Research to focus on eczema in newborns

RESEARCHERS FROM the University of Sheffield are looking to find out how eczema develops in babies by studying 175 newborns.

The Skin Testing for Atopic eczema Risk (STAR) study will monitor babies during their first year of life to see how their skin matures, and identify which of them are most at risk of developing eczema.

The study, a collaboration between the University of Sheffield and the University of Manchester, aims to help the one in five children and one in 12 adults in the UK who have eczema.

Cases of chronic skin conditions, including eczema which is also known as atopic dermatitis, can seriously affect the quality of life for people living with them.

Dr Simon Danby, inset, the lead researcher of the STAR study and research fellow at the University of Sheffield, said: “Following birth our skin takes a number of years to mature before it gives us the protection we need from our environment, but without adequate protection our bodies are exposed to irritants, allergens and bacteria that can trigger a range of skin problems including eczema. “The early identification of high-risk babies opens up the opportunity to prevent eczema development, and could potentially prevent the development of other allergies too.” The results will also provide the opportunity for doctors to diagnose as early as possible, to administer the right care and promote effective management of eczema.