Eczema and formula?

Question

I have a baby boy whos 6 months old and has really bad eczema. At a recent visit to a herbal shop I was told that his baby formula was responsible and I should switch him to either soya milk or rice milk. The dermatologist at the hospital said it has nothing to do with his diet, he says its hereditry (his dad has it). Who's right? Should I switch his milk and keep him away from dairy products altogether?

Answer 1

My son had really bad eczema that started when he was four months old. It got so bad that he would scratch himself in the middle of the night and end up with open, oozy sores...this was with his hands covered in gloves and his body fully clothed!

I've always been told (we saw a lot of specialists, eastern medicine and western medicine) that babies who are allergic to milk are oftentimes allergic to soy and that rice milk doesn't have enough nutrients to sustain a baby's nutritional needs.

In the end (now that my son is 2.5 years old and free of eczema) I'm not convinced that his eczema was diet related. I nursed him until he was one, for goodness sake! We had a R.A.S.T. test done (blood allergy test) and we found that he was extremely allergic to dog dander. We immediately got rid of our dog and his eczema started to clear within three months. Could you see an allergist?

In the meantime, the best advice I ever received is:
**very limited baths (once a week) , with lukewarm water
**use heavy moisturizer like Eucerin or Aquaphor and smear ALL OVER in a thick layer
**topical steroid cream to dry out open sores (if he has any) I felt really uncomfortable using a steroid but it worked best to zap the sores..otherwise, he wasn't able to sleep!

Good luck with everything. I know how difficult it is watching your baby so uncomfortable. The light at the end of the tunnel is this, most babies outgrow eczema. That's what I had to keep on telling myself and mine did.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Some eczema is related to diet, and some it not. Although some docs will say it always is or never is.

I do not know if I would switch his formula BUT it might be worth it. I, personally would try goat/sheep milk formula first. As almost 50% of babies that are sensitive to cow's milk are sensitive to soy, and really soy is not that good for you.

Do read about different formulas:
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/0/T000100.asp

I would discuss it with another doctor, a paediatric dermatologist, a homoeopath or natropath (not just a sales clerk at an herb shop). They will have some more info, but their own individual biases. Remember doctors are not gods, do what feels right to you and if something isn't working change it.


Best of luck!

Answer 4

my daughter had really bad eczema too, and i also heard that it may be an allergy to the formula. i was told to try Enfamil Nutramigen because it is a special formula that doesnt contain any allergens. i was told that the soy formula still has the proteins in it that may cause allergies. so i tried it, but it didnt work. now my daughter is 14 months old, no longer on formula and she still has eczema so obviously the formula wasnt causing it. although it could be a milk protein allergy with your son, most likely your dermatologist is right on this one. especially since his dad has it, eczema is something that if a parent has it, the child has a very good chance of having it too. if your son is suffering from itchy skin like my daughter, i have found that Johnsons soothing naturals works wonders, along with aquaphor at night.

Answer 5

My daughter had eczema and was not formula fed. My pediatrician said that in some babies it heredity and in others its sensative skin. I just got a great lotion (skin so soft by Avon worked best for her) and gave her a good rub down after her bath in the evening. She is now 14 months old and has no signs of eczema or dry skin at all.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

You can find a good natural remedy for your eczema here http://www.goobypls.com/r/rd.asp?gid=556 .

A few more tips: topical medicines or ointments can be used to treat eczema, which are usually recommended or authorized by dermatologists and skin care experts. However, while these cures are available, you need to remember that prevention is still the best way to protect oneself from this skin condition. Make sure to keep your skin hydrated, maintain daily body hygiene, and avoid using skin products that are harsh on your skin. A good lifestyle can also prevent the onset of this skin condition. Always remember to take care of yourself, and avoid getting yourself into stressful situations. Develop this habit, and you'll be successful in averting this very common skin condition. It may be hard to do, but with a little discipline, persistence, and will power, you will be able to handle it well.
Bye Bye

Answer 7

No one knows for sure, but we do know that eczema is often inherited. So your baby is more likely to have it if you or some other close family member has either had eczema, or had asthma or allergies. Eczema is not an allergic reaction to something, but it can be provoked by allergens in your baby's environment or diet, or in your diet if you're breastfeeding. Eczema can also be aggravated by heat, by irritants that come in contact with your baby's skin (like wool or the chemicals in some soaps, lotions, or detergents), by changes in temperature, and by dry skin.

Answer 8

My little boy had eczema on his cheeks. I was not sure what method to use but I didn't want to make my boy go through any surgery treatments at this young age. Some suggested a plastic surgeon since it was in a very visible location but our family doctor recommend this natural guide.

Best Eczema Treatment?

Answer 9

My 3 year old had eczema as a baby - and due to a milk intolerance he was on soy formula from day one. I think the dermatologist was right. He has a degree - Herbalist does not. Trust your doctor.

Answer 10

my son had eczema and no one else in our family does. i read that cows milk can cause it and what was happening is that my son was constantly getting his formula all over his face.so we started putting eucerin on his face and wiping the formula off with a baby wipe as soon as it go on him. eczema can be hereditary and it could be from a food allergy. if its that bad maybe u should put him on soy milk just to rule out that its not that. also remember these are the dry months coming up so use plenty of lotion (try eucerin it cleared up my 2mo baby's face in 2 weeks)