Itchy, red, dry and irritated skin on your baby may be symptoms of atopic dermatitis, or eczema. Exact causes of eczema are not known but allergies to food, pets and other allergens are thought to trigger eczema in some infants. According to medical experts at the Baby Center, a popular website for parents, food may be a catalyst for eczema in 30 percent of children with this skin disorder. Check with a pediatric allergy specialist if you suspect your baby has eczema.
Cow's Milk
Cow's milk is a common cause of allergic reactions in infants. Eczema is not considered an allergic reaction, but is typically correlated with allergies. Infants under 12 months of age should not be fed regular cow's milk. Babies with symptoms of infantile eczema may get relief with a non-dairy based formula. According to the Mayo Clinic, milk is one of the foods that may worsen the symptoms of eczema. Seek the recommendation of your pediatrician for alternative milk formulas.
Soy
Soybeans and foods made with soybean products, including infant soy-based milk formulas are in the top ten list of allergenic foods. According to Allergy Medicine the protein in soy is one of the guilty parties indicted in causing 90 percent of allergies in people of all ages in the U.S. Eczema patches of rough, irritated skin are one possible symptom of an allergy to soybeans.
Eggs
Be a good egg and avoid feeding your infant eggs and products containing eggs if she has atopic dermatitis. The good news is that most children outgrow allergic reactions to eggs, according to the Auckland Allergy Clinic in Aukland, New Zealand. Speak with your pediatrician when considering the H1N1 Flu vaccination, recommended for children six months and older. This vaccine contains a small amount of egg protein and expert opinion about the safety of administering the vaccine to children with food allergies is mixed, according to the Food Allergy Initiative.
Nuts
Peanuts, almonds and other nuts and seeds are another common cause of allergic reactions in infants and children, and may act indirectly to trigger eczema rashes. Early results from a current study of infants, published in the May 2010 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology suggest a definite correlation between peanut allergies and atopic dermatitis. Further, this study by the Consortium of Food Allergy Research, a clinical research group supported by the National Institute of Health, indicates that children with allergic reactions to milk and eggs will probably have sensitivities to peanuts as well. Avoid feeding your child products with nuts, or even handling them yourself around the child if he has symptoms of eczema.
