You are here: Q&A->
Page 3->Eczema and allergies in infants
Eczema and allergies in infants
My 13-month-old daughter suffers from eczema, is allergic to cow’s milk and sensitive to eggs. She is prone to thrush and I wondered if there is anything that could help her fight these infections. The last attack was triggered by antibiotics. I am also very worried about her upcoming MMR. We’re seeing a paediatrician soon but she’s had painful reactions to all her previous vaccinations.
The eczema, the thrush and your child’s reactions to vaccination may all improve if you take steps to strengthen her digestive tract. You don’t say if her eczema clears as long as she avoids cow’s milk and eggs; if not, eliminate wheat from her diet as well.
The nutritionist, Dawn Hamilton, says many babies cannot tolerate cow’s milk, and suggests you make your own substitute by grinding nuts or seeds in blender with water. The resulting liquid looks a lot like milk and is packed with vitamins and minerals. She says you need to give your daughter the child’s version of probiotics, which help replace the good bacteria in the gut that have been wiped out by the antibiotics she’s taken. Solgar’s ABC Dophilus powder is formulated for children. It costs £12.59 for 13/4oz and you need to give her half a teaspoon a day, mixed with water.
You also need to supplement her diet with the essential fatty acids that the body cannot make itself. Evening primrose oil will do this. Give her 500mg a day and you can also use the cream to treat the eczema topically. A good organic diet with lots of fresh fruit, vegetables and rice will help. Avoid anything with additives and preservatives and steer clear of refined sugar. Allow 6-8 weeks for these changes to take effect and you should find, by the time you see the paediatrician, your child’s system will be considerably strengthened.