How to Prevent Eczema in Babies from Developing into Other Forms of Allergy
Chronic skin inflammation, or atopic dermatitis, is not merely a matter of red, itchy skin. The condition is closely linked to the immune system. That is why many children with atopic dermatitis or eczema in infancy go on to develop food allergies, asthma, or allergic rhinitis, or allergic sneezing and a runny nose as they grow older. Experts refer to this as the Atopic march.
The term ‘march’ exists because these allergies appear in sequence following the child’s growth stages. For example, babies may initially have dry, itchy skin; as they get older they become more sensitive to certain foods, easily cough or wheeze due to asthma, and then sneeze more and have a runny nose due to dust or pollen allergies.
‘Atopy is not solely about the skin. What can be affected by atopy includes the skin, the airways, or the digestive tract,’ said Dr Fihzan Ginting, M.Ked (Ped), Sp.A, CBCFF at the launch of Mustela’s campaign titled ‘Together for Atopic Skin’ and the Mustela Stelatopia line in Jakarta, on Thursday (21 May 2026). ‘It’s not guaranteed that a baby with atopic dermatitis will later experience the same. But if the triggers remain, it could change form, for example to the digestive tract or become more prone to coughing and colds,’ he added.
The progression of conditions such as asthma, recurrent colds, and dust allergy illustrates how eczema can transition if not well managed.
To break the cycle of inflammation, experts advise parents to pay attention to the quality of nutrition. ‘That is why all diseases, including allergies, require us to consider three things: host (the child), environment, and agent (the trigger). Nutrition must be good, in quantity and quality, with the expectation that vitamins and minerals are adequately met,’ Dr Fihzan said.
The collection of bacteria, fungi, and viruses residing on the outer layer of the skin must live in balance to prevent immune system dysfunction. ‘Dysbiosis (imbalance) must be addressed,’ explained Dr FX Clinton, Sp.DVE, at the same event.
The imbalance of the microbiome is largely influenced by pollution in the child’s living environment, especially in families living in densely populated areas.
To ensure the beneficial bacteria remain balanced, the body needs a specific dietary input in the form of prebiotics. This function suppresses the growth of harmful bacteria that cause infections. ‘Prebiotics are the food. So there must be food for bacteria and healthy fungi,’ said Dr Clinton.
Maintaining this ecosystem must be repeated consistently through daily moisturisers containing the prebiotic Bioecolia so that the skin’s defensive barrier remains strong and the risk of atopic march can be prevented entirely.