Information For Parents Regarding Infant Cow's Milk Protein Allergy

 contact dermatitis newborn

Cow's milk protein allergy (CLP), also known as cow's milk allergy (ALP), is one of the most common allergies in babies and is usually diagnosed in the first year of life, sometimes later.

*The information in this article is indicative and cannot replace medical consultation.

What are food allergies? (contact dermatitis newborn):

Today, more than 120 foods are known to cause food allergies. The immune system manages to recognize those microorganisms or substances that can affect our body. It sometimes happens that the immune system also considers certain substances in food to be harmful, thus causing food allergies.

Cow's milk protein allergy (CLP) is sometimes confused with lactose intolerance, but the two are different conditions. APLV is an autoimmune reaction to some proteins in cow's milk, while lactose intolerance (the sugar in milk) refers more to the digestive system's inability to digest lactose. These conditions may occur simultaneously or the little one may have only one of them.

Signs and symptoms of cow's milk protein allergy (contact dermatitis in newborns):

APLV is not always easy to spot. Although symptoms appear from the first months of life, they can sometimes be mild and overlap with a baby's normal reactions, making them easy to overlook: reflux/regurgitation/colic, diaper rash, and crying.

There are also situations when the symptoms are severe. In any case, there are some signs and symptoms that should attract the attention of the parent and the pediatrician regarding APLV:

• Gastroesophageal reflux;
• Insomnia or restless sleep;
• Long crying;
• Seat modified in color (green)/soft seats);
• Dermatitis;
• Skin rashes (eg around the mouth, hives) or reddening of the skin;
• Vomiting;
• Growth disorders: does not gain weight well, stagnates, or even loses weight;
• Swelling of different areas of the body: swelling of the eyelids or lips for example;
• Frequent illnesses;
• Decreased appetite/loss of appetite;
• Runny nose;
• Sneezing or wheezing;

If the child presents some of these symptoms, it is necessary to consult the doctor, who, following some tests, will deny or confirm the existence of a possible allergy.

For babies there is a screening test for allergies, it is called Phadiatop Infant and it targets the most common allergies found in babies (. If the Phadiatop test is negative, but the above symptoms are present, the allergist will ask for other, more specific tests, until the cause is identified. It is very important to go to the doctor at the first signs of an allergy, both to promote the good development of the little one (a personalized diet completely eliminates the symptoms and thus significantly reduces the risk of complications), and to help the mother and the family in everything that involves raising the little one.

Is cow's milk protein allergy a hereditary condition? (contact dermatitis newborn):

The baby is twice as likely to develop allergies if one of the parents suffers from allergies, compared to children without allergic parents. The presence of allergies in the family can be an indication for screening tests for the baby.

How does a child with a cow's milk protein allergy grow up? (contact dermatitis newborn):

The earlier the allergy is detected, the earlier the intervention will be and the complications of the allergy will be prevented. Once diagnosed and with an appropriate food regimen (in the case of breastfeeding, the mother gives up dairy consumption, if the baby is fed with powdered milk, a special formula will be chosen for the little one's allergies, and in diversification, foods containing milk are avoided), the child's growth will be normal.

For a more balanced food regimen or for choosing a suitable milk formula, it is recommended to follow the recommendations of the allergist or the nutritionist.

Diagnosis of allergy to cow's milk powder (contact dermatitis newborn):

The Phadiatop Infant Baby Screening Test can be applied to the little one to detect a possible allergy and can be the first step in detecting the most common allergies in the baby. With the appearance of the first symptoms, it is recommended to call a specialist, who will guide the analysis and diagnosis.

Additional tips (contact dermatitis newborn):

• Use food products carefully in child care and seek the advice of a health practitioner before implementing the so-called "grandmother's advice". Children who have one allergy may also develop others. For example, bathing with milk, wheat bran, or other foods might not be a very good idea for babies and toddlers, nor baby remedies for coughs or fevers. Never hesitate to ask your doctor about any concerns you may have.

• Special attention should also be paid to care products for babies and small children that may contain dairy, but also other allergenic foods (some cereals, traces of nuts, etc.). For example, even some organic detergents may contain grains, baby toothpaste should be label-checked, diaper creams, nutritional supplements, syrups, and treats.

• For mothers or those who care for the child, the presence of an allergy can be discouraging, especially in the period when it is not yet diagnosed. Once the cause of the symptoms is identified, mothers and family members must be carefully and fully informed for good management of the situation at home, but also to improve the quality of life of the child and the family.

• Ask the allergist/nutritionist for a list of foods that the nursing mother or diversified child should eat (and the order of introduction of the foods, if applicable). Also, a contact of the doctor where he can be found for any question is very useful.

• Ask your doctor and be aware of severe allergic reactions and what you can do if they occur. Your doctor may be able to give you a prescription for an EpiPen – a treatment for severe allergic reactions that parents/carers should be trained to use.

• The good news is that in most cases the allergy to cow's milk protein passes in the first years of life.

IMPORTANT: the decision to eliminate milk or products containing it from the diet must be made by a PHYSICIAN.