Eczema is a skin disease characterized by persistent itching and inflammation of the skin. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, eczema affects 10 percent of children in the United States. This disorder often presents in infancy, and 50 percent of affected people outgrow it by adolescence. While changes in weather, infection of the skin or exposure to allergens can worsen eczema, diet is also thought to play a role in the disease.
Background
While the cause of eczema is uncertain, it is thought to be related to defects in normal skin barrier function and dysregulation of the immune system. MayoClinic.com says eczema is often related to allergies, which occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as foreign and forms immunoglobulin E, or IgE, against the substance. When you encounter the substance, the IgE recognizes it and releases inflammatory mediators that result in an allergic reaction. People with eczema often form IgE to multiple types of foods, and it is thought avoidance of these foods may help with symptoms.
Testing
If you are concerned foods are exacerbating your baby's eczema or if your baby's eczema is difficult to control, testing can be performed to determine which foods may be worsening the eczema. Skin prick testing, in which small amounts of the food are scratched onto the surface of the skin and then observed for reaction, is often used. Blood testing, in which a sample of blood is analyzed to determine the level of IgE to a specific food, can also be performed.
Foods to Avoid
The optimal diet for a baby with eczema is different for each infant. The most common foods to which babies have IgE are milk and eggs. A study by Bath-Haxtell published in the journal "Allergy" in 2009 demonstrated that avoiding foods to which a baby is allergic improved the symptoms of eczema. If you are breastfeeding your child, you may need to avoid foods to which your baby tested positive. In cases of extremely severe eczema, an allergist may recommend your baby initiate a type of formula that is free of both milk and soy protein.
Benefits
The skin changes associated with eczema often result in severe itching, particularly at night. This can make sleep difficult for both babies and parents. Eliminating foods to which a baby has IgE can decrease the extent of the eczema so the skin changes cover a smaller surface area.
Considerations
While a diet that eliminates certain foods can help control a baby's eczema, this type of diet should be supervised by a physician. In some cases, extreme food avoidance can lead to dietary imbalances and even to malnutrition. Additionally, allergy testing before food elimination helps to determine which foods are most likely culprits in exacerbating the skin disorder.
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