Wake Forest Site

Check out this site from Wake Forest University's Health Science Department...lots of good tips: http://www.livingwithitch.org/

Can breastfeeding help infants avoid eczema?

More and more studies, like this one, say yes. Of course, we breastfed both of our children. One has eczema the other does not. So while breastfeeding may help reduce the ODDS of children getting eczema, it does not eliminate it.

LeAnn Rimes

While the truth is I am not too thrilled about it, LeAnn Rimes is out promoting the new web site www.treat-eczmema-now.com. Why am I less than excited that this country music superstar is out raising awareness of eczema? Because the site and the entire campaign is sponsored by the makers of Elidel, the drug recently named by the FDA as a potential cancer risk. The point is, when are people going to look for non-drug treatments to control their eczema. Read more about the Treat Eczema Now campaign here.

FDA Issues Health Advisory

Two of the biggest drug players in the Eczema world may cause cancer, according to the FDA. In fact, the FDA just issues a health advisory to healthcare professionals. Read the news here.

The Food/Eczema Connection

Yes or no – can food trigger eczema? Answer: maybe.

The research is still not definitive, but several studies have shown a connection between the food you eat and the condition of your skin. And there is a (pun intended) healthy body of research that shows that a small percentage of young children may get eczema as the result of an allergy to cows’ milk.

In addition, some people who suffer from eczema have noticed that certain foods make their skin worse, while other foods make it better. And it makes sense. Your skin is your body’s largest organ and is affected by your diet.

The best thing you can do for your eczema is to make sure you are eating a healthy, balanced diet. Then, look for foods high in skin-friendly nutrients: Vitamin A, B Complex, and Zinc, among others.

If you suspect that food sensitivity may be playing a role in your eczema, consider keeping a food diary. For 4-6 weeks, take note of what you eat, when you eat it and any symptoms you experience. A pattern may appear.

According to experts, just a few types of foods cause most food-sensitivity reactions: peanuts, shellfish, eggs, wheat and tree nuts (e.g. walnuts and pecans). Pay special attention to those, but keep in mind that food sensitivity can result from many types of food.

Vitamins During Pregancy May Affect Eczema Risk

This article is definately worth checking out. The results are still preliminary, but the study found that the more vitamin E the "test mothers" took the less chance of their infants suffering from eczema and asthma. Vitamin C had the opposite affect.

Now, don't rush out and change your diet. But it is certainly something to be aware of.

Eczema Mom

In the interest of full disclosure, yes we are affliated with this company, but you should definately check out the site and sign up for their email newsletter. Here's the link: http://www.eczemamom.com.