Eczema in Babies: How to Support Healing Through Nutrition

According to TCM, "When the baby is sick, treat the mother." This approach is especially relevant for babies with eczema.

Eczema is a common skin condition in babies, causing dry, itchy patches of skin. While managing eczema in infants can be challenging, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers valuable insights into how treating the mother can help heal the baby. According to TCM, "When the baby is sick, treat the mother." This approach is especially relevant for babies with eczema, as the quality of breast milk plays a significant role in supporting your baby’s skin health.

How Nutrition Affects Breast Milk and Baby’s Eczema

While a baby with eczema may not be able to consume topical treatments directly, breast milk acts as an internal "healing agent." Everything a breastfeeding mother consumes—whether it's nutrient-rich foods, supplements, or fatty acids—affects the quality of her breast milk and, in turn, her baby’s skin health. Therefore, treating eczema in babies starts with what the mother eats.

On the other hand, inflammatory or "heating" foods can worsen eczema symptoms in both the mother and baby. These foods may contribute to increased inflammation and exacerbate skin conditions. Finding the right balance of nutritious foods that support breastfeeding, while avoiding potential eczema triggers, is part of the solution.

Nutritional Pillars to Support Breast Milk for Eczema

To ensure that your breast milk is rich in nutrients that help heal your baby’s eczema, there are several important dietary components you should focus on.

1. Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)

Essential Fatty Acids are crucial because both you and your baby’s body cannot produce them on your own. These fats are vital for stabilizing the acid mantle, which is the skin’s protective oil-and-water barrier. EFAs help to moisturize the skin from the inside out, providing support in managing eczema. Include high-quality sources of omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines in your diet.

2. Enzymes

Enzymes play an essential role in digestion and overall skin health. The easiest way to incorporate enzymes into your diet is by consuming raw fruits and vegetables. These are packed with natural enzymes that are destroyed by heat, so opt for a raw salad or smoothie each day. From a TCM perspective, raw foods are considered “cooling” to the body and may help reduce the heat and inflammation associated with eczema. In contrast, “hot” foods like curries, spicy dishes, alcohol, red meats, chocolate, and coffee can exacerbate eczema symptoms.

3. Protein

Lean animal proteins like chicken, fish, and eggs are beneficial for breastfeeding mothers and babies with eczema. These proteins are considered "cooling" in TCM and are easier for the body to digest. Additionally, these proteins contain fewer saturated fats than red meats like pork, beef, or lamb, which can aggravate sensitive skin as the fats consumed need to support the skin barrier. Bone broth, especially made from organic chicken, is an excellent addition to your diet as it’s easy to digest and supports both skin healing and postpartum recovery.

4. Soluble Fibre

Soluble fibre helps to cleanse the body by binding to toxins and excess hormones in the bloodstream, facilitating their removal through the stool. This can be especially helpful for mothers breastfeeding a baby with eczema, as it supports liver function and detoxification. Foods high in soluble fibre include beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, avocado, pears, figs, apricots, apples, and guava.

5. Reducing Trigger Foods

To manage eczema, it's important to avoid foods that can exacerbate inflammation in the body. As a postpartum mother, your body is already under stress, and consuming “heating” or inflammatory foods can worsen eczema symptoms in your baby. The following foods are commonly considered triggers and should be reduced or eliminated:

Dairy products
Soy
Saturated fats (e.g., fatty cuts of meat)
Chocolate
Spices (e.g., chili, cayenne)
Alcohol

However, be mindful that your baby may have food sensitivities or allergies, including to common allergens like fish or eggs. If you suspect a food intolerance, it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to determine the cause and eliminate it from your diet.

6. Supporting Liver Health

The liver plays a crucial role in detoxification, and certain foods can gently stimulate liver function, which may help manage eczema-related inflammation. While it's best to avoid harsh liver stimulants, foods like lemon, ginger, and dandelion greens can be beneficial for supporting liver health. These gentle, food-based liver stimulants are especially helpful if your baby’s eczema is linked to excess heat or internal inflammation.

Important Considerations for Exclusively Breastfed Babies

This post is specifically for mothers of babies under 6 months old who are exclusively breastfed. During this period, the quality of breast milk is critical in supporting your baby’s health, including managing skin conditions like eczema. Be sure to talk to your paediatrician or a healthcare provider before making any significant dietary changes, as individual needs may vary.

Final Thoughts

Managing eczema in babies is a multifaceted approach, and it begins with the mother’s nutrition. By focusing on nourishing foods that promote healthy breast milk, avoiding inflammatory triggers, and supporting your own health postpartum, you can create a supportive environment for your baby’s skin to heal. Incorporating essential fatty acids, enzymes, protein, soluble fibre, and liver-supporting foods can make a significant difference in how your baby’s eczema responds to treatment.

Remember, every baby is different, and it’s important to observe how your baby responds to dietary changes. For more personalised advice, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure you are providing the best support for both you and your baby’s well-being.

This website is dedicated to teaching parents how to help treat their child’s eczema naturally using nutrition and naturopathic principles.

If you are ready to consider treating the root cause of your child’s eczema using naturopathic methods book in your virtual appointment here.

Otherwise, consider getting your child’s free skin report to learn more.

Categories: : Eczema