Eczema in babies and young children

Atopic (Allergic) eczema affects one in eight children and babies. Allergy consultants in The London Allergy and Immunology Centre can help to identify triggering factors (usually food) and monitor treatment. The majority of babies will grow out of this condition, but you can improve their experience in these early months of life by correct diet, treatments and skin care.

Eczema in babies develops between the ages of two and five months, in many it is related to the food that their mother eats, but there is no general rule and there are other factors that can be involved, before changing your diet please consult with your specialist.

Eczema symptoms are well known – patches of red, dry and itchy skin on the face, behind the ears, elbows and knees as well as neck.

Our consultants can diagnose Eczema, identify probable triggers and work with you to make your baby’s skin clean and free from itchiness.

Component allergy test

We have a range of methods to identify allergy in any age. This includes the Immunocap ISAC test – blood allergy test that uses a finger prick – only a couple of drops of blood are needed to screen for 112 food and air-borne allergens in one go. If the allergy consultant recommends this test, we have a team of very experienced professionals who can take samples right in the lab in Central London.

Our allergy consultants can also carry out skin prick testing. This test is very different from a blood test as it helps to identify not only presence of allergic antibodies of IgE class, but it can also trace all the chains of immunological reactions from contact with allergen to release of histamine from mast cells and skin manifestations.  Red flare and wheels appear due to effects of histamine leasing dilatation and increase permeability of blood vessels, mimicking reactions on exposure to the natural allergen but on very small scale. It is ideal that the consultant who can interpret the results on the spot does the test.  Skin Prick testing is often used together with the blood test to achieve more accurate results as both tests have their limitations.

Dr Michael Rudenko (MD PhD FAAAAI consultant in allergy and immunology) is the clinical leader of our centre.

The head of paediatrics is Dr Robert J Boyle (MB ChB PhD consultant paediatric allergist and immunologist).

We can diagnose and more importantly treat eczema in babies and children of all ages. If you have private insurance all tests and consultations can be covered or reimbursed within the limits of your policy. We are registered with the major private insurance providers, BUPA, AXAPPP, AVIVA, PRUHEALTH, SIMPLYHEALTH, WPA and others.

Apart from medicinal products and dietary recommendations we can also provide a tool that can prevent your baby from scratching, as well as give extra protection helping to improve the skin barrier.

In our centre you can get treatment that is called WET WRAP THERAPY for your baby CE marked device, produced in the US on order especially for your baby.

All measurements are approximate – find measurement that is closest to your child’s dimensions

Measurements refer to body size, not garment dimensions

Garments should be warn snug fitting

Notes:

1) Height top head to heel

2) Arm length side of neck to fingertips

Hip to heel measurement does not apply to suits

In the London Allergy and Immunology Centre this treatment is only provided together with other approaches in accordance with one of our allergy consultant’s recommendations. We are not able to provide the garments to the members of public or patients who are not under our direct care.