The Link Between Eczema and Food Allergies in Babies
The connection between eczema and food allergies in babies, including tips on how to best help your baby with eczema.
June 15, 2023
Photo by Michal Bar Haim
Food allergies have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, affecting both children and adults alike. Researchers have been studying various factors that contribute to the development of food allergies, and one factor that has garnered significant attention is eczema1. Eczema, a common skin condition in infants, has been found to increase the risk of developing food allergies2. In this blog post, we will delve into the connection between eczema and food allergies in babies, exploring the latest scientific research on this topic as well as tips on how to best help your baby if they do have eczema.
The Prevalence of Eczema and Food Allergies
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, affects approximately 20% of infants worldwide3. Meanwhile, food allergies have become a growing concern, affecting about 8% of children under the age of three4. Numerous studies have identified a strong association between eczema and food allergies, with eczema serving as a potential risk factor for the development of food allergies later in life. Specifically, a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that infants with eczema had a significantly higher risk of developing food allergies compared to those without eczema.1
The "Atopic March"
The concept of the "atopic march" refers to the natural progression of allergic diseases in individuals, often beginning with eczema in infancy and progressing to other allergic conditions, such as food allergies, asthma, and allergic rhinitis5. Research suggests that the development of eczema in infancy creates a heightened susceptibility to the subsequent development of food allergies2.
The Role of the Skin Barrier
The skin acts as a barrier, protecting the body from external allergens and pathogens. In infants with eczema, the skin barrier is compromised, allowing allergens to penetrate the skin more easily. This increased permeability can lead to the sensitization of the immune system and the subsequent development of food allergies6. Recent studies have indicated that early-life disruptions in the skin barrier may contribute to the development of food allergies1. Keeping food off of your baby's skin could help to prevent this, which is why a full coverage bib is a great option for mealtime.
Immune Dysregulation
Eczema is characterized by an overactive immune response, resulting in chronic inflammation of the skin. This immune dysregulation can extend beyond the skin and affect other parts of the body, including the gastrointestinal system. The gut plays a vital role in immune function and tolerance to food proteins. Studies suggest that the immune dysfunction associated with eczema may disrupt the normal immune response to food proteins, leading to an increased risk of developing food allergies4.
Preventative Strategies
Eczema in infancy is a significant risk factor for the development of food allergies in babies. The compromised skin barrier, immune dysregulation, and potential disruptions in immune tolerance all contribute to this increased susceptibility. Understanding this link is crucial in implementing appropriate preventive strategies like making sure your child's skin is covered at mealtime. Bibbrella full coverage baby bibs could play a valuable role in managing eczema and reducing the risk of food allergies in babies because they provide extensive coverage, protecting not only the baby's clothing but also their sensitive skin from potential irritants. By creating a barrier between the baby's skin and food, Bibbrella bibs can help to minimize direct contact with potential allergens, potentially aiding in the prevention of sensitization and the development of food allergies. Further research is still needed to unravel the complexities of eczema and its impact on food allergies, but these findings provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, parents, and caregivers in managing and reducing the risk of food allergies in babies.
Sources
1. Eichenfield LF, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of atopic dermatitis. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2014;71(6):116-32.
2. Lio PA. "Atopic march" hypothesis. Dermatitis. 2008;19(2):70-4.
3.Kim H, et al. Eczema phenotypes are associated with multiple allergic comorbidities in US children. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020;145(3):960-9.
4. Lack G. Update on risk factors for food allergy. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;129(5):1187-97.
5. Prescott SL, et al. Allergy: A risk factor for infection? Nat Rev Immunol. 2013;13(2):121-30.
6. Peters RL, et al. The natural history and clinical predictors of egg allergy in the first 2 years of life: A prospective, population-based cohort study. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2014;133(2):485-91.
7. Du Toit G, et al. Randomized trial of peanut consumption in infants at risk for peanut allergy. N Engl J Med. 2015;372(9):803-13.
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