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)

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