Eczema & Allergy
Itchy skin, rashes, or reactions to food or the environment can be distressing for the whole family. Dr Nisa Khalil, Consultant Paediatrician, helps you understand what is going on and how to keep your child’s skin calm and comfortable.
Eczema and allergies often go together. Eczema is dry, itchy, inflamed skin that flares and settles; an allergy is the body overreacting to something usually harmless, from foods to pollen or dust.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Dry, itchy, red or rough patches, often in the creases of the elbows and knees, on the face, or the neck. It tends to come and go in flares.
Allergies
Sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, hives, or a reaction to a food. Symptoms depend on the trigger, and range from mild to, rarely, serious.
The two are linked: children with eczema are more likely to have allergies, and gentle skin care helps both.
Common types and triggers
Eczema and allergies show up in different ways. Knowing the pattern helps us find what soothes your child and what to avoid.
Eczema
Dry, itchy skin that flares. Managed mainly by moisturising often and treating flare-ups early.
Food allergies
Reactions to foods such as egg, milk, peanut, or seafood. Ranges from a mild rash to, rarely, a serious reaction.
Hay fever
Sneezing, a blocked or runny nose, and itchy eyes, triggered by dust, pollen, or pets (allergic rhinitis).
Hives (urticaria)
Raised, itchy welts that come and go, often from a viral illness, a food, or contact with something.
Dust & pet allergies
Common indoor triggers. Simple changes at home can make a real difference to symptoms.
Asthma & wheeze
Often runs alongside eczema and allergies. A cough or wheeze that keeps coming back is worth reviewing.
Eczema, allergies, and asthma often travel together. Treating one well often helps the others.
Most eczema and allergies are managed at home, but some signs need prompt care. Seek medical help urgently if your child:
Has swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, or sudden floppiness, this is an emergency, call 999
Has skin that is weepy, crusted, painful, or spreading, which can mean infection
Has a widespread reaction with vomiting, or a reaction that is getting worse quickly
Is so itchy they cannot sleep, or the eczema is not improving with usual care
If you ever suspect a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), do not wait. Use an adrenaline auto-injector if one is prescribed, and call 999.
Calm, evidence-based care for skin and allergies, from settling a stubborn flare to working out triggers and knowing when allergy testing actually helps.
Consultant Paediatrician at ParkCity Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur
18+ years’ experience in paediatrics
Practical eczema and allergy care plans
Consultations in English and Bahasa Melayu
Dr Nisa Khalil
Consultant Paediatrician, ParkCity Medical Centre
Good daily skin care prevents most flares. The aim is to keep the skin soft, calm, and protected.
1
Moisturise often
Apply a generous, unscented moisturiser several times a day, even when the skin looks clear. This is the single most important step.
2
Bathe gently
Short, lukewarm baths with a fragrance-free wash. Pat dry and moisturise straight after, while the skin is still slightly damp.
3
Treat flares early
For red, itchy patches, prescribed treatments such as steroid creams are safe and effective when used as directed. Starting early keeps flares small.
4
Know the triggers
Heat, sweat, rough fabrics, soaps, and sometimes specific foods can set off flares. Noticing patterns helps you avoid them.
Will my child grow out of eczema?
Are steroid creams safe for children?
Does my child need allergy testing?
What is the difference between a food allergy and an intolerance?
How do I know if a reaction is serious?
Book an appointment and Dr Nisa will help you get your child’s skin calm and comfortable, and work out any triggers.
Medically reviewed by Dr Nisa Khalil, Consultant Paediatrician
This page is general information for parents. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an in-person consultation. For advice about your child, please book an appointment.