Allergy & Skin · Belfast
Eczema in Children — Belfast
Private eczema assessment and management for children in Belfast and Northern Ireland. Dr Mugilan Anandarajan, Consultant Paediatrician, has a special clinical interest in childhood eczema and allergy-related skin conditions.
What is Eczema?
Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It is the most common skin condition in children, affecting around 1 in 5 children in the UK at some point.
Eczema is part of the "atopic triad" — children with eczema are more likely to also develop food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis (hay fever). This is known as the atopic march.
The Atopic March
Eczema often appears first in infancy, followed by food allergy, then asthma and hay fever as the child grows. Early identification and management of eczema and allergy triggers can help reduce the risk of progression.
Symptoms of Eczema in Children
- Dry, itchy skin — often worse at night
- Red or inflamed patches of skin
- Cracked, scaly, or thickened skin
- Weeping or crusting skin (if infected)
- Commonly affects face, neck, hands, inside of elbows and knees
- Disturbed sleep due to itching
- Skin infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
- Impact on quality of life and school attendance
When Should You Seek Help?
Eczema is not controlled with standard emollients and topical steroids
Your child's sleep is regularly disturbed by itching
You are concerned about food allergy as a trigger
Eczema is affecting your child's quality of life or school attendance
Skin infections are recurring
Eczema is widespread or severe
You want allergy testing to identify triggers
Your child has other allergic conditions (asthma, food allergy, hay fever)
What Happens During the Consultation?
Clinical History
Detailed history of eczema onset, severity, triggers, current treatments, and family history of atopic conditions.
Skin Examination
Assessment of eczema severity, distribution, and any signs of skin infection.
Allergy Assessment
Skin prick testing and/or specific IgE blood tests to identify food or environmental allergy triggers where appropriate.
Treatment Plan
Personalised eczema management plan including emollient therapy, topical treatments, trigger avoidance, and follow-up.
Treatment Options
Emollient therapy
Regular use of moisturisers to restore the skin barrier — the cornerstone of eczema management.
Topical corticosteroids
Anti-inflammatory creams or ointments to treat flares. Advice on correct strength and application.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors
Non-steroid anti-inflammatory treatments for sensitive areas such as the face.
Wet wrapping
A technique using damp bandages over emollient to soothe severe eczema.
Allergy trigger management
Dietary exclusion or environmental allergen avoidance where allergy is identified as a trigger.
Antihistamines
May help with itch and sleep disturbance in some children.
Antibiotics / antifungals
Treatment of secondary skin infections when present.
Special Interest in Childhood Eczema — Belfast
Dr Mugilan Anandarajan has a special clinical interest in childhood eczema and allergy-related skin conditions. He holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Clinical Health Science Allergy and has extensive experience managing children with atopic eczema, including those with complex allergy triggers.
Appointments are available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic, Belfast. No GP referral is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eczema and why does it affect children?
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. It affects around 1 in 5 children in the UK. It is caused by a combination of genetic factors (a weakened skin barrier) and environmental triggers. Children with eczema often also have asthma, hay fever, or food allergies — a pattern known as the atopic march.
What are the most common triggers for eczema in children?
Common triggers include dry skin, heat and sweating, certain soaps, shampoos, and bubble baths, synthetic fabrics, house dust mites, pet dander, pollen, stress, and in some children, certain foods (particularly milk, egg, and wheat in young children). Identifying and avoiding triggers is an important part of eczema management.
Is eczema caused by a food allergy?
Food allergy can trigger or worsen eczema in some children, particularly in infants and young children with moderate to severe eczema. The most common culprits are cow's milk, egg, peanut, wheat, and soy. However, most eczema is not caused by food allergy, and unnecessary dietary restriction can be harmful. Allergy testing should be guided by clinical assessment.
Do I need a GP referral to see Dr Anandarajan about my child's eczema?
No. You can book directly without a GP referral. Dr Anandarajan sees children aged 0–16 with eczema at Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic in Belfast.
What treatments are available for childhood eczema?
Treatment is stepwise. The foundation is regular emollient (moisturiser) use to repair the skin barrier. Topical corticosteroids are used for flares. Topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) are used for sensitive areas or steroid-sparing. For severe eczema, options include wet wrapping, phototherapy, and systemic treatments such as dupilumab (a biologic). Dr Anandarajan will recommend the most appropriate treatment for your child's severity.
Are steroid creams safe for children?
Yes, when used correctly. Topical corticosteroids are safe and effective for treating eczema flares. The key is to use the right strength for the right area for the right duration. Mild steroids are used on the face; moderate to potent steroids on the body. Concerns about steroid phobia often lead to undertreatment, which allows eczema to remain poorly controlled.
Will my child grow out of eczema?
Many children see significant improvement or complete resolution of eczema by their teenage years. However, around 30% continue to have eczema into adulthood. Good skin care and trigger avoidance can help minimise the impact of eczema throughout childhood.
How do I know if my child's eczema is infected?
Signs of infected eczema include weeping, crusting, yellow or golden scabs, increased redness and swelling, and a child who is more unwell than usual. Bacterial infection (usually Staphylococcus aureus) is the most common. Eczema herpeticum (viral infection with herpes simplex) is a medical emergency — it causes widespread painful blisters and requires urgent treatment.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About eczema in children in children
Is your child struggling with eczema?
Dr Anandarajan offers same-week appointments with no GP referral required at Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic, Belfast.