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While it was always thought that nursing your baby would provide protection from eczema, it appears that women with atopic eczema themselves produce breast milk that does not provide the essential fatty acids required to maintain healthy skin in their infants. So it seems that breast milk is not always able to prevent atopic eczema in babies. In some studies, non-breast-fed babies actually had lower instances of eczema.
Supplementation of EFA (essential fatty acids) is often required in babies with eczema. Evening Primrose Oil is usually the preferred EFA supplement. Not all EFA supplements are alike, however. Perhaps studies in which individuals do not show improvement on taking EFA supplements may indicate that inferior supplements were used in the study or that the doses were not adequate (these are just my own thoughts on this matter). Since eczema can be a complicated issue, EFA may not be the solution in all cases, but it’s simple and easy enough to try.
Look for Evening Primrose Oil that contains 9% GLA. If you buy capsules, squeeze out the oil. Why? Because absorption begins in the mouth.
Click here to buy Evening Primrose Oil with 9% GLA
Eczema in Babies: Does This Baby Need Essential Fatty Acids?
For nursing infants with eczema: Adequate amounts of essential fatty acids are generally supplied in breast milk if the mother is adequately nourished. Try supplementing your own diet, if your baby has eczema and you are breast feeding. Eczema is a complex problem, so you may or may not find this helps, but it’s definitely worth a try.
For eczema in children 2 – 18 years of age: Evening primrose oil (EPO), 3 grams daily, divided into several smaller doses throughout the day. It is reported that the maximum dose should not be greater than 0.5 grams per kilogram of body weight daily. Consult a health care provider before using supplements in children.
For eczema or atopic dermatitis in adults: Evening primrose oil (EPO), 4-8 grams daily, divided into several smaller doses throughout the day.
References:
- Essential Fatty Acids are Called Essential Because You Need to Get Them From Your Diet (the author also provides phone consultation)
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids (there’s a section near the bottom of the article on eczema in babies)
- Breast Milk of Mother’s with Atopic Eczema
- Increased Requirements for Essential Fatty Acids in Atopic Individuals: A Review With Clinical Descriptions
