The Itchy Truth: Unraveling the Connection Between Eczema and Food Allergies.
Babies who develop eczema in their first year of life often experience a lot of itching. As a parent of a baby with eczema, it can be a difficult and worrying time. You see your little one scratching all the time and may worry about the consequences. It can be reassuring to know that some children grow out of eczema. However, eczema can be associated with a predisposition to various (food) allergies. It is important as a parent to be alert to possible food allergies and take the right steps to keep your baby comfortable and healthy. This article reveals the link between eczema and food allergies and what you as a parent can do!
“It concerns approximately 20% of children and 2-5% of adults,” - Marjolein de Bruin, dermatologist and researcher at UMC Utrecht
What causes baby eczema?
The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but hereditary factors play an important role. It often occurs in families with a predisposition to allergies such as hay fever, asthma and food allergies. It is usually unclear which environmental factors play a role. Often there are multiple factors at the same time. It is not possible to change the genetic predisposition to eczema, but the factors that activate the condition can be influenced.
What are the risks of eczema in babies?
Eczema is not caused by food allergies. However, babies with eczema are more likely to have a predisposition to this. About 30-40% of babies with eczema also develop a food allergy, such as to chicken eggs, cow's milk, peanuts and nuts. The explanation for this is that the skin normally offers good protection that ensures that nothing can simply enter the body. If that skin barrier is broken - for example in the case of eczema - then certain substances can enter the body via this abnormal route. Think of allergens such as house dust mites, proteins from eggs, milk or peanuts, which can cause an allergic reaction.
Defense response
In babies with eczema, the body may regard food that enters through the skin as foreign, which can lead to an immune response. This can manifest itself in acute reactions such as swelling, shortness of breath and vomiting. An allergic reaction can worsen existing eczema by activating the immune system. This reaction on the skin shows differences from that of eczema. Although eczema is more common in children with allergies, eczema is therefore not caused by allergies. Food allergy usually does not play a role in the development of eczema. In rare cases, food allergy can trigger a flare-up of eczema.
How can food allergies be prevented in a baby with eczema?
It is important to treat eczema with a cream that soothes and protects the skin. The chance of a food allergy is much greater if food enters through broken skin. Do you want more information about this? Then sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with information.
Furthermore, it is important not to put babies with eczema on a diet and to introduce them to peanuts, chicken eggs and nuts as early as possible to prevent allergies. You do this by giving your baby peanuts, eggs and nuts as food. This way the body knows that it is food. If children continue to eat peanuts, nuts or chicken eggs, it becomes difficult for the body to create a new allergy. The advice for babies with eczema is to start eating peanuts, nuts and chicken eggs before the age of 6 months. By starting to give your baby different allergens early, it is possible to reduce the risk of a food allergy.
Final advice
Yes, if your baby has eczema, it is essential to be extra vigilant about food allergies. Babies with eczema are at a higher risk of developing food allergies, which can worsen their eczema and affect their overall health. By introducing allergenic foods early and using the right care products, you can help prevent your baby from developing food allergies. It is important to understand this connection between eczema and food allergies and be proactive in protecting your baby’s health. Use our different starter kits to introduce your baby to allergens in a healthy, safe and easy way. Safe because our products are measured in 3 or 6 progressive steps. Healthy because they are free from additives such as salt and sugar and easy because you can stir our powders into your baby’s meal!
