Fortunately, treatments are available.
Medicated creams can be used in some situations.
People with breast eczema often experience more discomfort with breastfeeding than others.
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Also, there are concerns that ingesting it could cause a blood disorder calledmethemoglobinemiain babies and young children.
Topical corticosteroids are a common treatment for eczema.
However, they should be used sparingly on the breasts and nipples when breastfeeding.
This is because your baby could ingest the medication during feedings.
Before using any topical steroid or cream, talk with your healthcare provider.
Use as little of the medication as possible and apply it at least one hour before feedings.
Before feeding your baby, gently wipe the area with a clean washcloth to remove any medication.
The study also found that breast milk can successfully treat diaper rash as well.
For smaller areas of eczema, mom or baby can use breast milk as a spot treatment.
Apply a small amount of breast milk to a clean washcloth and lightly dab the affected area.
Consider a breast milk bath for widespread eczema that covers much of your babys body.
This requires a significant amount of extra breast milk you dont need for feeding.
Add lukewarm breast milk to your babys bath until the water looks cloudy.
After your babys bath, discard the bath water.
If you are not currently breastfeeding but want to try this treatment, consider consulting a breast milk bank.
Talk with your pediatrician before incorporating breast milk into your treatment.
The risk of catching an infection or disease from breast milk is low but possible.
Breastfeeding provides several benefits to both mom and baby.
Treating or preventing eczema may be one of those benefits.
Does Breastfeeding Prevent Eczema in Baby?
Breastfeeding is an excellent way to give your baby the nutrients they need.
So is using formula.
Do what works best for you.
Many people with eczema may notice thatcertain foodstend to trigger their symptoms.
If certain foods trigger eczema, remove them from your diet.
These may include gluten, red meat, shellfish, citrus fruits, cows milk, and dairy products.
This is likely related to immune changes in the body because of changing estrogen levels during pregnancy.
If you develop the condition during pregnancy, it is likely to remain postpartum.
A personsimmune function changesduring pregnancy to protect their growing baby.
Before pregnancy, the bodys immune system is regulated by Th1 cells.
These cells are responsible for protecting us against foreign invaders like infections.
During pregnancy, the body relies on Th2 cells for immunity.
These cells are responsible for defending against allergens and other toxins that are located outside of the cells.
They keep the fetus safe from harm but affect the pregnant person in new ways.
The Th2 cells cause the pregnant person to become more sensitive to allergens.
This means that the risk of eczema and other allergic conditions goes up.
People with asthma may notice that their condition worsens during pregnancy.
High estrogen levels in the body likely trigger this shift from Th1 cell immunity to Th2 cell immunity.
Summary
Eczema is a condition that causes red, itchy patches of skin.
The patches may also crack and ooze.
Eczema can appear anywhere on the skin, including the breasts and nipples.
Breast eczema can make breastfeeding more complicated and even painful.
Pregnant people may be more at risk of developing eczema because of changes to the immune system during pregnancy.
To successfully breastfeed with breast eczema, consider working with a lactation consultant for support.
Treatments such as phototherapy, good skincare, and an anti-inflammatory diet may be helpful.
Breast milk can also be an effective topical treatment if you or your baby have eczema.
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