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Naturopathic Treatment for Infant Eczema

Naturopathic Treatment for Infant Eczema

Eczema (aka Atopic Dermatitis)  is very common, and it frequently first pops up infancy affecting anywhere from 5-20% of children.  I’ve seen many babies, some as young as 3-4 weeks with whole body eczema.  By the time I see them, Mom and Dad have often already tried everything – new detergent, more bathing, less bathing and every over the counter cream money can buy.  And, understandably they are hesitant to rely on hydrocortisone cream.

What Causes Eczema

We know that eczema tends to run in families, and that having a family member with either eczema, asthma or allergies increases the risk. (See our article “Allergies, asthma and eczema: The Th1/Th2 story for more information.) There area also some interesting  environmental associations, including mother’s age and exposure to pollution.

But, we also know that certain foods and chemicals can trigger eczema, or make it worse in susceptible children.  Watch for irritating ingredients in:

  • Bath soap
  • Shampoo
  • Parent’s personal care products including perfume, deodorant, etc.
  • Laundry detergent & fabric softener.  (For more information about detergent sensitivity and the difference between detergents and soaps see SolveEczema.org)

Make sure you choose skin care products that are free of:

  • Fragrance, or “parfum”
  • Sodium Laureth Sulphate
  • Parabens

Food allergies (IgE mediated) are known to exacerbate eczema, but non-IgE mediated food sensitivities can also play a role in managing eczema.  An elimination diet is the best way to identify potential culprits. (See this Elimination/Challenge Diet handout for more information on how to do this diet correctly.)

What About Gut Bacteria?


The “microbiome” refers to the population of bacteria that live in our gut.  They play an important role in mediating the immune response, especially in regards to allergies and eczema.

Once thought to only influence the bowel, we’re learning about how important it is to establish a healthy population of gut bacteria early in life.

Gut bacterial balance affects many different areas of health, but one of the most important to consider is the establishment of healthy gut bacterial balance during infancy.

Several recent studies (such as this one) have found that children with eczema have a very different population of gut bacteria than those who don’t.  And, this study found that infants with “low microbial diversity” at 1 month of age were more likely to develop eczema. So, what influences the establishment of gut bacteria?

  • Vaginal vs. C-section birth:  Babies born to mothers via c-section do not get the mouthful of healthy bacteria that those born vaginally receive. Several studies have found increased risk of asthma, allergies and eczema, most of which are summarized in this good article.
  • Antibiotic use
  • Diet – Breastmilk is rich in probiotics and the skin-to-skin contact with Mom may also serve as a source of probiotic exposure. An infant’s diet (once eating solid food) can also influence the population of bacteria, especially if it’s high in sugar and simple carbohydrates.  This is one reason why I’m in favour of doing away with the white cereal recommendation as a first food.

How to Treat Eczema

1. Start by “cleaning house”.  Get rid of any personal care products that may be irritating.  A quick stroll through the health food store or section at your grocery store and you will reveal a multitude of choices.  Also choose unscented laundry detergents, such as Nature Clean or Down East (for those of us in Atlantic Canada).

2. Keep the moisture in.  Add 1/2 tsp of coconut oil to the bath, and don’t bathe too often.  Every other day is a good place to start.

3. Use a barrier cream (such as Live Clean’s non-petroleum jelly) if needed to protect the skin from moisture or the elements.  Infants often flare up when they begin to drool, so a bit of this jelly will help.

4. If needed, try a non-medicated ointment such as Anointment’s “Soothing Skin Ointment”. It’s a great all -purpose salve to have in the house and is the go-to in our practice for eczema.

5. Establish and maintain a healthy population of gut bacteria.  Talk to an ND about the best way to do this. Remember that most over-the-counter probiotic supplements do not have real, live bacteria strains – you will want to ask your physician to supply you with pharmaceutical-grade probiotics for the best results.




Avatar
Jennifer Salib Huber

Dr. Jenn, as she is known to her patients has been in practice since 2004 as a Naturopathic Doctor and Registered Dietitian. Her family-centered practice welcomes patients of all ages, and she especially enjoys working with women in all phases of their reproductive life, and children of all ages. With a strong emphasis on diet and nutrition, she guides her patients to their best health. She also enjoys writing about health and her blog can be found at <a href="http://www.pillarsofhealth.ca/author/dr-salibhuber/">Pillars of Health</a>

Comments:

  • Avatar
    nikki
    April 26, 2016 at 6:07 am

    My breastfed baby had really bad eczema all over his cheeks and legs. I cut out milk and soy from my diet and his skin cleared up within days…if I eat milk products his cheeks flare up within several hours. He is now 7 mos and, as long as I am careful with my diet, his skin is beautiful.

  • Avatar
    Jacqueline
    July 2, 2015 at 10:34 pm

    When my granddaughter started itching after she went on whole milk we switched to organic milk and it went away. We had gone to pure laundry detergent and pure casteel soaps for bathing but it continued until we got rid of the whole milk. She hasn’t had a problem with it since then. She is now 4.5 yrs. Before that she was itching until she drew blood sometimes…on her neck and upper leg areas.

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