A lot of new parents are worried about eggs and whether they can cause diaper rash in their babies.
There’s a lot of conflicting information out there about eggs and whether or not they can cause diaper rash. Some sources say that eggs are a common allergen and can cause skin irritation, while others claim that eggs are a great source of protein for growing babies.
Let’s take a closer look at how eggs affect your baby’s diet and if eating eggs can cause diaper rash.
Are eggs good for babies?
Eggs are an excellent source of protein. They have an entire amino acid profiling (the cell’s building blocks) as well as essential fats including cholesterol, saturated fats as well as DHA (an omega-3 fat) for the construction of cell walls and aid in the growth of the brain and improve vision.
Eggs also contain additional B vitamins and folate along with selenium, iron, and zinc as well as a small amount of iron (minimal relative with meat). Additionally, they are among the top sources of choline which is a vital nutritional element for the brain and the development of the nervous system.
Egg yolks are among the only food sources of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential to bone building. Chickens raised outside produce eggs that have greater levels of vitamin D as well as greater amounts of vitamin E and omega-3 fats than eggs produced by the coops of their counterparts that are raised in industrial coops.
When are babies allowed to eat eggs?
Eggs can be added as soon as the baby is old enough to start eating solid food usually at around 6 months. Eggs are a typical food ingredient, and so take into account the child’s risk factors and begin with a small number of eggs that have been cooked properly (white as well as yolk) since some infants may be extremely sensitive to the small number of eggs.
If you serve eggs to a baby make sure that all the parts of the egg are cooked since eggs could contain Salmonella A common bacterium that could cause foodborne illness in the gastrointestinal tract. The risk can be mitigated by cooking eggs to 160°F (71°C) that might take a little longer than what you’re used to. Don’t use dirty or cracked eggs, as this could increase the chance of getting sick.
What is an egg allergy?
Eggs are among the most frequently cited triggers of allergies for children. The symptoms of egg allergy typically manifest within a couple of minutes or an hour after eating eggs or other foods which contain eggs. The signs and symptoms vary from mild to extreme and may be accompanied by hives, skin rashes (like a diaper rash), nasal congestion, vomiting, or any other digestive issues.
Food sensitivities are not uncommon in children. For instance, some kids are sensitive to acidic fruits and juices like orange juice.
Can a baby have a severe egg allergy?
The baby’s immune system works around the clock to safeguard your child from bacteria, parasites, and viruses. However, because the infant’s immune system isn’t fully developed it’s not as effective as the adult’s.
The main cause of egg allergy in infants can be traced to the failure of immune systems to distinguish egg proteins from pathogens responsible for causing disease. The body recognizes the egg proteins as invaders and initiates the attack through the release of antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE).
The cells detect that there is IgE and release histamines, which can cause an itchy nose, skin rashes (including diaper rash), and others that warn the person in question or others in his vicinity about the presence that there is an allergic reaction.
Your baby might develop an allergic reaction to any type of egg, including raw cooked, boiled, or even cooked loosely. It can also occur in babies who are breastfed when the mother eats eggs.
What causes a baby’s egg allergy?
Eating certain foods can cause an allergy. For example, some children are sensitive to common foods like fruits and orange juice.
Similarly, certain circumstances could make your baby at the risk of developing an allergy to eggs. If your baby falls within one of the three categories below it is important to be extra vigilant. Don’t ignore the signs in case you believe your baby is allergic to eggs.
Genetics
If you’re a parent with a background of food allergies or one of your parents has an allergy, there’s up to 40% of the baby to be affected by an allergy.
Illness
Since allergies affect your immune system, an upcoming episode of illness that is severe could make the body extremely sensitive and alert to foreign substances. This implies that the body could think of egg proteins as possible agents of infection, which would prompt the immune system to attack them.
Cross-reactivity
If your baby exhibits a tendency to develop allergic reactions they could develop an allergy to eggs, too. Children who are allergic to other food items such as nuts and grains are more likely of becoming a victim of eggs as an allergy. This is referred to as cross-reactivity. Cross-reactivity happens when the immune system detects that one protein is closely linked to another.
How to tell if your baby is allergic to eggs?
The symptoms of an egg allergy among infants may be as a common illness and could take from just a few minutes or an hour to be evident.
Skin hives
A red bottom or diaper rash can cause minor to severe itching. A secondary complication could lead to the condition known as eczema.
Mouth swelling
Moms might be noticing swelling of the lips or maybe even swelling of the tongue. The throat may be swelling as a result of the fact that your baby might feel uncomfortable while swallowing.
Eye redness
Accompanied with swelling, itching, and excessive tear.
Nose congestion
Often accompanied by clear, hot discharge and itching on the nose.
Gastrointestinal
Diarrhea and abdominal pain. Nausea and vomiting are uncomfortable due to an ongoing sensation of nausea.
Respiratory
Lungs that are short of breath In the lungs, the baby is likely to wheeze and breathe fast. If the problem continues for a time, he could develop asthma.
Cardiovascular
A weak heartbeat can cause dizziness.
Anxiety and agitation
Following an abrupt episode of anxiety and agitation, the baby might appear as if he is losing consciousness.
Fever
A rise in body temperature is usually accompanied by any of the symptoms mentioned above.
Anaphylaxis
In a severe allergy, the baby could be in anaphylactic shock an illness called anaphylaxis. The illness is life-threatening, and is characterized by these other symptoms:
- Tense throat muscles enlarge the airways, creating a problem for the baby to breathe.
- Extreme abdominal pain gets to the point where muscles get extremely cramped.
- A rapid heartbeat and an increase in the rate of pulse.
- An abrupt increase in pulse can be accompanied by a dramatic decrease in blood pressure. This can make that baby feel dizzy because of the fact that less blood is being delivered into the brain. In time, he may become unconscious.
Anaphylaxis can be fatal and requires medical attention immediately.
Although these are symptoms of an egg allergy, there may be additional issues arising from the allergy since egg allergy might not be a single issue.
What to do if your baby has an egg food allergy?
The treatment is based on the degree of the reaction. The doctor will try to focus on cutting down on the number of symptoms as well as their severity to ensure that the baby doesn’t face any danger to his life. There are two options for treatment for egg allergies in infants:
Medication
If your symptoms aren’t severe the doctor can suggest an antihistamine. It can be administered in a mouthful at your own home. If anaphylaxis is the cause the doctor will administer an injection of the drug epinephrine sometimes referred to as adrenaline.
It is recommended to buy auto-injecting epinephrine shots to have them on hand in the event that your baby experiences anaphylactic shock once more.
Epinephrine auto-injectors are self-administered intramuscular injection that delivers epinephrine after being dabbed on the skin using a certain amount of force.
Your pediatrician will teach you how to spot anaphylaxis and give your baby the appropriate amount of auto-injectors for epinephrine which are essential to keep in yours.
When you spot your baby suffering from an anaphylactic shock, apply the auto-injector on the baby’s thigh, where a needle is able to deliver epinephrine directly to the body via muscles.
Dietary changes
The medical professional will instruct you to cut out eggs from your baby’s diet and stay clear of any food that has eggs in it. If you’re breastfeeding him then you must discontinue eating egg-based foods. This will stop the recurrence of allergic symptoms.
The baby might not show symptoms following a course of treatment. There isn’t a cure for egg allergies avoidance of eggs can be the best way to protect your baby free of injury.
Additional Information
Many babies outgrow their allergies over a period. Many times, the allergy persists until adolescence and then disappears. Here are some useful tips that can help you control egg allergy in your baby:
If your baby has been clinically diagnosed with egg allergy, always keep an epinephrine auto-injector with you. Epinephrine auto-injectors can help save precious moments between the onset of allergy and medical attention. You may still have to take your baby to a pediatrician but he will be at a lesser risk.
Keep eggs and egg products out of your baby’s reach as even a slight brush of the lips can trigger a full-blown allergic reaction. Some babies could be so sensitive that they may develop an allergic reaction just by staying in the company of someone who just ate an egg! This is hypersensitivity, and you need to be extra careful with such babies.
An allergic reaction may sometimes show mild symptoms. For example, your baby may just appear lethargic and pale, which could be a sign of egg food allergy. If you suspect something is amiss, then take him to a pediatrician.
Some babies may have a food allergy only if they eat the egg directly and can tolerate it as an ingredient in other food preparations. This means they will be able to eat cakes or other items in which eggs are added before the baking/cooking process. You may try this cautiously.
Do eggs cause severe diaper rash?
It is not uncommon for babies and toddlers who suffer from an egg allergy to develop diaper rash as well. Eggs generally do not trigger diaper rash unless the child is allergic to eggs.
If your child has an egg allergy it may also trigger nausea, hives, rash diarrhea, vomiting as well as other signs of indigestion like cramps.
If you notice these symptoms, stop feeding your child with eggs and call your pediatrician right away. Egg allergies are diagnosed through skin tests or blood tests. Additional maybe administered to determine possible yeast infection.
How to take care of your baby’s diaper rash caused by egg allergy?
Diaper rash or yeast infection can be a painful experience that most babies endure. Studies suggest that rash from diapers is not as prevalent with disposable diapers, but what’s more important than the style of diaper is how frequently you wash it.
However, these remedies at home can ease your child’s discomfort.
Cornstarch
If you suspect that the source of your baby’s discomfort is due to excessive urine moisture or other sources, cornstarch could be a good alternative to explore. It is a baking substance that has many years of use as used as a substitute for baby powder. And with the right reason. It’s natural, with particles that are larger, making it much safer than ordinary powdered talcum.
The drying agent is able to absorb any rash-causing wetness and make sure the baby’s bottom stays clean and cool. In addition, it can assist in preventing uncomfortable hot chafing that is caused by the diaper itself. Although it’s not to everyone’s needs, it can’t hurt to give it to try!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Diaper rash on the skin caused by yeast or fungal infections are treated by using apple cider vinegar. The liquid that is fermented kills bacteria that cause itching and hinders the development of yeast.
Make a mixture of one-third apple cider vinegar with three parts water before using and apply it to the diaper rash or yeast infection using your fingers or light cloth.
Apple cider vinegar is extremely drying, which is why we suggest making use of it in small amounts and only for fungal eruptions (in some cases for diaper rash). After that, follow up with a nutritious application of coconut oil in order to retain the moisture.
Aloe Vera
You should select the pure aloe that comes directly taken from the plants as well as aloe vera juice (not gel) to ensure that it is not processed and you’re getting all the benefits.
It is also possible to add essential oils, such as lavender, which is soothing for diaper rash if you’ve got it for a boost in the benefits.
The Bottom Line
Eggs are one of the few foods that can cause a severe allergic reaction in young children. The protein found in eggs is one of the main irritants which leads to diaper rash, so pediatricians will advise moms not to give eggs to kids who already have an increased risk for developing this type of skin condition.
If your children have any severe signs or symptoms suggestive of an egg allergy, call emergency services right away.
