Is there a link between dairy and eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that can have various causes. Foods can be a factor in some cases and eczema can be a symptom of cow’s milk protein allergy. However, cow’s milk allergy occurs mainly in infants, with a prevalence of < 3 % and up to 90 % of these children grow out of it by the time they are 3-5 years of age. Therefore, most cases of eczema beyond this have no association with dairy intake. The science tells us that foods are not the single cause or cure for eczema and a medical diagnosis is needed, particularly in children, before dairy exclusion is considered.

Extra Information:

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, which can vary from mild to severe. The causes are not fully understood but genetics, immune function and environmental irritants can all play a role. When considering the effect of diet on eczema, it must be borne in mind that the basic problem in this condition is a defect in the skin barrier function. Unnecessary dietary manipulation, which is not based on a proper diagnosis, can be nutritionally harmful, particularly for young children.