Although cow's milk has been consumed regularly for generations, it is hard to deny at this time that it may not be suitable for everyone.
We encounter it daily in our cheeses, yogurts and butters, but it is in its pure form that it can cause difficulties for some people. Particularly among children in whom allergies are more common. This is why natural treatments like Rich Restructuring Cream can relieve them in cases of eczema. It is good to note that our body assimilates goat's or sheep's cheese much better. However, be careful not to confuse allergy and intolerance.
Symptoms of atopic eczema
When we suffer from eczema, very painful red patches appear on our body. These plates are accompanied by itching and dander. There are two very common forms of eczema: atopic dermatitis and contact eczema.
Atopic eczema is the consequence of reactions to various allergens (pollen, animals, mold, etc.). This is probably the most common form of the disease. We generally speak of a hypersensitivity of the immune system, which manifests itself as an allergic reaction.
In contact eczema, eczema flare-ups are caused when the skin comes into contact with an aggressive substance. This could be jewelry, soap, a chemical, poison ivy, etc. This form of the disease can affect anyone and at any age.
Atopy: allergy vs intolerance
Allergy with milk is much less widespread than one might imagine. Allergy is an abnormal reaction of the immune system to an allergen. And in food terms, the allergen is a protein.
In the case of milk, the allergen is cow's milk protein. Ingurgitation of a food for a person suffering from an allergy to this food can be very dangerous. You may experience itching and irritation of the mouth, difficulty breathing or swallowing. This can also lead to hives or skin rash. It is also possible to feel pain in the stomach.
If you think you have an allergy, you should talk to your doctor or an allergist.
Intolerance means that the immune system does not integrate the substance. For milk, we speak of intolerance to milk sugar, lactose. Lactose intolerance is the most common food intolerance. It manifests itself by an inability to digest lactose, but is not never dangerous.
Atopic eczema flare-ups due to cow's milk allergy in young children
We are therefore talking more precisely about an allergy to cow's milk proteins. This allergy is very common in babies and young children. In principle, it appears before the age of one year. Eczema can therefore appear very early in infants as a reaction to this allergy to milk proteins. To relieve your baby of itching and eczema patches, we recommend using a gentle and soothing treatment.
A gentle eczema cream for very young skin
The Rich Restructuring Cream from our LM Natura Laboratories is ideal for young (or not) suffering skin. It helps soothe redness and inflammation of the skin while hydrating and nourishing the skin. Pso Natura Cream has a high content of Carapa procera oil, our exclusive. Discover 5 moisturizing creams and balms to treat eczema. See also 4 solutions for dry skin.
Natural ingredients of eczema cream
It also contains Aloe vera, a plant whose reputation is well established and which allows relieve inflammations of the epidermis and soothe itching. It also contains Marula oil, known for its hydrating properties.
To nourish the skin, the cream also contains shea butter which also has anti-inflammatory properties. In our cream, we also find natural Bisabolol, a chamomile derivative which is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. In order to help the healing of lesions, geranium essential oil is present in the cream. Containing only natural ingredients with incredible properties, the Rich Cream will soothe children's eczema linked to all types of allergies including that of cow's milk proteins.
We advise you to carefully identify the origin of the milk before purchasing.
And lactose intolerance: can it cause flare-ups of atopic eczema?
Cow's milk is classified as a complete food because it consists of sugar, fats and proteins. The sugar in cow's milk is commonly called "lactose". In order to digest lactose, the body produces a particular molecule, the lactase molecule. This molecule is very present in young children, then it decreases as they grow up. This is why lactose intolerance is very rare in young children. On the other hand, from the age of 6, these lactose intolerances are more common.
Lactose intolerance mainly causes digestive disorders such as flatulence, diarrhea, bloating, nausea. Headaches, fatigue or muscle pain may also occur.
The answer is therefore no, in principle lactose intolerance does not cause eczema flare-ups. However, if you notice signs of intolerance associated with eczema flare-ups, consult a dermatologist.
Alternatives to cow's milk for atopic eczema
Goat's milk
We could turn to goat's milk or sheep's milk, which are after all completely different animals. If you have a cow's milk allergy, we advise you to avoid these animal milks as they are not considered safe alternatives. On the other hand, in the event of lactose intolerance, they constitute real alternatives.
Soy milk
Soy milk has seen its consumption increase in Europe in recent years. It is easily found in all types of supermarkets and in different variants: vanilla, normal, chocolate... Although soy milk is a common alternative to cow's milk, we nevertheless recommend a little vigilance. A number of brands use the same facilities to produce regular milk and soy milk, and soy milk may contain casein (milk protein). In this case, the allergy will not be eliminated.
However, it does not provide all the benefits of cow's milk because it does not contain calcium! But to counter this problem, some brands offer soy milks enriched with calcium.
Soya, sometimes criticized
Be careful though, soy is increasingly controversial. As it contains phytoestrogens, it could in particular cause hormonal imbalances in women and men or lead to thyroid problems. You should therefore consume it organically, in moderation, avoid it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and do not give it to young children.
Almond milk or almond drink
This is a drink rich in calcium and vitamin D. Almond milk has a low protein content and no cholesterol or saturated fat. It is very suitable for people allergic to cow's milk because it does not contain lactose.
Oat milk
Oat milk is made by infusing oat flakes in water, then boiling this mixture. Once filtered, we obtain this vegetable milk full of virtues: high concentration of proteins, iron and fiber. But also potassium, vitamins B, E and A. This cereal is also low in sugar and fat, and has antioxidant benefits. Oatmeal is known to improve the quality of the skin, in cases of acne for example.
sources: Children's Hospital
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