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In the early trenches of parenthood, you’re already juggling a lot: diaper changes, sleep schedules, finding time to sit down for a warm meal. The list goes on. So, when the topic of allergies arises? We understand there’s a whole new layer of worry.
Many of us have heard the dramatic stories: finding out your baby reacts to nuts, dairy, or even the family pet. Suddenly you’re maxing out your ChatGPT search history with a laundry list of questions. While there’s no single explanation behind allergies, asthma, or other immune quirks, one surprising factor has been getting a lot of attention: eczema.
We spoke with allergists at GrowHappy to break down the connection — and, more importantly, help you feel empowered instead of overwhelmed.
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Let’s Back Things Up: What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic skin condition that shows up as itchy, inflamed, red patches (mild eczema appears as reddish lines in the creases of skin and/or red bumps on a child’s face). Its cause isn’t fully understood, but it tends to be a combination of genetics and environment.
Most surprising? Eczema is the number one risk factor for allergies and asthma. Experts believe that many food allergies actually start when allergens sneak into the body through broken skin (something that’s common during eczema flare-ups). You may have heard the saying: “Through the skin allergies begin, through the diet they stay quiet.”
Memorable for a reason, it captures how early exposure through the skin can confuse the immune system, while early exposure through food can teach it tolerance.
How Eczema Increases the Risk of Food Allergies In Children
If your child frequently has eczema flare ups, they may have a higher chance of developing food allergies – and symptoms can look wildly different from kid to kid (think: hives, swelling, vomiting, wheezing, coughing).
According to GrowHappy, up to 1 in 3 babies develops eczema early in life, which means many little immune systems are learning about food allergens through broken skin rather than through the gut. As Professor George du Toit from GrowHappy’s ImmunoNutrition team explains it: “Instead of being eaten and teaching the immune system to become tolerant, the allergen enters the body the wrong way via the skin… The immune system learns to go into overdrive unnecessarily.”
This is why allergists emphasize early and often food introduction: the gut teaches the immune system that these foods are friends, not foes.
How to Take Back Control
Yes, this information can feel like a lot. But instead of sparking fear, think of it as a roadmap. You can guide your child’s immune system, and earlier than you might think.
GrowHappy recommends introducing common allergens (like peanuts, eggs, dairy, fish, wheat, soy, and tree nuts) between 4–6 months and keeping them in your baby’s diet regularly. The brand makes that process easy via its “Allergen ImmunoButter™ Variety Box,” which includes 40 packets and flavors each tied to a top allergen. It’s designed by world-leading allergy experts like du Toit who co-authored the LEAP study (the landmark study that proved feeding allergens early and consistently helps set our babies’ immune systems up for success). Simply stir one into yogurt, oatmeal, breastmilk or water, or spread it on toast.
This approach of introducing potentially allergenic food as soon as other complementary foods are introduced is backed by both the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). Many parents still think that they can introduce once and then be fine, but the studies show that feeding each allergen consistently, e.g. at least twice a week at that 2g level, for at least a year to three years is what helps to train the immune system to accept allergens as the nutritious foods they are.
When Your Child Has Eczema: What to Know
If your child’s eczema is early-onset, persistent, or severe, GrowHappy suggests checking in with a pediatric allergist before diving into the major allergens, as your child is at greater risk. Don’t let this scare you though – let it motivate you to work with an expert allergist to get proactive before it’s too late.
Many allergists recommend simple protective steps, like applying Vaseline to the eczema-prone areas (especially the face) before feeding new foods. The Vaseline helps create a barrier for the eczema while you get the foods down the GI tract.
You don’t need to navigate allergies or eczema alone. If something feels off, or if symptoms show up after introducing a food, stop feeding that food and reach out to an allergist for a proper diagnosis. You don’t have to diagnose or decode everything yourself. Find an allergist who does allergy testing, including skin pricks, blood work, and food challenges, which are necessary in some cases to truly confirm. If it is not an allergy, you will want to get the food back in the diet as soon as possible since avoiding the foods unnecessarily may increase the risk of a food allergy developing. Upon a diagnosis from an allergist, seek an expert for treatment advice. Many treatments work better in toddler age children, so the sooner treated the better usually.
GrowHappy offers tons of amazing resources to learn more here, and you can also try GrowHappy’s ImmunoButter™ Variety Box for 20% off here.
