Oats aren’t just a great addition to a nutritious breakfast — they’re also a common ingredient in skin creams meant to soothe eczema symptoms. Many people with eczema find relief using oat-based products, such as lotions and creams. Oats have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease itching and redness.

Although oatmeal baths and oat-based products are popular choices for managing eczema, they may not be beneficial for everyone. Eczema is a complex skin condition with various triggers, and what works for one person may not work for another.

The Connection Between Oat Allergies and Eczema

The relationship between oat allergies and eczema is complex — especially for those who regularly use products containing oats to manage their symptoms.

Heightened Sensitivity in Eczema-Prone Skin

People with eczema often have a weakened skin barrier, which makes their skin more vulnerable — not only to dryness and irritants but also to allergens like oat proteins. This means that allergens can more easily penetrate the skin and interact with immune cells beneath the surface, setting off eczema symptoms. Although oats are less common than other allergens, they can still trigger these symptoms.

Development of Oat Sensitization Through Skin Care

Someone who has tolerated oats in the past may develop a new sensitivity over time, particularly with frequent exposure to oat-based products. Repeated use of oat-containing creams and bath products can sometimes lead to “sensitization,” where the immune system starts to see oats as a threat.

This process is more likely when eczema flare-ups have already compromised the protective skin barrier. In these cases, applying oat-based products to broken or inflamed skin may unintentionally cause the immune system to react against oats — either on the skin or when eaten. This is why some people with eczema develop allergic reactions to oats after months or even years of using oat-based remedies.

Contact Dermatitis and Systemic Allergic Reactions

For someone with an oat allergy, exposure can cause contact dermatitis — an allergic skin reaction at the site of contact. In some cases, allergic reactions aren’t confined to the skin. Ingesting oats, or even inhaling oat dust (such as from oatmeal baths), can trigger more widespread symptoms in people who are sensitized or allergic.

The Vicious Cycle: Allergy, Inflammation, and Eczema

Oat allergy can create a challenging cycle for people with eczema. Exposure to oats can lead to increased inflammation, which further weakens the skin barrier, making it even more reactive to other environmental triggers. This can set off a snowball effect, where eczema becomes more difficult to manage and new sensitivities develop. Some people might need to carefully monitor not just what they eat but also what they put on their skin and what’s in their environment.

Oat Allergy Symptoms

Understanding the symptoms of an oat allergy can help you recognize if your eczema-prone skin is reacting to oats or oat products so you can adjust your diet or skin care routine accordingly. Here are some symptoms of an oat allergy you can look out for.

1. Itchy Skin

Itchy skin is a common food allergy symptom. Proteins in foods, including oats, can cause an inappropriate immune system response, potentially worsening symptoms if you already have a skin condition like eczema.

In addition, some people with celiac disease (hypersensitivity to gluten) experience reactions to oats due to cross-contact during food processing. Although oats are naturally gluten-free, they can trigger gluten-related issues if they’re processed with other grains. Dermatitis herpetiformis is a gluten-related skin condition that causes eczema-like flare-ups and itchiness.

If you suspect your itching is from gluten sensitivity rather than an oat allergy, you should be fine with oat products labeled as gluten-free. A blood test can help determine if your symptoms are related to oats or gluten.

2. Inflammation, Swelling, and Hives

The interaction between oat proteins and the immune system can amplify the inflammation already associated with eczema for those who are sensitive to oats. Allergy-triggered inflammation can cause swollen patches on the skin from an overactive immune response.

You may have swelling, particularly around areas of direct oat exposure (such as with creams or lotions that have oat ingredients). Along with causing irritation and discomfort, swelling can make moving and exercising more difficult.

People with an oat allergy might notice small raised bumps or hives on their skin. Oats contain proteins that trigger a histamine release in people who are allergic to them. This bumpy skin can be itchy and discolored, affecting the way your skin looks and feels.

3. Oozing Skin and Infections

In severe cases of oat allergy, a person’s skin might start to ooze or weep. A combination of oozing skin and eczema can lead to an increased risk of infection. When your skin barrier is compromised, your body is less protected against infections. No matter how careful you are, you can still get exposed to pathogens (bacteria or viruses) during daily life. Any contact with other people, animals, and even the natural environment raises your chances of bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.

All people with eczema should be mindful of infection risk, regardless of their triggers. Maintaining good hygiene habits is essential, as is reaching out for medical care at the first sign of infection. Infections can cause fevers, chills, skin that’s warm to the touch, tenderness, and other symptoms like nausea or lightheadedness. Let your doctor know right away if you think you have an infection so you can take care of it before it spreads or gets worse.

4. Allergy Attacks

Having eczema can mean your skin is particularly sensitive to allergens. However, your skin may not be the only organ affected during an allergic reaction. Allergies can cause mild symptoms or severe reactions. People with food allergies usually show symptoms shortly after eating the food containing the allergen.

If you’re allergic to oats, you’ll probably experience symptoms somewhere from a few minutes to two hours after eating them. Although less likely, it’s also possible to have delayed food allergy symptoms that take several hours to develop.

Common symptoms of food allergies include:

• Diarrhea
• Itchy mouth
• Stomach pain
• Swollen lips, face, and tongue
• Vomiting
• Wheezing

Mild symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, or gastrointestinal problems, may be managed with over-the-counter antihistamines. An allergist can do a skin prick test to help identify your triggers so you can try to avoid them. In addition, if you’re allergic to a particular ingredient, you may need to avoid touching it as well. This means that people allergic to oats should avoid skin care products containing colloidal oatmeal or oats.

Severe allergies can lead to a life-threatening response called anaphylaxis. During anaphylaxis, the airways close up, making breathing difficult. As a result, people with severe allergies may be required to keep emergency treatment on them at all times in case of accidental exposure. Your dermatologist or other provider can prescribe an epinephrine autoinjector for severe allergic reactions to oats or other allergens.

5. Sleep Trouble

Eczema and allergies can make it hard to get a restful night’s sleep. Itchy, inflamed skin can leave you awake and scratching through the night. As a result, fatigue and stress can interfere with your everyday life.

6. Mental Health Effects

Managing an oat allergy and eczema can take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. Constant itchiness, pain, and visible skin symptoms can raise your anxiety levels or leave you feeling depressed. Recognizing and addressing the psychological impact of eczema is crucial for you or your loved one who’s affected by the condition.

Discuss Your Symptoms With Your Doctor

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, let your doctor know. Navigating the relationship between oat allergies and eczema requires medical advice, allergy tests, social support, and lifestyle changes. Your doctor may suggest you adjust your skin care routine and avoid oat ingredients in your food and cosmetic products. It could also be beneficial to include a mental health professional as part of your eczema care team to help you live well with this chronic condition.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyEczemaTeam is the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones. On MyEczemaTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

Have you experienced oat allergy symptoms or skin reactions after eating oats or using oat products? What symptoms do you experience? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.