Goat Milk & Eczema

Goat milk can relieve eczema.

Eczema is a common skin ailment affecting more than 30 million Americans, according to the National Eczema Association. Eczema results in itchy, dry, inflamed skin. It can be caused by a food allergy such as cow milk. For some people, the condition goes away on its own, while for others, it reoccurs throughout life. Although there are no known medical cures for eczema, goat milk has been shown to provide a natural relief for many sufferers.

Causes of Eczema

Some people are allergic to cow milk, which can result in eczema.

Eczema is often due to genetics and found in individuals with families with a history of asthma and other allergies. According to Dr. David Taylor, a British general practitioner, only an estimated 10 percent of cases are due to food allergies. Eczema can also be triggered by other allergens on contact, such as cosmetics, soaps or smoke. It affects any part of the body, but usually appears on the elbows, backs of the knees, ankles and the face. Although it is not infectious nor life-threatening, living with eczema can cause a great deal of stress.

Goat Milk Properties

Goat milk can keep skin moisturized.

Goat milk has special properties beneficial to individuals with eczema. The protein and fat molecules in goat milk are smaller than in cow's milk and easier to digest for humans. Studies from the Journal of Pediatrics have found that in majority of cases, the allergic reactions that individuals experience with cow milk disappear when switched to drinking goat milk. Goat milk contains caprylic acid, which removes dead skin cells. Goat milk also contains alpha-hydroxy acids, which naturally rejuvenate skin. Goat milk also maintains the skin's proper pH balance, keeping skin moisturized and protecting its surface.

Goat milk products

Soap bars made from goat milk are soothing for the skin.

Consume goat milk daily. The amount to drink depends on your physical and physiological requirements. It can also be consumed in the form of solids, such as goat cheese. In addition, various products including soaps and moisturizers are made from goat milk. Dermatologists recommend substituting detergent soaps with goat milk soaps due to its non-allergenic and soothing qualities suitable for delicate and damaged skin. In addition, apply moisturizers made from goat milk to replenish dry and chapped skin. These products are found in pharmacies, supermarkets, and beauty and other specialty shops.

Benefits

Goat milk is high in calcium, which can build healthy and strong bones.

According to the New Zealand Journal of Medicine, goat milk contains healthy antimicrobial chains of fatty acids that enhance the immune system. A low pH and therefore an acidic environment can cause fatigue, headaches, muscle aches and pains, and blood sugar imbalances. Goat milk acts as an alkalinizer by reducing the acidity in the gastrointestinal tract and therefore reduces the likelihood these problems will occur. Goat milk is an excellent source of essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and riboflavin.

Precaution

Goat milk is not for those who are lactose intolerant.

Because goat milk does not have as many nutrients as cow milk, it is recommended for older children so as not to strip younger children of their nutritional requirements. Infants may require additional supplements if switching from cow to goat milk. In addition, because goat milk, like cow milk, also contains lactose, it is not recommended for consumption for those who are lactose intolerant.

References

• The World's Healthiest Foods: Milk, Goat
• Herbal Remedies.com: Goat Milk Information
• WebMD: Eczema
• White Egret Farm: White Egret Farm Goat Milk
• Glocester Greens and Goats: Goat Milk in Skin Care Products

Resources

• BBC News: Goat's Milk Helped Boy's Eczema
• National Eczema Association: Eczema Quick Fact Sheet