The causes of eczema include genetics, immunological and allergic reactions as well as external factors such as synthetic clothing and artificial substances and toxins in the environment. This recurring skin condition can appear in infants and affects almost 15% of the population. The condition may disappear completely for years at a time and then reappear with flare-ups. Adult onset eczema may be due to environmental chemicals and toxins in the liver and body.
A Mother's Diet Affects Allergies in Baby
Over 20 percent of children experience eczema. The itchy rash called eczema is actually an umbrella term for a variety of skin irritations and inflammations. The most common form, atopic eczema is a skin allergy that results from an imbalance of the immune system. This skin condition usually appears as spots of itchy, sensitive areas of skin that spreads as the sufferer scratches them.
To prevent eczema or stop it before it becomes a major problem, a strong immune system is important. Good or protective bacteria in a baby’s immune system are the best way to build the body’s defenses. Breast feeding is the most natural and efficient way to pass on these helpful bacteria to a child from the mother. Hence, it is important to keep a mother’s immune system and bacteria composition in a healthy condition.
Probiotics and Anti-Inflammatory Foods Reduce Itchiness and Redness
Probiotics from foods such as yogurt or supplements containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacteria, before and during pregnancy and by nursing mothers may help to decrease the risk of eczema in babies by up to 50 percent. Other foods that contain these healthy bacteria include miso, tempeh and kefir. Onions and bananas are a whole food source for probiotics.
Foods and supplements that decrease inflammation also help to decrease eczema symptoms. These include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids that are found in fish, seafood, flax, and vegetable oils. Soothing allergen-free lotions that contain chamomile, calendula and burdock, help to decrease itching and inflammation.
Decrease Allergens At Home to Improve the Health of Children
It is important to prevent allergic reactions in infants and children that are susceptible to eczema. Perfumes and chemicals in soaps, lotions, shampoos and cleaning products that are directly used on children or transferred from a mother’s skin to an infant can trigger eczema flare-ups.
Allergenic foods such as milk, eggs, soy, nuts, peanuts, tomatoes, fish and wheat should be recorded in a food diary to determine if an infant has food allergies. A physician can diagnose a food allergy accurately. Dust, pollen and environmental allergens can also cause eczema. Reduce these in the home by vaccuming carpets and washing bedding and stuffed toys regularly.
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References:
Diseases in Childhood: Stress in mothers of young children with eczema, 2007;92:683-686
Noreen Kassem - Noreen Kassem is a hospital doctor based in London, UK. She has extensive experience in clinical research and an undergraduate honors ...
