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Adult & children's allergy services - Since 1982
Expert Paediatric Eczema Care in London
Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is one of the most common long‑term skin conditions affecting babies and children. It often begins in infancy or early childhood and can have a significant impact on a child’s comfort, sleep, behaviour and quality of life — as well as on the wider family.
At The London Allergy Clinic, children with eczema are assessed by Dr Emily Derrick, a Paediatric Allergist and General Paediatrician, with extensive experience in diagnosing and managing eczema and related allergic conditions in children of all ages.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by:
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Dry, itchy and inflamed skin
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Redness, cracking or weeping
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Recurrent flare‑ups and periods of improvement
Babies with eczema can be at increased risk of developing allergies.
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Eczema is not contagious, but it is often genetic and commonly associated with other allergic conditions such as food allergy, asthma and hay fever.
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How Common Is Eczema in Children?
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Up to 1 in 5 children in the UK develop eczema.
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Symptoms often start within the first year of life.
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Many children improve with age, but some continue to have eczema into adolescence and adulthood.
Early, specialist input can help improve symptom control and reduce long‑term complications.
The Link Between Eczema and Allergy
Eczema in children is frequently associated with allergic disease, particularly:
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Food allergies (such as egg, milk, peanut or wheat);
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Environmental allergies (for example house dust mite)
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Asthma and allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
However, not all eczema can be linked to allergy. Identifying whether allergy is playing a role is crucial, as unnecessary dietary restrictions or testing can sometimes do more harm than good.
As a paediatric allergist, Dr Emily Derrick is able to assess eczema within the wider context of allergic disease, ensuring investigations are targeted, appropriate and evidence‑based.
👉 You may wish to read more on our Paediatric Allergy and allergy testing pages.
When Should a Child With Eczema See a Specialist?
A specialist paediatric assessment may be helpful if:
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Eczema is moderate to severe or poorly controlled
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Symptoms are affecting sleep, school or daily activities
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There are concerns about food reactions or feeding difficulties
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Standard treatments have not been effective
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There is a history of asthma, wheeze or other allergic conditions
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Dr Derrick places a strong emphasis on parent education and practical management plans, helping families feel confident managing eczema day‑to‑day.
Our Approach to Paediatric Eczema Assessment
Every child is different. A consultation with Dr Derrick typically includes:
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A detailed medical and allergy history
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Assessment of eczema severity and distribution
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Review of current skincare and treatments
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Consideration of possible allergic triggers
Where clinically indicated, allergy testing may be recommended:
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Skin prick testing (with immediate results)
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Blood tests for specific IgE antibodies​
Many children with eczema go on to develop allergies or other related conditions such as asthma, a process often referred to as the atopic march.
Identifying children at higher risk allows for earlier monitoring and appropriate intervention.​​
How it works:
Call the clinic on 0207 637 9711 to speak to a friendly member of the team for advice, or email on enquiries@londonallergyclinic.com to book an appointment.
We can also be contacted via WhatsApp
+(44) 7467 133 347
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