Here’s What to Feed Your Child to Actually Help Their Skin Heal
f your child is in the middle of a summer eczema flare, you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. You’ve already ditched the strawberries, the detergent, the pool, even the sunscreen. You’ve been careful, diligent, and proactive… and your child is still flaring.
Maybe it’s the heat. Maybe it’s the sun. Maybe it’s a complete mystery.
The truth is: summer can be hard on eczema-prone kids. And while the sunshine can be healing, too much of it—especially with a broken skin barrier—can quickly tip the scales into flare territory.
I’ve been exactly where you are, and I want you to know this: you can turn it around.
In this post, I’ll walk you through summer foods that actually help eczema kids heal—from the inside out. These are seasonal, nutrient-dense, inflammation-calming, skin-rebuilding options that will help you make progress, even in the hottest months.
Listen Below For The Entire Episode on The Eczema Kids Podcast
Your Child’s Skin Barrier Needs Backup
Before we get into the food, let’s talk about the skin itself.
When your child’s eczema is flaring in summer, external support matters just as much as internal. That’s why I created the Skin Comfort Trio, a three-step system I developed during the worst of my own daughter’s flares. No steroids. No garbage ingredients. Just real support for healing skin.
You’ll find it bundled in the Healing Box—which ships free when you join the Eczema Elimination Method, my full program to help you reverse eczema naturally.
“Healing isn’t about being perfect. It’s about the next right choice. And then the next.” – Andra McHugh
The Real Reason Sun and Heat Trigger Eczema
Yes, the sun is healing. But too much UV exposure creates oxidative stress—and on already inflamed skin, that’s a recipe for disaster. To help your child’s body handle sun and heat better, we need to fortify their skin barrier from within using very specific nutrients:
- Beta-carotene (found in carrots and sweet potatoes) helps build skin resilience.
- Vitamin C (abundant in mangoes, kiwi, and cherries) supports collagen and tissue repair.
- Astaxanthin (naturally in wild salmon or clean supplements) acts like internal sunscreen.
These aren’t optional. They’re protective.
Healing Summer Treats (That Won’t Trigger Flares)
Summer means popsicles, ice cream, and lemonade—AKA the holy trinity of eczema nightmares. But here’s the good news: you can recreate every one of those summer staples without triggering your child’s skin.
Here are my go-to flare-free treats:
- Coconut-turmeric-mango popsicles
- Banana + avocado “ice cream”
- Coconut yogurt + gelatin gummies
- Raw honey + lemon + sea salt electrolyte lemonade
Pro tip: these make great delivery vehicles for supplements too. A little honey covers up anything.
Organ Meats: Your Secret Weapon
I get it—nobody wants to eat liver. But if your child is flaring, they’re deficient in zinc, iron, and fat-soluble vitamins, and nothing fills that gap better than organ meats.
- Use desiccated organ powders (easy to hide in burgers or meatballs)
- Make a creamy pâté with coconut cream
- Mix it with herbs and sweet potatoes
Once or twice a week is all it takes. This one change can radically improve their skin’s resilience.
And please: ditch the multivitamins. They’re often loaded with ingredients that eczema-prone kids can’t tolerate.
Blood Sugar and Eczema: The Connection
Blood sugar spikes = immune system spikes = flares.
The key is stabilizing every meal with the right combo of foods:
- Fat + protein + complex carbs
- Good options: okra, cooked/cooled sweet potatoes, soaked millet, sorghum
These help keep inflammation down and blood sugar steady. This isn’t about restriction. It’s about precision.
Cooling, Healing Herbs That Work Like Medicine
Most herbs are anti-inflammatory powerhouses—and they don’t come with fermentation, histamine, or sensitivity issues like probiotics do.
Try incorporating:
- Cilantro – powerful detoxifier
- Parsley – rich in iron and vitamin C
- Dill – cooling and delicious on fish
- Lemon zest – supports digestion and adds zing
Just start tossing them in wherever you can. A sprinkle of parsley here. A handful of cilantro there. It adds up.
Hydration: The Overlooked Eczema Essential
Eczema kids are always dehydrated. Not from sweating, but from a compromised skin barrier that leaks moisture.
You have to be intentional about hydration:
- Cucumber + lemon + sea salt water
- Diluted coconut water
- Raspberry leaf tea (room temp)
Avoid iced drinks—they slow digestion. Aim for room temp sips throughout the day. And yes, that means you will be the designated hydration enforcer.
Soothing, Easy-to-Digest Foods
Inflamed guts can’t handle raw kale and crunchy apples. Your child needs soft, cooked, easy-to-digest foods that let the gut rest while still absorbing nutrients.
Try:
- Cooked carrots, squash, and zucchini (peeled, seeds removed)
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Applesauce with ghee + cinnamon
- Homemade coconut yogurt
- Room temp smoothies
Healing requires softness. Inside and out.
Start Here: One Food, One Herb, One Strategy
You don’t have to overhaul your kitchen overnight. Start small:
✅ Try one new food that’s hydrating and cooling
✅ Add one new healing herb
✅ Test one eczema-safe treat or meal strategy
And don’t forget—the skin needs support too. Our mineral sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide and no junk ingredients. Safe for flared skin, strong enough for summer. Find it in the Healing Box.
Looking for More Eczema-Safe Food Recommendations?
If you’re looking to move the needle in your healing journey this summer, check out, Eczema Healing Through a Staycation, The Ultimate Summertime Eczema Guide and Eczema Mom Empowerment Starts Here.
FAQ
Can summer foods really help heal eczema?
Yes! Seasonal fruits and vegetables contain high amounts of the nutrients your child’s skin needs—like vitamin C, beta-carotene, and polyphenols. Combined with anti-inflammatory herbs and balanced meals, summer foods can reduce flares and support skin healing.
What if my child is too picky to try new foods?
Start with treats! Use coconut milk, fruit, or even honey to sweeten healing foods. Gummies, popsicles, and smoothies are great ways to “hide” organ powders, herbs, or supplements without a fight.
