Healing Childhood Eczema Naturally

A newborn baby would start life with the first meal being golden colostrum from a mothers breast. This is the first milk thick, rich and full of antibodies that provide the newborn baby with essential protection against bacteria and viruses. Breastfeeding has huge advantages for the baby assisting in the development of much needed immunity and reducing the development of allergies. The link between eczema and allergies is well documented, there are a myriad of personal accounts about healing infant eczema through dietary change which will be discussed later. There are several different forms of eczema or dermatitis; infantile eczema, venous eczema, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis (cradle cap), adult seborrhoeic dermatitis and discoid eczema. Here we will concentrate on infantile eczema in children (which is common and often hereditary) and how this condition may be related to diet. Infantile eczema is a chronic condition thought to be an immune response to environmental or dietary allergens. It may also be exacerbated in times of stress, emotional upset, nutritional deficiencies or weather changes [1]. The skin is our protective barrier to the environment; these skin cells (strateum corneum) are locked together by corneodesmosomes surrounded by lipid (fat) bi-layers. Those prone to develop atopic eczema tend to have a thin skin barrier (stratum corneum) in places such as the face and the flexures (inner elbows etc), these areas of skin are more easily broken making it easy for irritants and allergens to penetrate and trigger a flare of the eczema. The sight of your baby constantly itching, rubbing, scratching their red, blotchy, scaly, oozing skin is painfully distressing for a mother. The first port of call would usually be the general practitioner (GP), who can be quick to prescribe steroid based creams (e.g. 0.5% hydrocortisone). Steroids are the most commonly prescribed medication for this condition. Steroids are known to cause many side effects which include thinning and discolouration of the skin, easy bruising, burn marks on skin, itchiness, liver and kidney damage, weakened immune system, increased acne or facial hair. Apparently, use of more than 500 g per week of hydrocortisone may result in adrenal gland suppression and eventually Cushings syndrome. Most mothers would be grateful for any relief for their babies distress so would rush at the chance. Babies born to an allergic parent are more prone to developing allergies. Studies have shown that breastfed babies can become sensitised to allergens in the breast milk for example if the mother consumes a conventional diet. Breast milk fights allergies by coating the lining of the babys intestines making it more difficult for foreign antigens to leach into the gut therefore, breastfed babies are most exposed to what the mother eats and secretes in her milk. Cows milk is one of the most common allergens closely followed by eggs, peanuts, red pepper, and fish, which are staples in a conventional diet. Atopic eczema is defined by the tendency to produce immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies instead of IgM antibodies. IgM antibodies bind to specific antigens while IgE antibodies react against different forms of allergens both specifically and non-specifically. Breast milk especially colostrum is usually full of immunoglobulins IgA however if deficient in IgA or
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those specific to cows milk protein, this has been suggested to make the infant prone to having cows milk allergy. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months to a year may allow the immune system to develop enough to reduce the risk of childhood allergies[7]. In the Manual of Dietetic Practice it is stated that exposure to cows milk protein in the first few months can be associated with IgE allergies to foods as well as eggs and soya following weaning[2]. Allergy prevention studies suggest that it is sufficient to exclusively breastfeed and avoid solid foods for the first 4 months for allergy prevention. The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months[2]. Recent studies published in the British Journal of Dermatology have suggested that breastfeeding any longer than 4 months gives no added benefit in relation to the prevention of eczema. This goes against current UK guidelines given by the WHO and DOH that state that babies should be exclusively breastfed for 6 months to 1 year[3]. This research also stated that weaning babies onto potentially allergenic foods such as peanuts are more likely to improve tolerance to these foods rather than cause food sensitivities. They went on to state that exclusively breastfed babies for longer than 4 months are as likely to develop eczema as babies that are weaned earlier. They suggest the UK breastfeeding guidelines are reviewed with regard to the impact of eczema in relation to breastfeeding however current studies are inconclusive. Once food allergies have been identified avoidance of trigger foods can lead to significant improvement. These types of food can also be termed as histamine-containing foods. As identified before, the most common trigger foods include cows milk, eggs, wheat, soya, nuts, chocolate, tomato and shellfish. Foods that are most commonly consumed by the general population such as breastfeeding mothers who need to consume essential calcium, fatty acids, protein, B vitamins amongst many other vitamins, minerals and trace elements essential for the growth and mental development of their babies. An elimination diet is essential to determine the culprit though you should ensure to replace the vitamins and minerals that are lost. For example, if eliminating dairy products, ensure you replace the calcium source with foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and tofu. If you eliminate wheat replace fibre and B vitamins with other whole grains. A diet rich in wholegrains, fresh fruit, vegetables, pure water, and foods rich in essential fatty acids (EFA) such as oily fish (mackerel, sardines, wild salmon), seeds (flax, pumpkin, sunflower) and nuts are essential for skin health and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Foods that congest the body should be avoided as they exacerbate skin problems. These include red meat, dairy products, fried and fatty foods and hydrogenated fats and oils. Certain nutrients are very important in the treatment of eczema. Sweet peppers, cabbage and parsley are all excellent sources of bioflavonoids which help reduce inflammation and control allergy as well as enhancing the capillary function to receive better flow of nutrients and elimination of waste from the skin. Citrus fruits and zinc found in carrots, garlic and ginger are essential additions to the diet. Herbs and supplements that can be taken to aid in the healing of childhood eczema include milk thistle, nettle and dandelion tea, evening primrose, fish oils, probiotics, vitamin B complex, biotin, vitamin C, and zinc[1, 4-6]. Topical applications of vitamin E, evening primrose, St Johns Wort cream, camomile cream, calendula, shea butter and chickweed should help retain moisture. Avoidance of harsh soaps, detergents and chemicals exchanged for natural hypoallergenic toiletries and household products [1, 4-6].
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Some Naturopathic Therapists recommend refraining from weaning baby onto dairy products and grains until 1 year of age as the digestive system is immature and can only manage breast milk, formula and basic foods such as fruits and vegetables. After 1 year of age grains and dairy can be re-introduced to the babys diet without the return of eczema. Probiotics, fatty acids and vitamin D are essential, so if the breastfeeding mother is deficient in these elements then they should be supplemented. There is mounting evidence to suggest that supplementing probiotic good bacteria in a childs early diet will reduce the risks of reoccurring eczema. Many accounts of women doing just this had witnessed eczema disappearing within a week. The introduction of probiotics in the breastfeeding mothers diet through raw cultured vegetables has been shown to reduce the presence of eczema as the baby would be receiving probiotics (micro-flora) through breast milk. Micro-flora rich in lactobacilli are full of alkaline-forming enzymes that lead to the creation of essential nutrients such as biotin. Outbreaks of eczema can be due to faulty fat metabolism. High sources of omega-3 and GLA (gamma-linoleic acid) are required in this case[10]. Babies have been shown to benefit from the addition of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) in breast milk through the consumption of the mother. The most commonly available omega-3 EFAs on the market are in the form of fish oils however there are vegan alternatives derived from algae. The fish consume the algae which is the source of these long chain EFAs. As well as the previously mentioned benefits of EFAs other benefits include promoting healthy brain, eyes and nervous system, mood elevation, and cardiovascular benefits. A study investigating the relationship between eczema and allergy development found that mothers eating organic foods and exclusively breastfeeding for extended periods had higher EFA content in their breast milk as opposed to mothers who ate a conventional diet[11]. The addition of flax and omega EFA oils, vitamin D, green powder and a quality vitamin are the few essentials a breastfeeding mother may find useful. The micro-algae spirulina has been shown to prevent nutritional deficiencies as it is a good source of protein (60%), essential amino acids, vitamin B12, B6, B1, B3, B2, and EFAs amongst many others[4, 5]. Organic dairy products consumed by children have been shown to lessen the risk of allergy development by 36%. Organic milk is known to contain more omega-3 fatty acids in comparison to conventional milk[9]. As mentioned before, EFAs form an essential part in the development of atopic disease. Linoleic acid (omega-6 EFA) converts to gamma-linoleic acid (GLA) and arachidonic acid. Studies have shown that patients with some forms of eczema have high blood concentrations of linoleic acid combined with lower concentrations of longer-chain polyenes (LCP). Mothers with a history of atopic disease have been shown to have low concentrations of omega-6 LCP present in a newborn babys umbilical cord blood prior to the development of atopic disease. DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) is now commonly added to formula milks due to many studies showing the relation between DHA and their many benefits. DHA and other fatty acids present in breast milk have been associated with the prevention of allergy development. The low levels of fatty acids in the standard conventional diet may be the reason for the rise in allergic diseases such as asthma, food sensitivities, hay fever as well as eczema. There is a conventional use of vegetable oils in cooking and a low intake of oily fish which contain much required omega-3 EFAs. This would thus lead to the increase of omega6 fatty acids which contribute to inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that
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breastfeeding mothers with high levels of omega-3 EFA reduced the risk of eczema and other allergies in their first year[10]. Thijs et al (2011) suggest ways to protect your baby from eczema by increasing EFA with the consumption of fatty fish, breastfeeding and increasing the consumption of full-fat dairy products shown to have inflammation-fighting potential[10]. Many mothers have been at the end of their tether trying to relieve eczema on their red, itchy child. Perhaps if they knew that a small change in their diet could relieve or even cure eczema they would jump at the chance[8]. Being a mother myself I have experienced first-hand how troublesome this condition is for a baby. I seldom consume dairy so in my case the culprits were wheat and soya. Once those two elements were removed from my diet and I increased the amount of green vegetable juice, chlorella tablets and spirulina in my diet. I also used Calendula cream (used for reducing inflammation and heal wounds by helping new tissue grow in wounds and reduce swelling) and shea butter as opposed to the most commonly prescribed inflammatory aqueous cream and paraffin-containing oil solution and my babys skin cleared up within 7 days. In summary, to heal baby eczema naturally the following may apply. For pregnant women; Ensure to eat a diet rich in omega-3 EFA (oily fish) or supplement where needed Ensure to take a pre-natal multivitamin which contains folic acid For a breastfeeding mother: Eat a clean diet rich in wholegrains, fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds Try to include raw fruit and vegetables in your meals every day Try to include raw cultured vegetables such as sauerkraut Include EFAs in your daily diet either by the consumption of organic oily fish or supplements. Avoid high mercury fish such as swordfish, albacore tuna, salmon, shark, king mackerel, grouper, marlin. Try to avoid sugary, processed foods as they are mostly empty calories with no nutrient content. For a baby 6 months and onwards: Introduce simple foods slowly (mono-diet) Relax, try to avoid making mealtimes regimented Introduce fruits and vegetables first Avoid introducing grains, meat and dairy until after 1 year of age

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

8. 9. 10. 11.

McKeith, G., You Are What You Eat2004, London: Penguin Group. Thomas, B. and J. Bishop, Manual of Dietetic Practice. 4th ed2001, UK: Blackwell Publishing. Dewey, K., Guiding Principles For Complementary Feeding of the Breastfed Child. Food and Nutrition, 2003: p. 5-37. Holford, P. and D. Colson, Optimum Nutrition For Your Child: How to boost your child's health, behaviour and IQ2010, London, UK: Piatkus. 309. McKeith, G., Food Bible: The Complete A-Z Guide To A Healthy Life2008, London: Penguin Group. Holford, P. and S. Lawson, Optimum Nutrition: Before, During and After Pregnancy2009, London: Piatkus. 267. Saarinen, K.M., et al., Transforming growth factor-1 in mothers colostrum and immune responses to cows milk proteins in infants with cows milk allergy. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology, 1999. 104(5): p. 1093-1098. Monica, How I Finally Cured My Baby's Eczema In A Matter of Days, in Healthy Green Moms2012. Organic Milk Reduces Allergies and Eczema, in Mommy goes green2009. Thijs, C., et al., Fatty acids in breast milk and development of atopic eczema and allergic sensitisation in infancy. Allergy, 2011. 66(1): p. 58-67. Kummeling, I., et al., Etiology of atopy in infancy: The KOALA Birth Cohort Study. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 2005. 16(8): p. 679-684.

The Natural Nutrition Advisor | Lori Lewis