There comes a time in most parent’s life when you are faced with your child complaining of stomach-ache and asking to stay home from school. I know, it happened to me frequently with my youngest daughter. 
 
 It can be so hard to judge, especially with younger children, whether the issue is serious or simply an appeal for a day off.  My daughter has admitted that some of those earlier episodes were a case of her just wanting to stay home rather than face a test, but others were genuine. When her stomach aches started to interfere with her high-level sport practice, which she loved, I knew for sure that things weren’t right, and I consulted our GP who referred her to a gastroenterologist. In her case, all was well, but if you have any doubt about your child’s symptoms, consult your own medical practitioner. 
 
Whilst children’s stomach aches can be triggered by many things, for some it comes from Paediatric Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and this article will give an overview on: 

• Understanding paediatric IBS 
• Symptoms
• Managing paediatric IBS
• Tips for how to support your child diagnosed with IBS.

 
Understanding paediatric IBS
 
IBS, whether paediatric or adult, is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. That means that there is no physical damage to the gut, but rather a disorder in how the digestive system is working, which can lead to a range of distressing symptoms. 
 
Paediatric IBS often develops during adolescence, but some children develop the condition at a younger age. It is thought that up to 15% of the paediatric population suffers from this condition. 
 
The name Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can easily be confused with Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD) which encompasses Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis, but it is a completely different condition. 
 
Symptoms of paediatric IBS

• Abdominal pain – one of the main hallmarks of IBS is recurrent abdominal pain or stomach aches.  Suffers often describe a crampy sensation that is felt anywhere in the abdomen and is often relieved by bowel movements. 
• Altered bowel habits. There may be changes in bowel habits and they could be diarrhoea or constipation, and some may alternate between the two. 
• Bloating and wind – excessive wind and bloating is often seen in paediatric IBS. This can lead to discomfort and abdominal pain. 
• Mucus in stool is observed in some children with IBS. 

 
Diagnosing paediatric IBS
 
Any children with persistent symptoms should see their medical practitioner.  It is worth being aware that diagnosing paediatric IBS can be challenging, because it overlaps with other gastrointestinal disorders, and it is usually diagnosed following a process of elimination via a combination of medical history, physical examination, and tests. 
 
If your family has any history of gastrointestinal disorders, then it is essential to share that information with your medical practitioner.  
 
Tips for how to support your child diagnosed with IBS.

• Whilst dietary modifications can be useful, it is important to consult with a nutrition practitioner before eliminating any foods or food groups out of your child’s diet. 
• A low FODMAP diet is often linked to IBS, but a child’s gut and microbiome are still immature and underdeveloped, removing so many foods could make things worse. 
• Fibre is important for bowel regularity but can sometimes trigger symptoms. Try introducing different types such as soluble or insoluble, cooked versus raw and see what works best with your child. 
• Probiotics are often suggested to support IBS, but supplements can often have the opposite to intended effects. I always recommend starting with probiotic foods such as fermented yogurt, kefir, pickled foods or kombucha, if your child is happy to try them. 
• Stress management is vital as stress and anxiety has been shown to make paediatric IBS symptoms worse. There are a host of meditation apps that are developed for children, think about introducing mindfulness at home. 
• School and social life. Children with IBS may face challenges at school and in social situations. Keeping the school, teachers, school nurse and parents of friends informed of your child’s condition can help ensure proper support wherever your child is. 

 
IBS in children is a real, but often misunderstood condition that can have a significant impact on a child’s daily life. Recognising the symptoms, seeking healthcare advice for proper diagnosis and nutrition support, and introducing some anxiety relief techniques are crucial to help improve quality of life. 
 
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Read more by clicking below to see my previously published articles: 

• Understanding and managing infant dermatitis
• Are you constipated? My top tips for getting your bowel moving.

• Motivated to change but struggling to stay on track? Tips for long term transformation.

• Symptoms but no idea what’s triggering them? Here are some tips to unravel the mystery.  
• Top Tips for Eating for the Planet without Compromising Your Nutrition 
• I want to eat more plant-based but pulses give me terrible digestive issues
• What is the atopic march?
• Why is eczema/atopic dermatitis itchier at night?
• You’ve been diagnosed with an atopic condition, but what does that mean? 
• Atopic dermatitis/eczema – a chronic condition that effects all ages 
• The skin microbiome, the key to good skin health  
• Autumnal Allergies – Yes, it is a thing
• If one-size-fits all diets worked, don’t you think we would have the magic formula by now?
  
  

Who Am I? 
I’m Jessica Fonteneau, the Eczema and Digestive Health Nutrition Expert. I’ve worked with hundreds of clients to help them change their diets, better manage their flares, and find relief.
 
My vocation is to help those with eczema and digestive issues, because I have suffered with these interlinked conditions since I was 6 months old, and I truly know what it is like to experience these debilitating conditions. 
 
Every client I have ever worked with has their own triggers and ideal nutrition. There is no such thing as ‘one-size-fits-all’. Whether you work with me one-to-one or use my guided tools, my objective is to help you uncover what works best for you, so that you take back control and experience relief. 
 
My guided programmes are only suitable for adults as children have very specific nutrition requirements. I do, however, work with many child clients as part of my clinic. 
 
I also offer two free communities for adults caring for children with eczema and digestive symptoms, feel free to come and join us and get some well-deserved support. 

• Free community for adults with skin and/or digestive issues
• Free community for carers of children with skin and/or digestive issues

 
To easily keep up with my articles, masterclasses, ebooks and online programmes and receive exclusive access to early bird offers, sign-up to my newsletter.  
 

Understanding and Managing Infant Dermatitis
 
Infant dermatitis is a common skin condition that affects babies in infancy. Whilst it can be distressing for both parents and babies, it’s vital to remember that most cases can be effectively managed with proper care and management. This article is aimed at parents whose infants have recently been diagnosed with dermatitis and will explore: 

• The different types of infant dermatitis,
• Causes
• Role of nutrition
• Nutrients that support natural skin health
• Tips on how to manage and alleviate discomfort for your infant. 

 
The different types of infant dermatitis

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema) – a chronic, itchy skin condition that often starts in infancy. 
• Contact dermatitis – occurs when the skin comes into contact with a possible irritant or allergen. Common causes included perfumed shampoo, soaps, and creams, but also washing powders and fabrics. Symptoms include redness, itching and sometimes blisters. 
• Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) – presents as greasy, yellowish, scaly patches on the scalp. This condition is harmless and generally resolves on its own.
• Nappy rash (dermatitis) – a common occurrence in nappy wearing infants, due to contact with moisture. Symptoms include redness and irritation within the area covered by a nappy. 

 
Causes
There are different possible causes, depending on the type: 

• Genetics – having a family history of eczema or other skin conditions can increase an infant’s risk of developing infant dermatitis.
• Allergies/intolerances to food or environmental triggers can trigger atopic (allergic) dermatitis. 
• Irritants. As mentioned above certain fragrances or materials (eg. nickel) can trigger contact dermatitis.
• Environmental factors such as the weather and humidity levels, can also trigger an infant’s fragile skin. 

 
Role of Nutrition
Nutrition is the foundation of all our cells, including skin cells and it can have an impact on the development and management of infant dermatitis. In the past allergens were strictly avoided in infants, but research has uncovered that this may make food allergies more prevalent. The guidelines, now are: 

• Breastfeeding. UK Government guidelines are for a baby to be breastfed, where possible, for the first six months of life. This is particularly important in the case of infants with a familial history of atopy (allergic eczema, asthma etc). 
• Formula milks. If there is a family history of atopy then it is worth discussing the possibility of being recommended a hypoallergenic formula, with your doctor or health visitor, 
• Weaning. 
  • For an infant WITHOUT any familial history of atopy, recommendations are to start weaning at around 6 months of age (when they can sit up, unassisted in a highchair). Foods that are common allergens should be included within the diet. 
  • For an infant WITH a familial history of atopy, the recommendation is to start weaning from the age of 4 months and include possible allergens such as dairy, egg or peanut.
  •  However, if your infant already has bad infant dermatitis, please consult with your doctor, specialist, a nutrition professional or health visitor before introducing any high-risk allergen foods. 
• Probiotics, the studies related to these are nuanced in relation to infant dermatitis: 
  • If there is a familial history of atopy, probiotics during pregnancy have been shown in studies to lower the baby’s risk of developing infant dermatitis. 
  • When the infant is born and before any infant dermatitis develops, it is worth considering introducing a probiotic formulated specifically for infants. 
  • However, if your infant has already developed infant dermatitis, research has shown that the consumption of probiotics, particularly in supplement form, can, in some individuals, worsen the flare. 

 
Nutrients that support healthy skin 
Some nutrients are essential for skin health generally, so if your infant is weaned and hasn’t demonstrated any allergies or intolerances, then consider including the following nutrients into their regular nutrition can be supportive: 

• Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids found in oily fish such as mackerel, salmon, and sardines or in flax and chia seeds. 
• Vitamin E is essential for skin repair and protection is can be found in nuts, seeds, and oils. 
• Vitamin C supports collagen production and is found in a wide range of foods including peppers and broccoli as well as the more traditionally thought of citrus fruits. 
• Vitamin D. In the UK guidelines are that all infants should have vitamin D supplementation from birth to 12 months. Discuss this with your GP. 
• Zinc is vital for skin development and repair, it is primarily found in meats, fish, and dairy.  Pumpkin seeds are a good source of plant-based zinc. 

 
My tips for managing infant dermatitis. 

• Consult your GP, health visitor or a nutrition professional before making any significant changes to your infant’s diet and especially if you suspect any allergies or intolerances.
• Use a Food and Symptom diary (free copy linked here) so that you can identify potential triggers and share your findings with a health professional. Please note that if the infant is being breast-fed, then the diet of the person feeding the baby should also be recorded. 
• Gradual introduction of foods. Introduce new foods one at a time, so that you have a chance to really pinpoint potential triggers.
• Consider food-based sources of pro and prebiotics such as kefir or Jerusalem artichokes.
• Sunlight – vitamin D deficiency is linked to increase infant dermatitis risk. A short, daily exposure to some sunshine where possible, such as a walk in a pushchair outdoors, can be very beneficial.