3 Potential Causes of Eczema in Babies

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common condition in babies, affecting about 15 - 20% of infants under age 2 worldwide. This chronic skin disorder leads to red, itchy, and inflamed patches on the skin. While the exact cause of eczema remains unclear, several factors - including genetics, environmental triggers, and immune responses - play a role. Recent research has begun to explore how gut health influences the development of eczema in infants, shedding light on an important aspect of early immune and skin health.

1. Imbalance in Gut Microbiome

One of the emerging areas of research into eczema is the connection between the infant gut microbiome and the development of skin disorders. Babies are born with a sterile gut that quickly becomes populated with bacteria from their environment, birth method, and diet. These bacteria form the gut microbiome, which plays a crucial role in immune system development.

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Studies have shown that an imbalance in gut bacteria, known as dysbiosis, can contribute to the development of eczema . Specifically, lower levels of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, alongside an overgrowth of harmful bacteria, may lead to heightened immune responses that trigger inflammation both in the gut and on the skin.

This inflammation can present as eczema, linking gut health directly to skin health. The gut-skin axis theory, which suggests that gut imbalances can manifest in skin conditions, is increasingly being supported by research.

2. C-Section Births and Delayed Microbiome Seeding

The mode of delivery also has a significant impact on a baby’s gut health and may be linked to eczema risk. Babies born via C-section tend to have a different microbial composition than those born vaginally. During a vaginal birth, babies are exposed to beneficial bacteria from the mother’s birth canal, which helps "seed" their gut with essential microbes that aid in immune function.

In contrast, C-section babies may initially lack exposure to these beneficial bacteria, leading to an altered microbiome that can increase the risk of conditions like eczema.

Research shows that C-section births are associated with higher rates of eczema due to this delayed or altered gut microbiome development . Providing these babies with prebiotics and probiotics early in life can help balance their gut bacteria and may reduce the risk of eczema.

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3. Formula Feeding and Lack of HMOs

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and protective factors for babies, including human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which are known to nourish beneficial gut bacteria like Bifidobacterium. Babies who are formula-fed may not receive these beneficial HMOs, leading to an imbalanced gut microbiome that could contribute to eczema development.

Recent studies have found that the absence of HMOs in formula-fed infants is associated with an increased likelihood of eczema due to the gut’s inability to support proper immune regulation.

To counter this, infant nutrition supplements such as Beginbaby Prebiotic + Probiotic include HMOs to mimic the health benefits from the HMOs found in human breast milk, helping to promote a healthier gut microbiome and potentially reducing the risk of eczema and other immune-related conditions.

Conclusion

The gut plays a critical role in the development of eczema in babies. Imbalances in the microbiome, whether caused by C-section births, formula feeding, or other factors, can influence immune responses and skin health. Addressing gut health early in life through breastfeeding, nutrition supplementation with a prebiotic + probiotic, and dietary interventions to nourish the gut could be a key strategy in preventing and managing eczema in infants.

Summary:

The gut health of babies is closely linked to the development of eczema, a common skin condition. Three main causes—gut microbiome imbalances, C-section births, and lack of HMOs —contribute to eczema through their impact on the infant’s microbiome and immune system. Focusing on supporting gut health may help prevent eczema in babies.