Overview
We're looking for new mums (with a family history of eczema, asthma or allergy) and babies to help us find a way to prevent eczema and food allergies.
Eczema affects 1 in 3 Australian infants - children with eczema have an increased risk of developing food allergies and asthma.Allergic conditions inflict a substantial burden of illness worldwide.
Eczema, asthma and food allergy also appear to be dramatically increasing. In our recent HealthNuts study, 10% of infants had a challenge proven food allergy.
There are currently no effective strategies to prevent infants developing allergic diseases.Current eczema treatments do not cure the condition, but rather aim to reduce symptoms and their impact on the affected child and family members.
Children with mild eczema are typically treated with regular topical emollients, although there is limited evidence for their effectiveness.
This study is the first to test the effect of early life infant skin management for the prevention of eczema beyond the active treatment period, and for preventing the development of food allergy and allergic sensitisation. If successful, our trial has the potential to help reduce the burden of eczema and food allergy.
Helpful links
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
Current ASCIA guidelines relating to infant feeding and allergy prevention
