Written in partnership with Dr. Clarence De Belilovsky, Dermatologist and member of the Mustela expert circle
Does breastfeeding have a positive or negative effect on atopic eczema?
That is indeed a question that can be divisive.
Some advocate breastfeeding because it helps to better protect the baby from many infections and allergies.
It's true.
Others will say that if the child already has an allergy, the mother should remove certain foods from her meals so as not to pass on allergens.
However, this precaution has not been formally proven.
The best thing to do is talk to your doctor.
Since atopic eczema is very rarely associated with a food allergy, there should be no reason not to breastfeed your child if that is what you prefer.
On the contrary !
What targeted care and treatments can I use on a daily basis to treat my baby's atopic eczema?
Prioritize emollients on a daily basis!
The enriched formulas of these specific baby and child care products help to rebuild the lipid layer on your baby's skin, thus repairing and protecting its skin barrier .
They can immediately reduce the sensation of itching by up to 95%!
Examples of products:
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Stelatopia Emollient Balm
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Stelatopia Emollient Cream
You can apply them 1 to 2 times a day (see our application tips), after showering for example, and even during or in the bath.
The only precaution: during a flare-up, they should not be applied to oozing patches.
In this case, the treatment prescribed by your doctor will be the most appropriate.
Can I vaccinate my child if they have atopic eczema?
Yes !
Vaccines do not worsen atopic eczema and protect your baby from many diseases such as:
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Diphtheria
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Tetanus
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Polio
Even if your child is unlikely to encounter these infections today, an up-to-date vaccination record will always be a plus.
We would only advise you to postpone the appointment if your baby is experiencing a growth spurt , especially to give him/her some peace and quiet.
When is my child at risk of experiencing atopic eczema flare-ups?
It's impossible to know precisely because everything depends on the atopic predisposition and sensitivity of your child.
However, it is known that atopic eczema alternates between periods of remission and flare-ups .
Tips for limiting flare-ups:
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Use specific emollient skincare products
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Ventilate the rooms regularly
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Avoid activities that cause excessive sweating
Outbreaks may occur:
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During teething
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During a bad cold or rhino-pharyngeal infection
If extremely dry skin is hereditary, is the intensity of flare-ups also hereditary?
Absolutely not!
Even if you or your spouse have experienced severe flare-ups and intense itching, your child will have "their own" atopic eczema , which may be mild despite your experience.
Does atopy leave marks and traces on a baby's skin?
None! Even if the redness is severe and turns into oozing patches that become a scab.
Good news:
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It is not contagious.
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This tends to decrease with age.
Are there certain foods to avoid to prevent atopic eczema flare-ups?
Not necessarily. Atopic eczema is rarely triggered by an allergy or food intolerance.
If in doubt, talk to your doctor.
Warning: some foods can have irritating contact with the skin , for example around the mouth, and cause a flare-up.
My child has swollen lymph nodes during an atopic eczema flare-up. Is this normal?
Yes, that can happen!
During a flare-up, there is inflammation of the skin and the body defends itself, which can be enough to cause swollen lymph nodes to appear.
If you think the plaques are infected, consult your doctor .
The risk is rare.
What is the difference between atopic eczema and contact eczema?
They have only one thing in common: they are allergic reactions .
Atopic eczema:
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Often hereditary
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It can manifest itself from the first few months
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Tendency to decrease with age
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It alternates between periods of calm and flare-ups.
Contact eczema:
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It can appear at any age, often starting in adolescence.
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Triggered by contact with a product or material (solvent, nickel, medicine, rubber…)
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It can be stopped quickly with certain treatments.
Is there anything I can do to prevent atopic flare-ups?
Atopic eczema cannot be completely prevented, but certain precautions can help.
Recommended actions:
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Use specific emollient baby and child care products
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Rebuild the lipid layer and protect the skin barrier
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Reduce itching sensations by up to 95%
Other daily precautions:
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Ventilate your home
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Wash the stuffed animals regularly
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Providing a suitable environment for your child
