Eczema Connect: New Allergy Lifeline to Replace Dr Google for Anxious Parents

Parents of children and babies with eczema will be offered a lifeline to fast-track access to expert advice while waiting to see allergy and dermatology specialists across Australia.

Eczema Connect

Eczema Connect a national pilot program and research project developed by Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, launches today at Perth Children’s Hospital, the first location to offer the program.

The free service provides parents and caregivers with evidence-based information and practical tools to help them manage their child’s eczema, as they wait to see a dermatologist or allergy specialist.

“Across Australia, demand for dermatologists and allergy specialists has seen wait times blowout. While severe cases of eczema are prioritised, some children and babies can wait more than six months for an appointment,” according to Maria Said AM, Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia CEO.

“Eczema is a chronic condition, and when severe it places a huge burden on the whole family. While they wait, parents are left feeling helpless and desperately hunt for answers from Dr Google, social media or advice from family and friends, which can be well-intended, but often misguided and even dangerous”.

“Many parents remove foods from their child’s diet thinking it may be the cause, when it is not. Eczema is rarely linked to a child’s diet and removing foods can place them at an increased risk of developing a food allergy.”

Palesa, Michael and their one-year-old daughter Kat from Brabham, WA

Kat’s eczema started to flare at 4 months old with sore patches on her face, tummy, back, hands and legs. Palesa took Kat to her GP and after several visits was referred to the Perth Children’s Hospital Dermatology Clinic – a two month wait.

“It’s very difficult as you Google, you try to figure out what’s causing it – it’s very stressful. You’re constantly researching and whatever you try it’s not working – you feel helpless as a parent,” said Palesa. “Kat was constantly scratching and crying all the time. It was horrible because her sleep was very much affected, which then impacted the whole family, she was constantly trying to scratch overnight and couldn’t rest”.

After seeing an allergy specialist at the hospital, Kat’s eczema improved quickly and dramatically. “I was so afraid of using steroid creams but speaking with the nurse gave me the confidence I needed to use the cream and with all the other treatments. If only I had the support sooner!”

Rachel and almost two-year-old daughter Ivy from Karrinyup, WA

Rachel’s daughter Ivy was diagnosed with eczema at 18 months and Rachel managed the skin condition following advice from her GP. However, Ivy had a severe eczema flare after a bout of flu and RSV.

“Ivy’s skin was raw, her face and her eyes were puffy, and she had socks on her hands because she’d scratch herself and draw blood. She was even sleeping and eating with socks on her hands. I was feeling so defeated,” said Rachel. She spoke with a nurse from Perth Children’s Hospital, Department of Dermatology, and she received practical instructions and expert advice on what to do.

After this consult, Rachel focused on using the creams correctly until Ivy’s skin was not just clear but soft and smooth as it was as a newborn. “Ivy’s dry, sore skin cleared within days and kept clearing up. Now, three months from the worst point in Ivy’s skin journey, she is her happy, playful self again.

Eczema Connect

Has been developed by experts from Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, including eczema nurses, allergy specialists and a dermatologist. It includes resources from the National Allergy Council and the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy. The program has been designed to provide support when parents need it most. Referred parents will receive a range of easy-to-understand fact sheets, videos and webinars with evidence-based advice from allergy specialists, including nurses trained in eczema.

The information aims to quickly increase their knowledge about eczema, everyday eczema management, as well as what to do when eczema flares. Parents waiting to see a specialist also have access to a support line so they can speak directly with a qualified Allergy Educator from Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia.

“The information includes step-by-step videos about applying steroid cream, bleach baths and wet dressings. These common treatments for eczema are often recommended by GPs, but they can leave parents daunted and too scared to try them,” explained Ms Said.

“Eczema Connect will be there for parents as a go-to for support and advice. We want parents to feel supported, like they have an expert holding their hand every step of the way.”

Clinical Immunology/Allergy Specialist and Professor at the University of Western Australia, Professor Michaela Lucas said early, credible information and support was crucial.

“We are excited to be trialing a program that could successfully bridge the gap and empower parents with credible information right from the start.” said Professor Lucas.

“When treated and managed correctly eczema can clear up in a matter of weeks, helping to reduce suffering from relentless itchiness and inflammation”.

“Credible, easy to understand information for parents and carers is critical, so they can help their child as best they can while they are waiting to be seen by a specialist. The program also helps reinforce what the general practitioner has communicated in relation to management of eczema.”

The Eczema Connect pilot will also be the focus of a research trial in collaboration with the University of Western Australia, to evaluate the effectiveness of the program as an intervention. The results of the study will inform the rollout of the program in other states.

The Eczema Connect pilot program and research trial are funded by the Federal Government, Department of Health and Aged Care through the National Allergy Council, a partnership between Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia and the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, the peak patient and medical bodies for allergic disease in Australia.

The Eczema Connect pilot research project is a patient education project that supports the work of the Shared Care for Allergy project.  Funding has been received from the National Allergy Council for research and from donors and supporters of A&AA to progress consumer education for patients on wait lists for specialist care.