Your Little One Has Eczema...

Your Little One Has Eczema...

Before you get started with allergen introduction, it is good to be aware that if your baby has eczema, they have a slightly higher chance of reacting/developing a food allergy.

Before you get started with allergen introduction, it is good to be aware that if your baby has eczema, they have a slightly higher chance of reacting to an allergen or developing a food allergy. This is because when food proteins enter the body through "broken skin" such as eczema the body then perceive, it as a potential threat and it can become a trigger for a food allergy. When a new potential allergenic food is introduce through "consumption with safe solid food during the weaning process" the allergens enter the body via the gut, can help the immune system recognise it as safe. 

"Through the skin, allergies begin, through the diet, allergies stay quiet."

Depending on when eczema developed (within the first 3, 5, 6 months of life) and the severity of the fare up and the treatment path required such as it needed aggressive treatment with topical steroids and emollients then it's best to consult a GP or health professional before proceeding with allergen introduction.

Babies who have severe eczema, meaning 2 flares, each lasting 2 weeks, that needs prescription steroids to heal, OR a known food allergy, are at especially high risk of developing a food allergy, your GP may refer your baby to a specialist for a food allergy test. However, every other baby still has a ~10% chance of developing a food allergy if they do not get proper immune training. 

Tests you may have include:
  • A skin-prick test (where a drop of liquid containing a food you may be allergic to is put on your skin to see if it reacts)
  • Blood tests
It is important not to delay allergen introduction if your baby's eczema symptoms are mild or if your GP has given you the advice to proceed. You may also be asked to keep a food and symptoms diary throughout the weaning and allergen introduction journey. At Baby, are you nuts? The organic allergen weaning test kit includes a record chart and signs and symptoms guide, along with small pre-measured doses of the 8 top nut and seed allergens to help you navigate this journey.
This post on eczema and another post in the resource hub on the gut microbiome will help you to understand the importance of allergen introduction. 
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