Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that affects about 10% – 20% of children worldwide. It causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and inflamed, resulting in discomfort and sleep disturbances for the child.

While there is no known cure for eczema, preventive measures such as breastfeeding have been proven to be effective in reducing the risk of eczema development in children. In this article, we will explore why breastfeeding is such a powerful tool against eczema.

Understanding Eczema

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that usually appears before the age of 5 in children. It is caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors.

Eczema appears on the skin as patches of dry, itchy, and inflamed skin that can be red, scaly, or crusty. The patches can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the face, scalp, and on the inside of the elbows and knees.

The symptoms of eczema can range from mild to severe and can be triggered by irritants such as soaps, detergents, and synthetic fabrics, as well as stress, sweating, and changes in temperature and humidity.

How Breast Milk Can Prevent Eczema

Breast milk is not only an excellent source of nutrition for infants but also contains numerous substances that help to protect and strengthen the developing immune system and prevent infections and allergies.

One of the main components of breast milk that can prevent eczema is immunoglobulin A (IgA). IgA is an antibody that is present in large amounts in colostrum, the first milk produced by the mother after birth.

IgA helps to protect the baby from gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, which are known to increase the risk of eczema development. In addition, IgA has been shown to improve skin barrier function, reducing the risk of eczema by preventing moisture loss and preventing irritants from penetrating the skin.

Breast milk also contains fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6 that are essential for healthy skin and immune function. Studies have shown that low levels of these fatty acids in the bloodstream are associated with an increased risk of eczema.

Breast milk is a rich source of these fatty acids, and breastfeeding has been shown to increase the level of these fatty acids in the infant’s bloodstream, reducing the risk of eczema development.

The Importance of Exclusive Breastfeeding

The protective effects of breastfeeding on eczema are most pronounced when the infant is exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life.

Exclusive breastfeeding means feeding the infant only breast milk, without any other food or drink, except for medication or vitamin supplements recommended by a health professional.

Exclusive breastfeeding has been shown to be protective against a range of childhood illnesses, including eczema.

A study conducted in 2013 found that infants who were exclusively breastfed for six months had a lower risk of eczema at 3 years of age than those who were partially breastfed or not breastfed at all. The study also found that the protective effect of exclusive breastfeeding on eczema was greater in infants with a family history of allergies.

It is important to note that introducing solid foods too early can also increase the risk of eczema development.

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, followed by the introduction of complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to 2 years or beyond.

Breastfeeding and Maternal Diet

While breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for the child, the maternal diet during breastfeeding can also have an impact on the development of eczema.

A study conducted in 2018 found that a maternal diet high in fruits and vegetables during breastfeeding was associated with a lower risk of eczema in the child.

The study also found that a maternal diet high in pro-inflammatory foods such as red meat and fast food was associated with an increased risk of eczema. The study highlights the importance of a healthy maternal diet during breastfeeding in reducing the risk of eczema development in the child.

Conclusion

Eczema is a common and distressing skin condition that affects many children worldwide. While there is no cure for eczema, preventive measures such as breastfeeding can lower the risk of its development.

Breast milk contains numerous components that protect the infant from infections and allergies, including antibodies like IgA and essential fatty acids that are important for healthy skin. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life and a healthy maternal diet during breastfeeding can further reduce the risk of eczema development in the child.