Former TV presenter, Karen Fischer, is now a qualified nutritionist; health columnist and an author (health book due for release in 2008). She specialises in skin complaints, eczema and diet.
Your child may have salicylate sensitivity as the foods mentioned are all high in this natural plant chemical. This sensitivity is very common in eczema sufferers. Salicylates are found in many fruits and vegetables (and products such as sauces and gravies). Salicylates don’t usually pose a problem to our health but in the case of eczema, the liver clears them out too slowly so they build up and contribute to inflammation. Temporarily take all of these foods out of the diet and speak to a naturopath about a suitable children’s supplement to help reduce salicylate sensitivity. See the eczema fact sheet on the Huggies website for more information on ‘implementing dietary changes for two months.’
Kind regards, Karen
Hi, For an 8 month old you can give your child vegetables, beans and rice that are cooked and pureed (a small food processor makes it easy and quick). Serve lukewarm and freeze leftovers in a ice cube container. Best food choices for eczema are potato, choko, peas, kidney beans, baby rice, carrot and sweet potato. See my Eczema Fact Sheet online for more information on eczema.
Kind regards, Karen
Your child is at the perfect age to effectively treat eczema. Preservatives and other artificial additives can trigger an eczema flare-up so it’s best to avoid them. Dairy can trigger eczema flare ups but she doesn’t need to avoid all dairy if her skin has cleared up. Dairy dosage for a 15 month old is 2 bottles of full cream milk (can be diluted with