In the last few decades, incidences of eczema in infants have increased in developed countries. Eczema is a painful condition. It is believed that diet of children could be the reason behind this increase. A recent research has offered a way to decrease the risk of eczema. Researchers have found that if children are given a diet containing fish before the age of nine months the chances of developing eczema decreases.

For the study, researchers analyzed the data collected from 17,000 infants born in 2003 in western Sweden. Researchers analyzed the questionnaires filled by the families about diet and home environment when the child was six months and 12 months old. Researchers also looked at the medical records.  

Analysis of data showed that six months old children in 13% of the families had already developed eczema. Incidences of eczema rose to 20% by first birthday of children. Analysis of the diet of the study subjects showed that the introduction of fish before nine months cut the risk of eczema by 25%.  

Researchers found that genes played an important role in chances of developing eczema. Children with a sibling or mother with eczema were almost twice as likely to be affected by 12 months.  

The researchers believe that fish which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids could partly explain the effects found in this report. Researchers said that they found no measurable difference between children who ate white fish, and those who ate other types of fish richer in omega-3.  

Dr George Du Toit, a paediatric allergy specialist, said that fish had been linked to allergic reactions and eczema. He added that the connection between diet and eczema is complex. Eczema, particularly severe eczema, is commonly associated with the presence of food allergy. He said that parents of young children with eczema may therefore wish to consult with their doctor prior to the introduction of foods that commonly cause allergy, such as cow’s milk, peanut and even fish.