In a message dated 2/4/99 12:01:49 AM !!!First Boot!!!,
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<< Breast-feeding usually helps to
 prevent allergy, but it may not be
 advisable for some infants with allergic skin conditions, such as
 those with atopic eczema who also have impaired growth, researchers
 report. >>

Everything I have ever read or studied emphatically suggests that
breastfeeding infants, especially those with atopic dermatitis/eczema, can and
will decrease the incidence and severity of eczema!  To suggest that switching
eczematous infants from BM to ABM, especially soy, improved their eczema is
really hard to belief or accept.  Soy ABM is probably more allergenic that
cow's milk ABM!  Eczematous "flare-ups" can naturally spontaneously resolve.
The natural history of AD (atopic dermatitis) can include spontaneous
resolution regardless of interventions, meds/diet/etc.  IMHO, it would be much
wiser to work with the mom regarding her diet in avoiding common allergens
than to switch from BM to ABM.
Andrew MD
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