In a message dated 2/4/99 12:01:49 AM !!!First Boot!!!, [log in to unmask] writes: << 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 [log in to unmask]