Eczema and Food Allergies

Eczema and Food Allergy in 20th Century

Food allergy became a hot topic of conversation in the late 20th century, especially as children with eczema were found to be more susceptible to allergies. People were blaming toxic substances in the environment and the ultimate effect on our food supply, antibiotic overuse and the modern diet that is full of refined carbohydrates.

Allergies to food are more common in children and people who are atopic, that is people who have inherited the gene that causes allergic conditions and who are likely to have eczema or asthma. In Australia, research found that children born to Asian parents are the most likely ones to develop eczema and children with a family history of eczema are two times as likely to develop it as those without. Males are more likely to be affected than females.

Common triggers include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish. Severity ranges from people not being able to be in the same room as the allergen to people who just have a mild intolerance and are affected by chemical components in particular foods. Children may only be allergic to one or two foods, but the symptoms may range from a mild irritation to severe hives with swelling or even anaphylaxis and sometimes death.

Between four to six months of age, 20 percent of infants develop eczema (atopic dermatitis) and a rash appears on the cheeks or the backs of arms and legs. Although modification of diet may improve symptoms, some children require further intervention. Homoeopathic treatment is an option where remedies are used to stimulate the immune system to heal itself. Medically, topical steroid creams or cortisone treatments are prescribed for eczema, but these can lead to other side effects because steroids suppress the immune system which may exacerbate food allergy. 

For a tip on how to potentially help your child's Eczema see: Natural Treatment for Baby's Eczema

Image: Sunny studio/Shutterstock

Resources:

Eczema and Food Allergies in Children - Angie Plataniosis - TheFoodCoach

Prednisone and Other Corticosteroids – Mayo Clinic Staff

The Epidemiology of Infantile Eczema – Pamela Martin

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