Eczema & Hayfever

Does your child suffer from both eczema and hay fever? 

You may not be alone. It turns out that there may be a very predictable link between kids with eczema and kids who have sensitivities to seasonal allergies like hay fever, pollen, and mold.

Eczema is an illness that has its roots in the immune system, the inflammatory response of the body, and of course, the skin. Many seasonal allergies like hay fever also trigger these same areas of the body. The average hay fever flare up causes itchy skin, water eyes, respiratory irritation, inflammation, and a general immune reaction – sound familiar?

Kids who have eczema may be more prone to dealing with issues like hay fever and even asthma because of how these other issues arise. There’s a link between them all because they essentially work on the same immune responses and even some of the same chemical reactions in the body as one another.

While it may seem overwhelming that a child who already has to deal with eczema may also have to deal with other allergies and respiratory issues, there is some good news. Many families find that by effectively treating the main issue – usually eczema – the other issues show up less. Since inflammatory response and immunity are the most common issues in all these illnesses, they’re the best place to focus healing work.

Diets are a great way to help keep inflammation low while also nourishing the immune system. There are many anti-inflammatory diets out there like GAPS and Paleo that parents have found helpful. There may also be anti-inflammatory drugs or remedies that can help keep your child’s body from entering the inflammation cycle that causes all of these issues.

If your child deals with more than one immune, allergic, or inflammatory issue – there’s a good chance they’re related, and the more successfully you treat one, the less you’ll see of the others.

Does your child deal with other issues on top of eczema?
If so, how do you help keep it all under control? 

Share with us in the comments below!