Written in partnership with Dr. Clarence De BELILOVSKY, Dermatologist and member of the Mustela circle of experts.
Extremely dry skin = food allergies... It's not automatic!
While extremely dry skin often appears when dry skin comes into contact with allergens, there isn't necessarily a direct link since the food is ingested. However, it can happen. Some foods can irritate the skin. When swallowed, contact with the mouth or the area around the mouth—especially when your baby is learning to eat independently!—could trigger the immune system and thus cause a flare-up.
The real question now is whether extremely dry skin is directly related to a specific food intolerance or allergy. For example, will being allergic to carrots trigger a flare-up if your baby eats them? Opinions differ...
What we could say at present¹:
If your baby has extremely dry skin, it's because they have an atopic predisposition !
This means that their immune system is overreacting to allergens. This could also manifest as conjunctivitis, hay fever, asthma… which are other possible symptoms, in addition to extremely dry skin or food allergies.
Depending on the sensitivity of their atopic terrain, the same person may be subject to a single manifestation or to several, without this being related.
Therefore, your child may be allergic to carrots but not have extremely dry skin when they eat them. The reaction to this food will manifest itself differently (regurgitation, diarrhea, etc.).
However, when extremely dry skin is particularly severe, it can be directly linked to a food allergy.
Skin reaction, skin redness: be vigilant with the most allergenic foods.
If in doubt, go to your doctor who will advise you to consult a dermatologist and/or an allergist depending on the symptoms.
Once they have the results, they will then decide whether it is necessary to implement what is called an “elimination diet” to remove certain foods.
Those most often affected:
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peanuts
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Milk
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nuts and seeds
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wheat
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egg white
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fish, crustaceans and mollusks
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chocolate
Most importantly, they will tell you, depending on your baby's age and food diversification, how to replace them to maintain equivalent nutritional value... and continue to offer your child delicious little meals!
¹Source: http://www.allergynet.com/dermatite-allergy-aliment
