Here is my mom-of-eczematous- child understanding of eczema: Eczema is a 'hyperallergic' condition of the skin. Eczema often co-exists with other allergic conditons such as food allergies and asthma. However, the relationship is not usually causal. One can identify and treat food and respiratory allergies(remove/eliminate triggers)and still see little to no effect on the eczema. The natural course of eczema is relapsing/remitting----it gets better and worse , making it difficult to identify many triggers for eczema flares. Many things other than foods can affect the course of eczema. Soaps, perspiration, wind, getting too warm or too cold, overdrying of the skin, perfumes, certain fabrics(often wool or non-wicking synthetics)can all make eczema worse in certain individuals. I am sorry to see the "blaming of breastmilk" trickle down into some aspects of the wholistic health community.:( Has mom tried the basics of eczema care here? ie, keeping baby's skin well-moisturized with an unscented cream(Eucerin is often used, immediately after bathing to seal in moisture), eliminating polyester sleepwear and woolen garments, replacing woolen or polyester baby blankets and sheets,washing baby's clothes with dye and fragrance-free detergents, etc.? I would much rather see her turn her attention here than to do so much fretting about her diet and breastmilk. One caveat:eczematous kids deserve special cautions when solids are introduced. I would definitely hold off on the most common allergenic foods and introduce foods more carefully in a baby who has a history of eczema. There are some new treatments available for kids who don't respond to the mainstays of eczema treatment. A good pediatric dermatologist can be very helpful. Eczema can be serious---some poor kids will scratch to the point of bleeding and infection. Karen Kavesh in Philadelphia Breastfeeding counselor, Speech Pathologist, and mom to 2 allergic kids, only one of whom itches(the other cough and wheezes) *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html