Infant Eczema And Food Allergy Prevention: What Parents Need To Know

by Ready, Set, Food!

“Babies with eczema are at a higher risk than the general population for developing food allergies. In fact, up to 67% of infants with severe eczema and 25% of infants with mild eczema will develop a food allergy," explains Jonathan Spergel M.D., Board Certified Allergist and Member of the National Eczema Association Scientific Advisory Committee.

In 2017, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) started recommending early introduction of peanut for infants starting at 4-6 months of age, especially those with eczema. These new recommendations come as a result of recent landmark clinical trials, particularly the LEAP trial. Medical societies around the world are now issuing new recommendations for infants with eczema. Just recently, the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology issued a recommendation that infants with eczema be introduced to allergenic foods such as egg and peanut as early as 4 months of age.


Infants with eczema have the highest risk for developing food allergies.


Here's what parents of babies with eczema need to know:

  • Up to 67% of infants with severe eczema and 25% of infants with mild eczema will develop a food allergy
  • Fortunately, clinical trials have shown that up to 80% of food allergies can be prevented
  • Medical guidelines now recommend that infants with eczema be exposed to allergenic foods like peanut early and frequently
  • There is a critical window of time for families to act, start as early as 4-6 months and as late as 11 months
  • For infants with severe eczema, it is recommended to consult with your pediatrician before starting early allergen introduction

Ready, Set, Food! is an allergist-mom developed daily supplement that makes early and sustained introduction of peanut, egg, and milk easy and evidence based, allowing parents to reduce their baby's risk of developing food allergies by up to 80%. Recommended by over 200 leading pediatricians, allergists, and experts, Ready, Set, Food! mixes easily into your baby's bottle or food starting as early as 4 months. Learn more about why Ready, Set, Food! is the best solution for early allergen introduction and explore our plans to give your family a head start towards an allergy-free future!