Top benefits of breast milk for eczema
Breast milk contains probiotics that may help treat children who suffer from eczema as well as assist a variety of other health concerns.
Eczema is really a skin ailment that can affect individuals of any age and cause symptoms such as dryness and itching of the skin. In addition to this, it may cause rashes to appear in certain locations on the body.
The itchy and flaky patches caused by eczema are treated with a variety of pharmaceuticals that can be prescribed by a doctor.
In addition, there are several alternative remedies for eczema that make use of natural components. People may also get relief from the disease by consuming breast milk, which is a natural cure.
This article will examine the benefits of breast milk for eczema, including the most recent studies on the topic as well as its use in both children and adults. In addition, we investigate alternative treatments for eczema, as well as other health disorders that may benefit from breast milk.
Top benefits of breast milk for eczema
The properties found in human breast milk are helpful because it includes over 700 different kinds of bacteria, it is a Reliable Source for infants and mothers who are nursing.
The non-nutritional use of breast milk for the treatment of skin disorders such atopic eczema was researched by Reliable Source. In general, the findings of the research studies that were analyzed for this review indicated that it is a useful treatment for eczema (A 2019 review).
Human breast milk was given topically to the affected skin of newborns with eczema in a study that was conducted in 2015 (reliable source). Researchers discovered that the effectiveness of breast milk was comparable to that of hydrocortisone cream. In addition to its efficacy, this study found that consuming breast milk did not result in any unfavorable side effects.
In another limited study from 2015, the use of breast milk as a treatment for eczema in infants who were just a little bit older was investigated by Reliable Source. It was discovered that applying breast milk topically to eczema patches had no impact whatsoever.
There is evidence from a few different research that breast milk can help treat eczema. Having said that, the scope of this research was still inadequate, therefore additional study is required.
A consultation with a trained medical expert is the first step for everyone who wants to treat eczema, whether it’s on themselves or their children.
Probiotics
Breast milk is considered to be an essential source of biologically beneficial elements, including the probiotic bacteria, according to research that was conducted by 2020 Trusted Source.
Even though atopic dermatitis is considered to be a skin condition, specialists believe that the microbiome of the stomach may also have a role in the development of the disease. Nevertheless, research in this field is still being conducted.
After receiving probiotic medication for a period of six months, participants in a study conducted in 2021 on children and adolescents who suffered from eczema reported significant changes in the severity of their eczema symptoms.
The following is a list of some of the most prevalent symptoms of eczema:
- patches of skin that become more dense or brittle over time
- rashes that leak pus
- rashes that cause bleeding when scratched
- dry areas that look dark brown or gray on darker skin, whereas they appear red on lighter skin
There are also many foods that contain probiotics naturally, such as:
- spinach
- asparagus
- berries
- soy
Uses among children and adults
In the world of medicine, treating eczema using breast milk is a rather novel idea at this point.
Previous studies on the benefits of using breast milk in humans are summarized in the following material. However, before applying breast milk to eczematous adults or children, a person should make an appointment with their primary care physician.
Regarding infants
In one of the studies included in the 2019 review, breast milk has been shown to alleviate eczema symptoms in infants, according to a reliable source.
During the course of this research project, lactating mothers rubbed breast milk into the afflicted areas on two separate occasions every day. Therefore, an application of this quantity and frequency of breast milk might be beneficial for treating eczema in infants.
A pediatrician should be consulted by parents or caregivers in order to discuss appropriate therapies for infants who suffer from eczema.
Regarding adults
There has been a very little study conducted on the topic of using breast milk as a treatment for eczema in adults. However, research has been conducted on the efficacy of using breast milk to treat sore nipples in breastfeeding mothers.
After breastfeeding, massaging the nipples with a small amount of breast milk might help alleviate any soreness or skin chafing that may have occurred. It is possible for adults who suffer from eczema to use the same application procedure when administering breast milk to eczema areas.
On the other hand, individuals who are looking for relief from eczema should consult their physician before adding breast milk to their skin. The frequency of breast milk feedings as well as the volume of milk that should be given to a child with eczema may only be prescribed by a medical professional.
When it is necessary to see a physician
People who suffer from eczema should see a physician if the symptoms of their condition become more severe or pose further health problems.
Because some people with eczema are allergic to certain foods, they may notice a worsening of their symptoms after consuming those foods.
A medical practitioner can perform a test to establish whether or not a patient is allergic to a certain food category in order to make a diagnosis of food allergy. Understanding your allergens might help you avoid potentially life-threatening allergic responses and eczema flare-ups.
In the absence of therapy, eczema can also lead to potentially life-threatening infections of the skin. Because of the disease, the top layer of the skin may get damaged, which makes it simpler for bacteria or fungi to penetrate the skin and produce an infection.
If the look of eczema-affected skin abruptly changes, this may point to the presence of an infection. An elevated temperature or the development of blisters on the surface of the skin may potentially be symptoms of an infection.
Infections can be treated and their progression stopped if medical attention is sought out as soon as possible.
Additional advantages of consuming breast milk
Breastfeeding a baby can help reduce the risk of certain diseases, including the following:
- infections of the respiratory tract
- the obesity of children
- infections of the ear
- abdominal cramping and vomiting
- leukemia affecting children
- Sudden abrupt infant death syndrome
According to research published in 2017, breast milk may help speed up the healing process of diaper rash. Breast milk’s probiotic characteristics may also help lessen the chance of acquiring asthma, according to Trusted Source research.
Breastfeeding not only has the potential to lower a child’s chance of contracting certain diseases, but it also has the potential to lower a breastfeeding mother’s risk of getting ailments such as:
- diabetes
- elevated levels of cholesterol
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- diseases of the heart
- certain cancers, such as ovarian and breast cancers among others
It is possible that additional research on the bacterial components of human breast milk will provide more information on the benefits of human breast milk.
Alternative therapy for eczema.
Itching and inflammation are typically treated with topical steroids that are prescribed by medical professionals. Both adults and children might benefit from using these steroid medications. They are available in a variety of forms, such as ointments, creams, and even sprays.
There are also a number of oral drugs that can be helpful in treating dermatitis. Individuals who have this illness may have an overactive immune system, which can make inflammation worse. Immunosuppressants do their job by reducing the speed at which the body’s immune system reacts normally.
The symptoms of eczema can also be alleviated by using oral steroids such as prednisolone. It is especially helpful to use prednisolone when dealing with an outbreak of eczema because this medication has the ability to lessen inflammation from within the body.
People should discuss the benefits of any medical therapy as well as any potential adverse effects with one another.
Home remedies
There are a variety of therapies that may be done at home for eczema, including the following trusted sources:
- moisturize regularly
- keeping the length of your fingernails short
- staying away from textiles that are uncomfortable or irritating
- using unscented soaps and detergents
- using antihistamines that are available without a prescription in order to reduce or eliminate irritation
Bathing and using moisturizer on a consistent basis are essential components of any treatment plan for eczema-related dry skin. There is also the possibility that taking a bath with natural products will alleviate the discomfort. These components might also consist of:
- oils
- oatmeal
- baking soda
Summary
Eczema is a common skin ailment that can affect people of any age. It can even affect children. Recent research, albeit limited, has revealed that breast milk may be helpful in treating the symptoms of eczema.
People who suffer from eczema may see improvements in their digestive health as a result of the probiotic qualities of breast milk. Ear infections and asthma are two of the many illnesses that can be warded off with the help of breast milk.
It is possible that massaging breast milk into a baby’s skin will be beneficial. It’s also possible that mothers who are breastfeeding could reap some benefits from rubbing it into their skin. However, there is very little to no proof of the efficacy of utilizing breast milk beyond this, such as an adult using the breast milk of another person to treat their eczema.
Before commencing any new treatment, patients diagnosed with eczema should first seek the advice of their physician. Breast milk could be a beneficial supplement to a therapy plan if it is administered under the supervision of a trained medical expert.