Breast Milk for Eczema: Immunity, Skin Barriers, and More

Breast milk is known for its nutritional and immune-boosting properties, but its benefits may extend to skin health. Some parents use breast milk as a natural remedy for infant eczema, applying it directly to affected areas or relying on its internal effects through breastfeeding.

Researchers are examining how components in breast milk influence skin immunity, barrier strength, and microbial interactions. Understanding these mechanisms could shed light on whether breast milk helps manage eczema symptoms.

Immunological Components In Breastmilk

Breast milk contains immunological factors that may affect eczema in infants. Secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) is abundant in colostrum and remains present in mature milk, coating mucosal surfaces to prevent pathogen adherence. While primarily protecting the gut, sIgA may also support skin immunity by modulating inflammatory responses and reducing allergen penetration. A 2020 study in Pediatric Allergy and Immunology linked higher sIgA levels in breast milk to a lower risk of atopic dermatitis in early childhood, likely due to its role in immune regulation.

Lactoferrin, another bioactive protein, has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. This iron-binding glycoprotein inhibits bacterial and fungal growth while modulating immune cell activity. Research in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology highlights lactoferrin’s role in reducing skin inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Given eczema’s association with an overactive immune response, lactoferrin’s ability to temper inflammation may help manage flare-ups.

Cytokines and growth factors in breast milk further regulate immune responses. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), for example, influences regulatory T-cell development, helping prevent excessive immune reactions. A longitudinal study in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that infants receiving breast milk with higher TGF-β concentrations had a lower likelihood of developing eczema by age two, suggesting maternal milk composition impacts skin health.

Fatty Acids And The Skin Barrier

The skin barrier relies on lipid composition, and breast milk provides fatty acids that may support this function. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) like arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) help maintain skin hydration and flexibility. These fatty acids are incorporated into ceramides, essential for preventing transepidermal water loss. A study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that infants with lower ceramide-associated fatty acids had a higher risk of eczema, highlighting their importance in barrier function.

Breast milk also provides linoleic acid, a precursor for omega-6 ceramides that contribute to the stratum corneum’s protective layer. Research in The Journal of Investigative Dermatology indicates that linoleic acid deficiency disrupts moisture retention, increasing skin permeability and sensitivity. This is particularly relevant for eczema, where a compromised barrier heightens vulnerability to irritants.

Saturated fatty acids in breast milk, such as palmitic and stearic acid, further support skin resilience by forming lipid bilayers that enhance corneocyte cohesion. A clinical trial in Pediatric Dermatology found that topical application of breast milk helped restore the stratum corneum’s integrity, reducing dryness and irritation. This suggests that both ingested and externally applied fatty acids may reinforce the skin barrier.

Human Milk Oligosaccharides And Dermal Microbes

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex carbohydrates in breast milk known for shaping microbial communities. While their role in gut flora is well-documented, emerging research suggests they also influence the skin’s microbiome. A balanced skin microbiome helps maintain pH, prevent harmful bacterial colonization, and support barrier function. Disruptions in this equilibrium are linked to eczema, making the impact of HMOs on dermal microbes an area of interest.

HMOs may promote beneficial bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, which enhances skin barrier integrity and produces antimicrobial peptides. A study in The Journal of Dermatological Science found that individuals with eczema often have lower S. epidermidis levels and an overabundance of Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium associated with inflammation and barrier dysfunction. Since certain HMOs inhibit S. aureus adhesion in the gut, researchers are investigating whether similar effects occur on the skin, potentially reducing bacterial imbalances seen in eczema-prone individuals.

HMOs also influence the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which help regulate pH and antimicrobial defense. When metabolized by beneficial microbes, HMOs increase SCFA production, creating an environment less conducive to opportunistic pathogens. This suggests that breastfed infants may have a skin microbiome better suited for moisture retention and reduced irritant sensitivity, factors often compromised in eczema.

Observations In Atopic Dermatitis

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis (AD), is characterized by persistent dryness, itching, and inflammation, often beginning in infancy. Among breastfed infants, some parents and clinicians have observed symptom improvements when breast milk is applied topically or provided exclusively as nutrition. While largely anecdotal, these observations have prompted further research.

A retrospective analysis in Pediatric Dermatology compared medical records of infants with AD, examining symptom progression between exclusively breastfed and formula-fed infants. The findings suggested that exclusively breastfed infants had a lower incidence of moderate-to-severe eczema in the first six months of life. While this does not establish causation, it aligns with broader data linking breastfeeding to a reduced risk of allergic skin conditions.

Some dermatologists have explored direct breast milk application as an alternative to emollients. A small clinical trial in International Journal of Dermatology compared breast milk to 1% hydrocortisone cream for mild AD. Results indicated that breast milk had comparable efficacy in reducing redness and itching over 21 days, suggesting it may offer a low-risk, accessible option for symptom management.