Recently we shared my latest podcast that shares with you Tips to Manage Eczema in Babies and Toddlers.

Commonly I get asked why is it so common for babies and toddlers to get eczema. This is due to the altered immune system of the mother when carrying their baby in utero.

You see the T helper cells alter to prevent the body from rejecting the baby so the body goes to Th2 Dominance. There are other diseases that result from this dominance such as lupus, colitis, sinusitis and hay fever. So the baby is born with this altered immune system. Typically, this will rectify as the baby grows. But in many this doesn’t happen which then leads to eczema.

Is there anything a mother can do to prevent this from happening?

• Taking probiotics specific for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers contains strains that help with regulating the immune system of the baby when born but also can help with reducing inflammation in the skin when the baby is born.
• When pregnant avoid inflammatory foods and eat healthy, nutrient rich foods

Ok so here are my tips.

Food:

Breastfeeding mums needs to consume an anti-inflammatory diet. So no sugar, dairy, gluten, alcohol, caffeine, processed food. A diet rich in green leafy vegetables, lots of filtered water, fresh fruits and vegetables, supplements such as fish oil and chlorophyll and probiotics.

For children eating foods they must avoid all inflammatory food and enjoy similarly green leafy veggies, lean meats such as turkey, chicken and fish, fresh fruits (2-3 per day), essential fatty acids found in avocado and oily fish and lots of water. This can be a difficult process for some so I would employ you avoid having anything that is tempting the child to stray from this way of eating. This is healthy for the entire family, so for everyone to adopt these eating habits will only be beneficial for everyone.

Bathing:

Keeping water lukewarm, not too hot and using colloidal oatmeal to reduce the itchiness and redness in the skin. You can use Celtic sea salt or Himalayan pink salt. Pat the skin dry softly and be sure to use towels that have been wash in chemical free washing powder. If you are unsure simply wash your towels and children’s clothing in vinegar.

Clothing:

Only cotton and bamboo and always wash newly bought clothes.

Topical products:

Avoid cortisone at all lengths as this will deepen the illness and make it more difficult to resolve. The best are natural creams which there are many on the market and we also have or revitalising scalp and body cream that contains ingredients beneficial for eczema.

Treatment:

I would encourage a natural treatment as a natural health practitioner looks deeper into this problem as opposed to focusing on the skin condition. As I mentioned earlier, eczema is linked to asthma and respiratory issues, so effectively treating these conditions from the beginning properly will see resolution much quicker.

Cleaning products etc

Detox your home from any nasty chemicals or toxins. This includes cleaning products, clothes washing products, personal care products, etc.  Most importantly, be calm. I know any child suffering is a terribly heart breaking moment for the parents. Sometimes we think we have to act quickly to ease their pain, but making these changes will effectively help the child in the long run.

If you have any questions, be sure to send us an email to info@salubre.com.au. Needing tips to have Salubrious Skin? Tune into our weekly podcast Salubrious Skin with Dr Irene here.