308 – Allergies and Eczema

Dr. Carole Keim explores the topics of allergies and eczema in this episode. She defines what each disease is and what typically causes their appearance. All your questions about what symptoms to look for in your infant or child as well as how you can treat allergies and eczema when discovered will be answered by Dr. Keim.  

Allergies, eczema, and asthma are called atopic diseases and tend to run in families. So if there’s a family member that has either allergies or eczema or asthma, or multiples of these, your child is at higher risk of developing them. Dr. Keim explains the science behind the reactions and symptoms before detailing exactly what types of medicines or interventions are safe and effective. While there are many Western medicine treatments available, holistic alternatives do exist and Dr. Keim explains which are safest to pursue.

In this episode:

Allergies (01:10)

• Symptoms: allergic cascade: antigen binds to IgE (produced by B cells which are white blood cells), IgE binds to mast cells, and mast cells degranulate and release histamine and other cytokines (cellular chemicals) that cause blood vessels to dilate and leak fluid into surrounding tissue, which causes symptoms of nasal congestion, watery eyes, runny nose, and mucus in airways / cough; histamine also causes itching, rashes/hives, and spasm of airways causing wheezing. Severe allergic reactions can make the blood pressure drop dangerously low from the blood vessels dilating and can cause severe airway spasm and swelling – this is known as anaphylaxis.  Parents who have allergies/asthma/eczema (atopic diseases) are more likely to have a child with allergies, but it’s often to different things than the parents are allergic to.
• Western – avoid allergen (keep the house clean, use HEPA filters, avoid pets, wash off after being outside, avoid foods and medications you’re allergic to); we work backwards / up the allergic cascade: antihistamines, steroids, mast cell stabilizers, anti-IgE injections, allergy shots (which contain small amounts of what your child is allergic to and are gradually increased to retrain the immune system into recognizing it as ok); epinephrine for anaphylaxis to reverse the vasodilation and bronchospasm
• Acu – decreases overall inflammation, great for environmental allergies 
• Chiropractic – can help with overall wellness and inflammation, but doesn’t specifically treat allergies.  
• Nutrition/supplements –  none in the US other than avoiding foods you’re allergic to (nuts, fish, and shellfish will cross-react with others in the same group, and milk will cross-react with soy); outside the US they do sublingual immune therapy which is kind of like allergy shots but the antigen is given orally, but this has a risk for anaphylaxis. 
• Homeopathy – whatever the allergen is 
• Oils – eucalyptus/peppermint in a diffuser, lavender and tea tree topically (anti-inflammatory) 

Eczema  (23:01)

Symptoms: dry skin, rash, itching; more common on surfaces that rub (cheeks and extensor surfaces in babies, flexor surfaces in older children) 

• Western – keep skin moisturized (emollients like vaseline or aquaphor for dry skin, unscented lotion on a daily basis), avoid scented lotions/soaps/detergents, wash new clothes before wearing them, steroid cream
• Acu – decreases overall inflammation and can help 
• Chiropractic –  can help with overall wellness and inflammation, but doesn’t specifically treat eczema 
• Nutrition/supplements –  avoid allergenic foods (wheat, dairy, eggs, nuts, fish), consider hydrolyzed formula, limit sugar in older children, add more fresh fruit/veggies/fiber to decrease inflammation, vitamin C, Vitamin D.  
• Homeopathy –  calendula cream, pine tar soap, antimonium crudum, graphites, sulphur 
• Oils –  can try topical oils in a carrier – lavender, chamomile, oregano, tea tree – sometimes topical oils or the carrier oil will make eczema worse 

Also in Holistic Mamas Handbook: asthma, nosebleeds (can be related to allergies) 

Next week: baby acne and diaper rash! 

Dr. Keim has extensively researched the information presented in this episode. Her insight and knowledge on alternative and holistic treatments come together in her new book, Holistic Mamas Handbook, which can be ordered here (https://amzn.to/3rlXhb7) . Her first book, The Baby Manual, covers year one of your baby’s life and is the subject of the first two seasons of this podcast. Follow Dr. Carole Keim on her TikTok and YouTube channels for additional tips and advice on babies and toddlers. And remember, it’s always okay to call your doctor or emergency services if you have concerns about your child’s health.   

Resources discussed in this episode:

• More like this in the Holistic Mamas Handbook.  You can order the Holistic Mamas Handbook here: https://amzn.to/3rlXhb7
• The Baby Manual is available on Amazon (https://amzn.to/3LGBT7g)
• Supplement/vitamins link (https://lin…