Italian version

In this changing world some pediatricians go so far as to declare that atopic dermatitis is a normal phenomenon just because it affects around 50% of children in their first two years of life. However, we ought to consider the fact that, at this stage of growth, the child undergoes the moments of nursing and weaning which are among the most important phases of a human being's immunological development.

Atopic dermatitis in the initial phases of a child's life is not a normal phenomenon. It's simply a frequent (and steadily growing) phenomenon and it signifies that the child's immune system is frequently solicited by foreign agents (as it ought to be), but that it's difficult for him to find a proper equilibrium in the task of adapting to the surrounding environment.

As a matter of fact, from the moment in which an infant comes into contact with a world that is different form the one to which he was previously accustomed, his work in adapting to the world begins. Every living being possesses this crucial function of adaptation to the world's diversities, thanks to which he finds distinctive forms of balance.

The immune system's first means of contact with the outside world is food, and as a matter of fact, by way of nursing and weaning the child comes into contact with substances that are different from himself, and are therefore potential allergens. These substances make the first impression on his immune system.

This is why an incorrect nutritional regime can easily open the way to subsequent allergic phenomena. The first months of a child's life are extremely delicate for the immune system and form the basis for its proper functioning in the future.

Scientifically proven data correlates a proper, hypoallergenic nutritional program on the part of the mother during nursing to a reduction in allergic forms in children.  On the other hand, it's also true, however, that a "bad start" in a child's nutrition can be redirected onto the right path by taking advantage of the young body's ability for adaptation.

Sometimes, in order to help a child overcome forms of allergy that are often considered unalterable, it's sufficient to reformulate the nutritional scheme, aid the immune system in a "soft" manner (for example with  the trace elements that are essential for its functioning), and go through a sort of weaning process once more.

The instruments necessary for understanding the reciprocal interferences between allergies, intolerances and environmental pollution are available to us. We need to choose therapies that keep in mind and, instead of limiting themselves to erasing the symptom (that is sometimes useful and necessary), seek to restore the entire body to a balanced state.

In any case, the anti-allergic treatment is based on several premises:

• The consumption of small quantities of raw fruit and vegetables before every meal
• The use of appropriate minerals (Zinc, Copper, Manganese) and other supplements
• The regulation of food intolerances
• The use of low dosage hypo-sensitizing vaccines
• The gradual reduction of drugs that might already be in use
• The use of classic drugs to accompany recovery in emergency situations

Doctor Attilio Speciani
Clinical Allergist and Immunologist

Italian version