My baby has eczema — does this mean they will develop food allergies?

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is the strongest known risk factor for developing food allergies, particularly if it appears before 6 months and is moderate to severe. The current understanding is that food allergens can enter the body through broken skin (eczema patches), sensitizing the immune system before the child has a chance to develop tolerance through eating. This is why early introduction of allergenic foods (peanut, egg, milk) is now recommended for high-risk babies at around 4–6 months, rather than delaying. Aggressive eczema treatment (moisturizers, prescribed creams) may help reduce allergy risk by repairing the skin barrier. Not all babies with eczema will develop food allergies, but the risk is higher. Consult your pediatrician or allergist about early allergen introduction and whether allergy testing is appropriate for your baby.