Breastfeeding is widely recognized as a cornerstone of infant nutrition and development.

Apart from providing all the essential nutrients for growth and development, breast milk contains a plethora of bioactive molecules that protect against infections and promote immune health in the infant. In recent years, studies have also suggested that breastfeeding may play a role in reducing the risk of eczema in developing infants.

What is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that typically causes dry, itchy, and scaly patches on the skin. It is the most common form of eczema, affecting up to 20% of children and 3% of adults worldwide.

Eczema is a complex disease with many contributing factors including genetics, immune system dysregulation, and environmental triggers such as allergens, irritants, and infections.

The exact mechanism of eczema is still not fully understood, but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors that disrupt the skin barrier and cause inflammation.

The Role of Breastfeeding in Eczema Risk

Breastfeeding has been found to have a protective effect against eczema in numerous studies.

A meta-analysis of 21 studies involving over 200,000 infants found that those who were breastfed for at least four months had a 27% lower risk of developing eczema compared to those who were not breastfed or breastfed for a shorter duration.

The protective effect of breastfeeding against eczema may be due to several factors.

Breast milk contains a variety of immune-boosting molecules such as antibodies, cytokines, and growth factors that help strengthen the infant’s immune system and protect against infections. These immune factors may also play a role in modulating the infant’s immune response to allergens and irritants that can trigger eczema.

Breast milk also contains essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, that are important for skin health and function.

Studies have suggested that infants who are exclusively breastfed for six months or more have higher levels of these essential fatty acids in their blood, which may help to strengthen the skin barrier and prevent eczema.

In addition, breastfeeding may also protect against eczema by reducing exposure to potential allergens and irritants in animal milk formulas.

Cow’s milk and other animal milk-based formulas are a common cause of food allergy and may trigger eczema in susceptible infants. Breastfeeding may provide a protective effect by reducing exposure to these allergens until the infant’s immune system is better developed.

Other Factors That Influence Eczema Risk

While breastfeeding has been found to have a protective effect against eczema, it is just one of many factors that can influence a child’s risk of developing the condition. Other factors that may contribute to eczema risk include:.

Genetics: Eczema is known to have a genetic component, and children with a family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies are more likely to develop the condition.
Environmental triggers: Exposure to allergens, irritants, and infections can trigger eczema symptoms in susceptible individuals. Common environmental triggers include pet dander, dust mites, pollen, mold, cigarette smoke, and certain foods.
Skin barrier dysfunction: The skin barrier is an important protective layer that helps prevent water loss and protects against environmental irritants. Skin barrier dysfunction, which can be caused by genetics, environmental factors, or other skin conditions, is a common feature of eczema.
Immune system dysregulation: Eczema is thought to involve an overactive immune response to environmental triggers, which can cause inflammation and skin damage. However, the exact mechanisms behind immune dysregulation in eczema are not fully understood.

Preventing and Treating Eczema

While the exact causes of eczema are still not fully understood, there are several steps that can be taken to prevent or manage the condition in infants and children:.

Breastfeed for at least four months: As discussed above, breastfeeding may help to reduce the risk of eczema in infants. Ideally, infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, and continue to breastfeed for at least one year.
Avoid potential allergens and irritants: Common environmental triggers for eczema include pet dander, dust mites, pollen, mold, cigarette smoke, and certain foods. Avoiding exposure to these triggers as much as possible may help to prevent or manage eczema symptoms.
Maintain good skin hygiene: Keeping the skin clean and hydrated can help to prevent eczema flares. Bathing with mild soap and moisturizing with a gentle emollient can help to soothe dry, itchy skin.
Use prescribed treatments: For more severe cases of eczema, prescription treatments such as topical corticosteroids, immunomodulators, or oral antihistamines may be necessary. These treatments should be prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding is a protective factor against eczema in infants and may help to reduce the risk of developing the condition.

Breast milk contains a variety of immune-boosting molecules and essential fatty acids that help strengthen the infant’s immune system and protect against infections. Other factors that can influence eczema risk include genetics, environmental triggers, skin barrier dysfunction, and immune system dysregulation.

Strategies for preventing or managing eczema include breastfeeding, avoiding potential allergens and irritants, maintaining good skin hygiene, and using prescribed treatments as necessary.