top of page
Part of the London Allergy Clinic
Diagnosis & Specialist Care of Allergy & Clinical Immunology - Since 1982
Eczema (also known as atopic dermatitis) is one of the most common skin conditions in childhood, affecting around one in five children in the UK at some point. It causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin that can range from mild patches to widespread, distressing flare-ups that disrupt sleep, school and daily life.
Many children with eczema also have other allergic conditions, such as food allergy, asthma or hay fever — a pattern sometimes referred to as the "atopic march." Understanding these connections is an important part of managing eczema effectively, which is why specialist paediatric allergy input can make a real difference, particularly when eczema is severe, persistent, or not responding to standard treatment.
What We Assess
When you bring your child to see us about eczema, we will look at:
- The pattern, location and severity of the eczema.
- Possible triggers, including food, environmental allergens, soaps, detergents and fabrics.
- Whether there are signs of infection (infected eczema).
- Any overlapping allergic conditions, such as asthma, hay fever or food allergy.
- Your child's current skincare and treatment routine, and whether it can be improved.
- The impact eczema is having on sleep, behaviour and quality of life.​
The Eczema Specialist
Dr Emily Derrick is a Consultant Paediatrician and Allergist with a particular interest in childhood eczema and allergic skin disease. As Clinical Lead for Paediatric Allergy at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust, she has extensive experience managing eczema across the full range of severity — from mild, intermittent flare-ups to more complex, persistent cases, including infected eczema.
Dr Derrick takes a thorough, whole-child approach, looking beyond the skin itself to understand any underlying allergic drivers and to build a practical treatment plan that fits your family's daily life. Read more about Dr Derrick's background and expertise.
Infected Eczema
Eczema that becomes infected — often appearing more red, weepy, crusted or suddenly worse — needs prompt attention. Dr Derrick is experienced in recognising and managing infected eczema, including when antibiotic treatment is required alongside the usual eczema management plan.
Severe cases of infected eczema may need to attend hospital for urgent care.
Dr Derrick places a strong emphasis on parent education and practical management plans, helping families feel confident managing eczema day‑to‑day.
What Treatment May Involve:
Eczema management is highly individual, but commonly includes:
​
- A structured emollient (moisturiser) routine, tailored to your child's skin.
- Appropriate use of topical steroids, explained clearly so you feel confident using them correctly.
- Identification and avoidance of specific triggers, where relevant.
- Investigation of any suspected food allergy link.
- Guidance on bathing, clothing and home environment factors that can help.
- A clear, written plan you can follow at home.
Prescriptions can be provided privately, or also requested through your NHS GP if preferred.
A Note on Severity
We see a high proportion of eczema patients and the vast majority of children we see with eczema — including moderate and infected cases — are very successfully managed within our clinic.
In rare instances where eczema is exceptionally severe or treatment-resistant, we may recommend referral to a paediatric dermatologist for further specialist input. This is uncommon, and most families find a real and lasting improvement through our care.
How it works:
If your child's eczema is persistent, severe, or you simply want a clearer plan than you've been able to get elsewhere, we'd be glad to help.
Call us, email us or WhatsApp us — a real person will always respond, six days a week.
📞 0207 637 9711
✉ enquiries@londonallergyclinic.com
bottom of page