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Is my breastmilk causing baby eczema?

Understanding the Connection Between Breastmilk and Baby Eczema
The relationship between breastmilk and eczema in infants is a complex and often debated topic among parents and healthcare professionals alike. Eczema, particularly atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that affects many babies, leading to dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. As a breastfeeding mother, you may wonder if your breastmilk could be contributing to your baby’s eczema.
The Role of Breastfeeding
Research indicates that breastfeeding may actually reduce the risk of developing eczema in infants. A study highlighted by the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that breastfed babies have a lower incidence of atopic dermatitis compared to those who are formula-fed. This protective effect is thought to stem from the unique composition of breastmilk, which contains antibodies and probiotics that support the infant’s immune system and gut health.
However, the evidence is not entirely straightforward. Some studies point out that while breastfeeding is generally beneficial, the relationship between maternal diet and eczema is nuanced. For instance, a minority of children with eczema may have food allergies or intolerances that could be influenced by the mother’s diet during breastfeeding. This means that while breastmilk itself is not a direct cause of eczema, certain components in the mother’s diet might trigger flare-ups in susceptible infants.
Maternal Diet and Eczema
The diet of a breastfeeding mother can play a significant role in the development of eczema in her child. Certain foods consumed by the mother may pass into her breastmilk and potentially affect the baby. For example, common allergens such as dairy, eggs, and nuts could be culprits for some infants. However, it’s important to note that not all babies with eczema will react to these dietary components, and many babies with eczema are not breastfed at all.
Healthcare professionals often recommend that mothers who suspect their diet may be affecting their baby’s skin condition consider an elimination diet under the guidance of a healthcare provider. This approach can help identify specific triggers without unnecessarily restricting the mother’s diet.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, while breastmilk is generally considered protective against eczema, it is not entirely free from potential influences. If your baby is experiencing eczema, it is unlikely that breastmilk is the sole cause. Instead, it may be a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and possibly dietary components that contribute to the condition. Consulting with a pediatrician or a dermatologist can provide personalized insights and recommendations tailored to your situation. They may suggest monitoring your diet or exploring other non-pharmacologic interventions to help manage your baby’s eczema effectively.

What does breast eczema look like?

Breast eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a condition that causes your skin to become dry, discolored, itchy and bumpy. It may appear in the dark areas around your nipples (areolas), between your breasts, under your breasts, on the sides of your breasts or elsewhere on your chest.

Why does my baby suddenly have eczema?

Cause of Eczema
A type of dry, sensitive skin that children inherit. Flare-ups are from skin contact with soap, shampoo, pollen or other irritating substances. About 30% of babies with severe eczema also have food allergies. The most common is cow’s milk.

Is my breast milk irritating my baby?

Human breast milk typically does not cause allergic reactions in breastfeeding infants, but mothers sometimes worry that their babies may be allergic to something that they themselves are eating and passing into their breast milk.

Can breast milk affect baby skin?

As a bonus, breast milk is also gentle on a baby’s sensitive skin. Simply dab a little breast milk on their skin after feedings to reduce inflammation and gradually treat the acne.

What deficiency causes eczema in babies?

Key among the implicated genes are those responsible for the production of filaggrin, a vital protein for maintaining skin barrier integrity. In infants with eczema, a deficiency in this protein and the resultant loss of the natural hydrolipidic film can lead to increased water loss through the skin.

Can coffee cause eczema in breastfed babies?

Instead, a review found that caffeine consumption of breastfeeding mothers was linked with colic and baby eczema (McCreedy et al 2018). But we can’t be sure if these problems are definitely linked to caffeine in their mum’s milk, as it’s common for young babies to have these conditions.

How to know if breast milk isn’t agreeing with baby?

Fussiness before eating because of hunger, during the feeding and then more fussy as they become more uncomfortable can be common. “Children with MSPI may cry 18 hours or more a day and may develop weight loss, congestion, repeated vomiting, reflux, and certain kinds of skin rashes.

Does baby eczema mean milk allergy?

Causes of eczema in babies
The exact causes of eczema are not really known, but in many cases, your baby may suffer from eczema due to a food allergy, e.g. Cows’ Milk Allergy (CMA). Many babies who develop eczema early on in infancy are allergic to one or more allergy-causing substances.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting baby?

If your baby shows negative symptoms after drinking breast milk. Consider how your baby responds to breast milk after drinking it. If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day.

Can my baby get eczema from breast milk?

However, breastfeeding effects on AD are still controversial. In a large population-based telephone cohort study in Denmark, Benn et al reported that exclusive breastfeeding for the first 4 months actually led to an increased incidence of AD in children with parents without allergies.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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