The Link Between Food Allergies & Eczema
Eczema is the most significant risk factor for developing food allergies. Up to 67% of infants with severe eczema, and 25% of infants with mild eczema, will develop a food allergy.
Severe Eczema
1 in 3
Moderate Eczema
1 in 5
Average Risk for All Children
1 in 13
Fortunately, there's an important step parents can take to help prevent eczema babies (and all babies) from developing a food allergy. Feeding your baby common allergens, like peanut, early and often is recommended by new USDA guidelines. Since eczema babies are at the greatest risk for food allergies, early and consistent introduction is especially important if your baby has eczema. Here are our 3 tips on early allergen introduction for parents with eczema babies:
Start as early as 4 months of age: Because eczema usually develops earlier than food allergies, there is a critical window of time for families to act. Research suggests that allergens can be fed as early as 4 months of age.
Start small: Start off with small amounts of each allergenic food and build up to a larger dose. Feeding small amounts at first and then building up to a larger dose (or stepwise method) was found to be safe and effective in the landmark PETIT study on egg introduction. To effectively build tolerance, it is necessary to build up to the larger dose and maintain that dose for several months.
If you have any concerns, consult with your pediatrician: Early allergen introduction is safe and recommended for every baby, including babies with eczema, but if you have any concerns, consult with your healthcare provider.