By Sarah Hanratty – Registered Nutritional Therapy Practitioner
One in five children develop eczema at some point in their early years. Eczema is characterised by dry, itchy and sore skin that can become cracked and prone to infection. Skin lotions can be prescribed to moisten the skin and lessen itching and many children eventually outgrow it. In the meantime, the troublesome symptoms of eczema can affect sleep, mood and the general well-being of your child.
Children who have eczema tend to have an immune response that is similar to those with allergic conditions. This means the immune system response favours reactivity and inflammation. This makes developing sensitivities to environmental or dietary allergens more likely. They key to supporting a child with eczema is feed them a diet that both balances the immune system and nourishes the skin.
The integrity of the skin can be supported through providing vitamin E, C, zinc and vitamin A. These nutrients will also assist with balancing immune function and promoting an anti-inflammatory response too. Avocado can provide good amounts of vitamin E; consider blending it with cocoa to make a child-friendly healthy ‘mousse’. Switch from plain mashed potato to sweet mashed potato to add beta carotene that can be converted to vitamin A. Vitamin A can also be found in eggs, fish and dairy products.
Fats are important for nourishing the skin; fat soluble nutrients, omega 3 and omega 6 are vital for structure, hydration and integrity of the skin. Omega 3 fats and some types of omega 6 are vital for lowering the inflammatory response that characterises eczema. Avoid fats that are damaged or chemically altered such as overheated vegetable oils, margarine and deep fried foods. These can worsen the inflammation which characterises eczema. Choose nuts, seeds, oily fish, avocado, olive oil or chia seeds. Chia seeds can be soaked to ‘unlock’ the skin-friendly essential fats within them. Soak them with coconut milk and add some berries for a sweet but healthy snack to support skin health. Offer salmon, trout or mackerel a few times a week in a fish pie, fish cakes or in pasta.
Our immune systems are heavily influenced by our gut bacteria. Certain species of bacteria, when dominant in our gut can help prevent the development of atopic diseases like eczema. One study showed that probiotic supplements taken during the final two months of pregnancy and in early breastfeeding reduced the likelihood of the child developing eczema. The probiotics used were Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Bifidobacteria. Gut bacteria thrive when fed a variety of vegetables and fruits; aiming to eat a rainbow of colours is the key to diverse, healthy gut flora. The same compounds that feed the gut bacteria also support skin health and can be found in abundance in turmeric, ginger, berries, olive oil, red onions and spinach. You can also eat foods containing live bacteria like yogurt to support gut health.
Stewed apples are a great child-friendly snack that supports the development of beneficial gut bacteria. Apples are rich in quercetin which can help lower the histamine response in those with allergies. You can add a little cinnamon for extra antioxidant support and a few sultanas if preferred. This can be eaten on its own or can be served with yogurt, porridge or pancakes. You can make a batch and store it in the fridge or freezer so your child can have a little each day.
It is worth investigating if specific foods or environmental exposures exacerbate your child’s eczema. Washing powders and other personal care products can exacerbate it. Some foods can trigger eczema; it’s not uncommon for digestive tolerance to specific foods to be reduced in eczema. It’s worth keeping a food and symptoms diary to track any foods which worsen your child’s itching. If you’re considering eliminating foods from your child’s diet, please seek professional guidance to ensure your child’s diet and nutrient intake remains balanced.