When you have a skin infection or open wound, it's best to avoid foods that can increase inflammation, suppress the immune system, or slow the healing process.
Vitamin C – Citrus Fruits & Greens
Consuming foods high in vitamin C such as grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, sweet red pepper, broccoli, strawberries, kale, and kiwifruit are thought to increase white blood cell production, which is key to fighting infection.
Inflammatory Skin Conditions (Eczema & Psoriasis)
Psoriasis: Inflammatory foods, particularly processed sugars, dairy, red meat, and alcohol, may worsen symptoms due to their impact on gut health and immune responses.
Here are eight foods that are great for your skin:
Foods to Avoid When Sick
Try any or all of them and start reaping the benefits these nutritional powerhouses offer your body.
What increases my risk for complications of infection?
Turmeric and Ginger Water
The presence of gingerols[12] in turmeric and ginger drinks possesses antioxidant compounds and antibacterial properties to protect against skin infections[13].
Have nourishing drinks such as hot milky drinks, full fat milk, milkshakes, fruit juice, and creamy soups in between meals. Enrich the food you do eat by adding extra grated cheese, custard, milk powder, condensed milk, butter, cream, salad cream, mayonnaise, olive oil, avocado, ground nuts or nut butter.
Inflammatory Foods
Fried foods and ultra-processed items are often high in trans fats, unhealthy oils, and preservatives. These ingredients increase oxidative stress and inflammation in the body, delaying the wound healing process.
Kiwi: Kiwi is known to contain Omega- 3 fatty acids; these acids defend your skin from germs. They prevent you from horrible skin infections. However, the fruit prevents your skin from sagging. It is rich in Vitamin C, which again helps in producing collagen.
Sugary foods and refined carbs
Most people know that sugar consumption can lead to diabetes, weight gain, and cavities, but it can also significantly damage skin health. This includes sugars in sweet foods and refined carbohydrates in white-flour products, such as white bread, white pasta, and many baked goods.
Bacterial skin infections are treated with antibiotics, either topically (applied to the skin) using a cream, or orally (by mouth) in the form of tablets or a liquid suspension.
Include plenty of fruits like oranges, papayas, and berries, which are packed with vitamin C. Leafy greens like spinach and kale provide essential nutrients like vitamin A and iron. Healthy fats from nuts, seeds, and avocados can also help maintain skin hydration and elasticity.
As the wound begins to heal and new skin forms, it may feel itchy and uncomfortable. Consuming chicken at this stage might intensify itching, leading to scratching that delays healing and increases the risk of raised scars. For optimal healing, it is advised to avoid chicken until the wound has fully recovered.
Eggs contain protein that helps repair the body parts worn out after surgery. These proteins are necessary for building new tissue and skin that help wounds heal.
Fresh fruits and vegetables eaten daily will also supply your body with other nutrients essential to wound healing such as vitamin A, copper and zinc. It may help to supplement your diet with extra vitamin C. Keep your wound dressed. Wounds heal faster if they are kept warm.
Bone broth is rich in collagen, amino acids, and minerals, which are vital for wound healing and tissue repair. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought bone broth without added preservatives or sodium.
These nutrients play a role in immune health:
Antioxidant-rich fruits & veggies
– Fruit and vegetable sources: Berries, oranges, pomegranate, papaya, spinach, and kale. Breakfast idea: A green smoothie with spinach, banana, berries, and almond butter topped with chia seeds and hemp seeds.
Regular consumption of orange juice can lead to a brighter, more even skin tone, making it an excellent choice for skin whitening and lightening. Rich in vitamin C, lemon juice is a potent antioxidant that prevents hyperpigmentation, removes toxins, and protects against photodamage.
Signs and symptoms of an infection
Have plenty of rest. Drink enough fluids to avoid feeling thirsty. Ask your local pharmacist to recommend medicines to help your symptoms or pain (or both). Fever is a sign the body is fighting the infection and usually gets better by itself in most cases.
Signs and symptoms of an infection