allergic to breast milk?

[andie1976]

As a baby I was allergic to breast milk- it gave me bad eczema. I am currently breast feeding my baby, and I have chronic eczema which is literally covering the whole of my body. I can't use very strong creams because I am feeding. Any advice

[shonaspurtle]

bumping for you andie. Have you posted on the allergies board as well? They might have more answers.

[mears]

andie - you should be able to use your prescribed creams even though you are breastfeeding. Why do you think you can't?

[Rabbitbreath]

hi Andie - I am 6 months pregnant - never had eczema, but I recently developed an itchy rash all over my body - - doctor says it has to do with my hormones - so he prescribed Oilatum Plus (antiseptic bath emollient for the topical treatment of eczemas). It helped almost immediately! A lot of people at work who heard I put a capful in my bathwater once a day said 'urgh - it's disgusting / oily' but I promise you it is not that bad at all!!

The doctor also insisted that I only bath with aqueous cream and use E45 cream after my bath. So far so good!!

Hope it gets better soon!

Re breast milk - my husband was intolerant to breast milk as a baby so I am hoping and praying that our baby will not be too as I would love to breastfeed!

[mears]

Something you might find of interest is that babies often get a rsh around the 6 week mark. Years ago it was thought to be allergy to breastmilk which was incorrect, and mothers were advised to stop feeding.

It is most likely due to soaps that are used on a baby's skin etc. Now mums are advised not to use soap/bubblebath for the first 4 weeks after birth and then to introduce them sparingly if you want to use them (there is actually no need).

Foods that breastfeeding mums eat can be adjusted if there is an allergic response which is pretty rare.

It is very rare for a baby to be allergic to breastmilk - hope that puts your mind at rest.