Can Dairy Products and Dairy Proteins Cause Eczema?

If your child has an allergy to dairy products, you may find it’s a food-related trigger for their eczema symptoms. Food allergies happen when the body’s immune system responds abnormally to certain foods. In little ones who have eczema, this reaction and the inflammation associated with it can lead to a flare-up of their eczema symptoms; however, it doesn’t mean that by avoiding dairy products, they will no longer have eczema. This is because the underlying cause of eczema is usually a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

According to the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (ASCIA),  about 1 in 50 Australian and New Zealand infants (approximately 2%) are allergic to cow’s milk and other dairy products. If your little one has a dairy allergy, eliminating it from their diet may also help with their eczema symptoms. But it’s still essential to stick with a consistent skincare routine to best manage your child’s eczema and keep their skin moisturised. Thankfully, our full range of gentle skincare products does not contain milk proteins and can be used to nourish itchy, dry and sensitive skin. We always recommend patch testing for allergies before using liberally on your little one's skin.

If you suspect that your little one may be reacting to dairy products or dairy proteins, it’s best to consult with your medical professional for advice.

What is cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA)?

Many people who are allergic to cow’s milk will be told they have a cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) and will also be allergic to other animal milk, such as goat’s and sheep’s milk, and products made from these types of milk. This is because the proteins in cow’s milk can be the same in other animal milk.

There are two types of CMPA: one that causes an immediate reaction (within 2 hours of consuming milk) and one that causes a more delayed reaction.

For those with a dairy allergy (CMPA), it’s essential to read all labelling carefully to avoid cow’s milk, other animal milk, and products made from them unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

CMPA should not be confused with lactose intolerance. While a dairy allergy involves the immune system and can be life-threatening, a dairy intolerance happens when a person lacks the enzyme required to digest milk and dairy products (lactase). This may result in uncomfortable symptoms like bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, gas and diarrhea.

How do I know if my child has a dairy allergy?

If your child has eczema, they may be more likely to have food allergies. Please speak to your doctor about how to assess your child for food allergies and how to manage them. Eliminating and reintroducing dairy or other foods from your little one’s diet should be done under the supervision of a medical professional.

Symptoms of dairy allergy can include: 

• itchy, red and weepy rashes on the skin, or eczema
• raised red bumps on the skin (hives)
• respiratory symptoms such as a wheeze or cough
• a swollen face
• gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea

Although dairy can trigger eczema symptoms, removing it from your child’s diet may carry nutritional risks – this is why it’s best to speak with your doctor to ensure your child will continue to meet their dietary requirements. ASCIA also notes that if your child has been consuming a particular food regularly without signs of an allergy, eliminating this food from their diet may result in them developing an allergy to that food in the future.

How can I manage my child’s eczema if they have a dairy allergy?

Managing triggers and maintaining a consistent skincare routine go hand-in-hand to manage eczema best. There are many different triggers to be aware of (a food allergy may be one of them), such as heat and sweating, household products, laundry detergents, certain types of clothing, pet dander and other environmental irritants.

The Itchy Baby Co. range does not contain dairy proteins, and our Natural Oatmeal Bath Soak and Eczema Moisturiser are designed to gently cleanse and deeply nourish eczema-prone skin, with the soothing goodness of colloidal oatmeal. All Itchy Baby Co. products are fragrance-free and made to support little ones with itchy, dry and sensitive skin.

All parents of children who have allergies should see their doctor to discuss their individual allergy action plan. This way, you will know what to do if your child has a reaction and how best to try to avoid one.

This blog post was brought to you and your family with love from the Itchy Baby Co. team x.

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.