Eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is quite common in children in the U.S. as well as other Westernized countries. In the U.S. alone, an estimated 20% of children have eczema (atopic dermatitis).¹ Eczema can range from mild to severe and, depending on how much damage from scratching occurs, can lead to skin infections.

The cause of eczema is not exactly known but likely reflects an interplay between genetics and environmental factors. Many with eczema have family members with eczema or other allergic diseases, such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or asthma. Other risk factors have been investigated and found to possibly have some connection, such as:

• Lack of breastfeeding in first 3 months of life
• Mother’s diet too high in animal products and too low in plant foods and omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy
• Lack of exposure to certain microbes in young childhood

Triggers of eczema are different from person to person, but may include:

• Soaps, detergents, and shampoos
• Household chemicals and cleaners
• Certain foods (specific to each person but may include dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, wheat, etc.)
• Cats, dogs, and other pets
• Molds
• Dust mites
• Sweat, hot weather
• Low humidity or high humidity
• Stress
• Pollen and other environmental allergens

Diet

• A Nutritarian eating style high in beneficial nutrients and low in animal products and processed sugars, flours, and oils followed by expecting mothers, as well as followed by those already with eczema, can help to reduce skin inflammation generally and over time reduce the trigger response to allergens.
• Reducing animal products in general may specifically help eczema, but eliminating dairy tends to help the most, particularly if one has a specific allergy to dairy.
• Remove the most common food allergens: wheat, soy, eggs, and dairy. Finding out if any food allergies exist via testing with your doctor may help identify other specific food triggers to reduce/eliminate.
• My book, Disease Proof Your Child, is helpful to incorporate Nutritarian eating into your family life and deal with your picky eater.

Supplements

• Taking added omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA and perhaps smaller amounts of GLA from Borage oil or Black Currant seed oil) may help improve the health of the skin, as well as reduce skin inflammation.
• Taking sufficient nutrients such as vitamin D, Zinc, and others via a multivitamin may help support skin health in general, reducing rash severity.
• Probiotics have been shown to help in various allergic diseases, including eczema, and are a key part of treating eczema.

Topical

• Adding effective and safe skin barrier ointments, moisturizing oils, or plant-based butters (shea butter, etc.) multiple times a day is helpful, and avoid washing with soap as much as possible. If still severe, a low dose steroid ointment can be used under the direction of your local physician.
• Sometimes, with very young children, wearing special pajamas that cover the hands with mittens or socks buttoned on the sleeve to prevent scratching while sleeping is helpful.