut and immune system
• reduce flare frequency and intensity
You don’t need to guess — and you definitely don’t need to eliminate half the foods you enjoy long-term.
Final Thoughts
Histamine intolerance doesn’t cause eczema, but it can worsen it significantly. By understanding how histamine affects your skin, you can begin making small changes that relieve itching, reduce flares, and bring your skin back to balance.
If you’d like personal guidance or feel stuck in an eczema flare you can’t control, our Eczema & Psoriasis Clinic in Sydney can help you map out what’s going on and create a tailored plan that works for your body.
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