CHILDREN AND ECZEMA
May, 2004
Eczema is defined as a superficial inflammatory
process involving primarily the epidermis (skin),
characterized early by redness, itching, minute
papules and vesicles, weeping, oozing, and
crusting, and later by scaling, lichenification,
and often pigmentation (Dorland’s
Illustrated Medical Dictionary).
An article in the American
Journal of Clinical Nutrition, April 2003; 77(4): 943-51 called,
Gamma-Linoleic Acid
(GLA) Supplementation for Prophylaxis of
Atopic Dermatitis (eczema)- a randomized
controlled trial in infants at high familial
risk, looks into the role of
essential fatty acids (EFAs) and eczema. The
result of the study suggests that early supplementation
with GLA does tend to alleviate the severity
of eczema in later infancy in children at high
familial risk.
Certainly more research is needed to examine
this relationship. Personal clinical experience
and related experience from other practitioners
have suggested improved skin problems in general
with healthy changes in diet and supplementation.
Is there a link between healthy skin and a
healthy diet? Many health care providers feel
there is.
In an article on the website of Dr.
Joseph Mercola titled, The Miracle
Fat for Eczema—GLA, discusses these issues
in depth. Other studies have shown changes
in breast milk from mothers whose infants developed
eczema in regards to EFAs. Until recently most
brands of infant formula lacked certain EFAs
as well. The amount of EFAs in newborns is
dependent on their supply while in utero and
later on diet of either breast milk or infant
formula; and infants who have eczema of 1 year
of age have significantly lower amounts of
helpful EFAs.
Eczema is a very common problem in children,
and it is all too frequently mismanaged. Here
are some tips to discuss with your child’s
health care provider. With breastfeeding, what
the mother eats will affect the infant’s
health. Mom can switch from pasteurized milk
to real, raw milk or avoid milk and related
dairy products for a few weeks and observe
any changes in the child’s skin. Other
possible food sensitivities and allergies can
be eliminated as well. This should be done
under the supervision of an appropriate health
care provider to ensure proper and adequate
nutrition. Such foods as grains, especially
wheat and gluten based products can be problematic.
Breastfeeding is best and most infant formulas
may not be optimal. There are good quality
formulas you can make on your own. You can
get more information on this at Dr. Mercola’s
website, but remember to have this supervised
by a nutritionist and your child’s pediatrician
to avoid dangerous conditions from sub-optimal
formulas.
Supplementing with omega 3 fish oil
can be helpful. Also digestive enzymes and
probiotics (i.e.: acidophilus) can be beneficial
as well. Sometimes trial and error may be
the only way to find the right EFA supplement.
Exposure to sunlight on the affected skin
can also be helpful but avoid excessive exposure
for obvious reasons.
Once again we learn that diet and good nutrition
are on of the strongest “medicines” at
our fingertips. Healthy beginnings lead to
healthy lives.
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