Elimination diets can only help children who have food sensitivity.
The number of children who have eczema has risen – one in five children are now affected by this skin condition, which is often associated with an allergy. Researchers are not yet sure what is causing this growing problem. Many people believe that certain foods are responsible, or at least make the symptoms worse. However, in information published today, the German Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG) stresses that parents should be cautious about eliminating important foods like milk from their baby's or child's diet. Elimination diets probably only help if the child has a proven food sensitivity or allergy. The Institute advises that most babies and small children with mild eczema will grow out of it, and parents will usually not have to change their family's eating habits. Parents can keep up-to-date with the latest research on preventing allergies at the Institute's website, informedhealthonline.org.
The increase in eczema in children remains a mystery
In the last few decades, the number of people with allergies has been increasing. One of the most common problems is eczema – a skin condition that causes redness and itching. Most of the small children who have mild eczema will grow out of it by the time they are teenagers. But for some, eczema will be a lifelong problem. Researchers still do not know what causes this common condition. However, researchers are making some progress on what can help prevent babies developing eczema and allergies. One of the myths has been dispelled: that diet is usually the culprit.