Some parents will only receive a text message at 12 months. Subsequent messages ask if the child has had an allergic reaction to any introduced foods.

Parents also receive a brief questionnaire to find out about any allergic reactions, family history of allergy, or if their child has eczema.

How are food allergies and eczema linked?

People with eczema often have other allergic conditions, including food allergies. Studies have shown that infants with eczema and a family history of allergy are more likely to develop food allergies. Some research has also shown that babies with eczema can develop food allergy if the food comes into contact with their skin.

The foods most commonly found to be linked to worsening eczema are cow’s milk, eggs, wheat and peanuts.

Managing an infant’s eczema, to boost the skin barrier, may reduce the chance of them developing a food allergy.

While food allergy itself does not cause eczema, avoiding certain foods may also result in better eczema control for those with severe eczema. However, it’s important that any food elimination diets are conducted under the supervision of a clinical immunology/allergy specialist alongside a dietician, especially for infants. With an elimination diet, foods are introduced one at a time to see if they cause the eczema to flare. If there is no improvement over two weeks, this generally means that food is unlikely to be a trigger for the eczema.