There are many factors that can affect your baby's development of eczema. Your diet during lactation can have an impact on your baby. If you have a family history of allergy, including asthma and/or atopic dermatitis, it is wise to avoid dairy products, and other foods you are allergic or sensitive to while breastfeeding. (Practice of Pediatrics, 1976)

In a 1989 study in the British Journal of Medicine by Chandra et al, it was found that eczema was 22 percent less common in the breastfed baby (maternal diet unchanged), and 48 percent less common in the breastfed baby (restricted maternal diet), than in babies who were artificially fed.

Exclusive breastfeeding, especially during the first four months of your baby's life is very important. Babies at high-risk for atopic dermatitis have been found to greatly benefit from this practice. Your baby has been suffering from eczema for the past 6 weeks. During that time, were solid foods or formula introduced into her diet? If they were, it may not take much detective work to figure out what is causing your baby's problem.

Eliminate all but breastmilk from her diet for at least one, preferably two weeks. Add a very small amount of food (one or two teaspoons) of food at a time, and watch for typical allergic reactions, such as fussy behavior, congestion, ear infections, wheezing, upset stomach, eczema, etc. Go very slowly when introducing new foods to your baby. Add one new food a week to her diet. Stay away from foods that are highly allergenic, such as cow's milk, soy, peanuts (peanut butter), wheat, eggs and citrus until she is at least one-year-old. Even then, go slowly if food allergies are suspected.

As you sort out the pieces of this puzzle, I would recommend working with your Health Care Provider and/or a nutritionist. If dietary changes are necessary, it is important to be sure all your nutritional needs are being met.