If you’ve ever felt the confusion and frustration that comes with navigating a child’s food allergies, you're not alone. Our journey with my son, whom I affectionately call "Dude," began when he was just 3 months old. The process has been long, emotional, and filled with learning—but it has also given me a deep understanding of what parents go through when managing allergies.
The First Sign: Severe Eczema at 3 Months Old
It all started when I transitioned Dude from nursing to formula. Almost immediately, he began developing severe eczema—something we initially attributed to sensitive skin. But as the days went on, it became clear that this was more than just dry patches. His skin was inflamed, itchy, red, and open sores, and no lotion seemed to help.
We consulted doctors, who suggested eczema creams and over-the-counter treatments, but nothing seemed to work. As a mom, it was hard watching my baby in discomfort, and I knew we had to dig deeper to find the cause.
The Allergy Testing Begins at 6 Months
At 6 months old, we decided to pursue allergy testing. Dude's eczema had become unmanageable, and our doctors recommended testing for the top 8 food allergens as well as environmental allergens. We hoped that identifying his triggers would provide some relief and a path forward.
The results came in—yes, Dude had allergies, but his symptoms didn’t completely line up with the typical food allergy response. We started eliminating the allergens from his diet and environment, but the eczema, and new GI symptoms (vomiting and diarrhea) persisted.
The Whole Foods Adventure: Free Samples and More Tests
At 10 months old, it was clear that something wasn’t right. Dude's symptoms were still out of control despite all of the adjustments we had made. We went for further testing and decided to try something creative: we went to Whole Foods, where we collected small samples from each bulk bin for free (I doubt this is common practice, but the team at our store were sympathetic). We figured, if we could test a wider range of foods, maybe we’d finally get to the bottom of his issues.
After getting what we thought was the FINAL allergy list, we felt a sense of relief. But it wasn’t the end of the story. Dude’s symptoms kept flaring up, and we knew something else was going on.
The Diagnosis: Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)
When Dude's symptoms persisted despite the elimination of allergens, we proceeded with an endoscopy. This procedure revealed that he had Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE)—a chronic condition where allergens cause inflammation in the esophagus.
Finally, we had an answer. EoE explained the ongoing symptoms, and with the right treatments and a more refined diet plan, we began to see improvements. But the road to better health was far from over.
Managing Severe Eczema and Finding Balance
Even with the EoE diagnosis, Dude’s severe eczema persisted. For the first two years of his life, we had to bathe him 1-2 times daily, using wet wraps afterward to soothe his skin and lock in moisture. We also faced additional challenges, including one hospital stay due to a staph infection—a complication of his eczema.
Though it was an overwhelming time, these treatments helped, and eventually, the worst of the eczema subsided.
Key Takeaways about Our Journey with Food Allergies:
Trust your gut as a parent. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t be afraid to keep digging for answers.
Food allergies and eczema are often interconnected, but diagnosing the root cause can take time.
EoE is a serious condition that can go undiagnosed for years, so don't hesitate to ask your doctor about it if your child has persistent symptoms.
Treatments like wet wraps can be lifesavers when dealing with severe eczema, but they require consistency and care.
FAQs
What are the top 8 food allergens?
The top 8 allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.
How did you discover the EoE diagnosis?
We found out after an endoscopy, which was recommended when Dude’s symptoms didn’t improve with dietary changes.
What are wet wraps, and how do they help?
Wet wraps involve applying a moisturizing cream or medication to the skin and then covering the area with a damp layer, followed by a dry layer, to lock in moisture and soothe inflamed skin.
Conclusion
Managing a child’s food allergies and eczema can feel overwhelming, but knowing you’re not alone on this journey makes it easier. Our story is a reminder that persistence pays off, and finding the right diagnosis can lead to effective treatments and a better quality of life for your child.
If you’re navigating food allergies or chronic conditions like EoE and are looking for support, don’t hesitate to book a consultation. I offer Telehealth services for both Florida and Wisconsin residents, and my EMDR Intensive Therapy sessions provide deep healing for trauma in a focused, accelerated format. Let's work together to ensure you and your family can find relief.
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