Allergy testing for ezecma - anyone know about this?

[bytheMoonlight]

I'm asking for dd2 (1yo)

Is it possible to work out the triggers?

Can you pay privately for it? How much does it cost?

anyone?

I think this is normally done via patch testing. The dermatologist said he would consider doing it for my DD1 (10yo) if her eczema didn't improve with the new creams etc. However, this would be very difficult with a 1 yr old as they need quite a large area of skin to be able to test for lots of common allergens. It's done on the back so there's not going to be much room on your little one's back for that. I think the patches have to be left on for a few days to see if they cause any reaction. The problem is, us mums (me included) all want to find a 'reason' for our child's eczema so that we can 'cure' them of this horrible, cruel affliction. Sadly for the majority of eczema sufferers there simply isn't an identifiable cause or indeed magic cure. I've (finally) learnt to accept DS2's (4yo) severe eczema and know how to deal with it when he has flares. It's all about managing this chronic condition properly so that it doesn't affect them too much. Have you seen a dermatologist or skin nurse?

Might be worth waiting another year or so and just see if she outgrows it. My dd had terrible eczema as a baby and outgrew it around age 2. She had all sorts of weird allergic reactions to things as a baby as well. And now she is 9 and has no allergies at all other than sensitive skin (I have to be careful what soaps/creams to use). There are lots of great threads on Mumsnet with advice on dealing with eczema.