Breast feeding as prophylaxis for atopic eczema: a controlled study of 368 cases

The present study was undertaken in an attempt to draw data whether breast-feeding is beneficial in prevention of atopic eczema. Three-hundred and sixty-eight babies given different feeding modalities were examined for the presence of atopic eczema at the age of three and six months. Seven percent of breast-fed infants developed eczema compared to 10% of formulae-fed and 6% of mixed breast and formulae-fed infants. No difference in the severity of atopic eczema was recorded in the three study groups. Our experience demonstrates the absence of a protective effect of breast-feeding against the development and severity of atopic eczema.