Can dairy products and dairy proteins cause eczema?

If your child has an allergy to dairy products, this can be a food-related trigger for eczema symptoms. Food allergies happen when the body’s immune system responds abnormally to certain foods. In children who have eczema, this abnormal reaction can mean a flare up of their eczema symptoms, but this does not mean that by avoiding dairy products they will no longer have eczema. It is essential to stick to your child’s eczema skin care maintenance routine to best manage your child’s eczema. Thankfully, our bath soaks, moisturiser, and all of our other products do not contain milk proteins, and can be used to effectively treat the itchy, dry and irritated skin that arises with eczema.

According to the Australasian society of Clinical immunology and allergy (ASCIA)  about 1 in 50 Australian and New Zealand infants (approximately 2%) are allergic to cow’s milk and other dairy products

What is cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA)?

Most people who are allergic to cow’s milk will be told they have cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) and will also be allergic to other animal milks such as goat’s milk and sheep’s milk and products that are made from these milks. This is because the proteins which are in cow’s milk can be the same proteins in other animal milks.

For these people with dairy allergy (CMPA) it is really important to read all labelling carefully to avoid cow’s milk, other animal milks and products made from these, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Is eczema directly linked to dairy intolerance?

Children who are known to be intolerant to dairy products are more likely to have eczema and other allergies such as asthma or hay fever. Dairy intolerance is not necessarily directly linked with eczema but both are more likely to occur in children with allergies. This could be because people with eczema are said to have an abnormally responsive immune system. Although dairy can be a trigger for eczema, removing it from your child’s diet may carry nutritional risks so speak with your doctor to make sure your child will continue to meet their nutritional requirements.

How do I know if my child has a dairy allergy?

If your child has eczema there is a higher chance they also have food allergies. Speak to your doctor about the best way to assess your child for food allergies and managing their food allergies.

How can I manage my child’s eczema if they have a dairy allergy?

It is essential to stick to your child’s eczema skin care maintenance routine to best manage your child’s eczema. Our itchy baby co. natural oatmeal bath soak and natural oatmeal bath soak with marshmallow root do not contain dairy proteins. Our moisturiser, scalp oil and face mask also do not contain dairy proteins.

Although animal milks for those who are not allergic can have a moisturising, nourishing and hydrating effect on the skin, if your child is allergic to dairy avoid using cows milk and other animal milks and read labelling carefully.

All parents of children who have allergies should see their doctor to discuss their individual allergy action plan  so you know what to do if your child has a reaction and how best to try to avoid it.

This blog post was brought to you and your family with love from Julia and the itchy baby co. team x.

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.