What causes eczema in babies?

Baby eczema can be managed

Eczema is a disease characterized by atopic dermatitis (scaly, blistered skin), which is a response of the skin to common allergens (such as soaps, as an example).  In modern times, the incidence of allergic diseases such as eczema has risen. Investigations into the reasons behind this increase are often propelled by the “hygiene hypothesis”, though this has not yet been proven as a causative agent for the increase. While the reasons for such a rise may be in dispute,  what is not in dispute is that there is not enough information currently available to effectively treat or prevent such childhood maladies.

Allergy research

As a result, a large amount of research has been dedicated to allergy and immunology (such as at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute in Melbourne). These are proving to be fruitful, as some studies (such as that seen in Finland, as detailed below) have helped uncover information about antioxidants that may help the fight against allergic issues such as eczema.

Eczema research

A prospective cohort study performed in 5-year-old Finnish children (n= 2441) showed that magnesium intake in pregnancy was linked to a lower incidence of atopic eczema in the children examined (OR: 0.78, CI: 0.62-0.97). There were also effects observed initially for similar studies involving vitamin C and vitamin B2 (riboflavin), though statistical analysis ruled these insignificant after the odds ratio was adjusted for confounding elements.

Supplements for eczema

As a result, it appears that maternal magnesium supplementation may decrease the risk of developing childhood eczema, and this may be related to the fact that allergic responses tend to result in an increase of oxygen-free radicals. Furthermore, this study also suggested that there may be a critical time in pregnancy where antioxidants may decrease the risk of allergies overall. 

References

1. Irani et al. World Allergy Organ J. 2019 Sep 30;12(9):100059.
2. Okada et al. Clin Exp Immunol. 2010 Apr;160(1):1-9.
3. Nwaru, B.I., et al. Eur J Clin Nutr, 2011.

from an Expert Author

Christopher Halkias

BSc (Hons), PhD – R&I Project Manager

Christopher Halkias is a biomedical scientist with extensive experience across many of the research institutions of Melbourne. He was awarded a PhD in Biomedical Science from RMIT University in 2018. His research interests include pharmacology, pathology, immunology and the use of natural products for therapeutic benefit.

Christopher has published multiple peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts, led scientific research within significant commercial projects and is an award-winning academic teacher. Through his efforts in research and teaching, he has an extensive understanding of science, and aims to communicate this knowledge to the Nurture Central family.

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