Eczema and food allergy prevention
There has been research looking into preventing eczema in babies and also preventing food allergies in babies who develop eczema.
Research shows that properly managing eczema and introducing the common allergy causing foods to babies, may help lower the risk of a child developing food allergy.
Some research has shown that babies with eczema can develop food allergy if the food is applied to their skin, for example in a moisturiser that contains nut oils. When a baby’s eczema is well cared for, the skin barrier is stronger and food that comes into contact with the skin is less likely to cause a problem.
Moisturisers
When using moisturisers or other skin products such as sunscreen or massage oil, it is important to make sure that they do not contain food ingredients such as nut oils, cow’s milk or goat products. Using moisturisers or other skin products that contain food ingredients may increase the chance of your baby developing an allergy to the food.
Feeding peanut (such as smooth peanut butter/paste) before one year of age is especially important in babies with moderate to severe eczema, as research has shown these babies will benefit the most.
